Funny that last season Everton were in the relegation zone without penalties and miraculously managed to stay in the EPL... Looks like they have a tough task to survive again this season... If they do get a 10 point penalty they won't stand a chance...
With a few games left means Everton have to win a few more games than the teams in the relegation zone at the moment. Actually, I'm sure they will be able to do that if you look at their quality. At least they will be able to survive in the League. This is huge pressure for all Everton officials. I think their chances are 50:50 because a team like Everton can spring a surprise and get good results at the end of the season.
Yeah Everton are in a difficult situation which has an impact on the player's mentality. Actually I doubt Everton can get through but as you said sometimes they can do the unexpected as they did at the end of last year, this is not over. Also this punishment is not final and Everton can still make some efforts to avoid it, the latest news I heard was Everton asking for an appeal. Luton Town, who are in 18th place certainly think this is good news because it will impact their position automatically their position will rise to 16th or 15th.
By the way, Everton have 17 matches remaining and if calculated there will be 51 points to collect it's just that Everton won't be able to win all the matches but if Everton can win 8-9 games maybe they will be safe for next season, last season Everton collected 36 points and finished in 17th place so Everton should be able to do it again this season, they have no other way but to fight until the end of the season if the punishment is applied.