Michael Owen has given his Premier League top six prediction
Michael Owen has given his Premier League top six prediction(Image: Joe Giddens/PA Wire)
View 2 Images
Former Liverpool star Michael Owen has tipped Everton to gate-crash the Premier League's top six this season, at the expense of Chelsea. Everton were defeated by their Merseyside rivals Liverpool 2-1 on Sunday in the first-ever derby to be held at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The contest looked to be headed for a 1-1 draw until Reds captain Virgil van Dijk steered home a dramatic 100th-minute winner to send the Red half of Merseyside into raptures. Yet Owen believes David Moyes' side have done enough to secure a top six finish this season.
Everton's cause will have been aided by Manchester United's 1-0 over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening, which was a body blow to Liam Rosenior's hopes of guiding the Blues into next season's Champions League. A top-six finish for the Toffees would be a monumental achievement and represent their highest finish in the top-flight since the 2013/2014 season, when they finished in fifth on 72 points.
Ex-England striker Owen also believes Manchester City's crucial victory over Arsenal on Sunday has tipped the scales in Pep Guardiola's favour when it comes to who will win the Premier League title this season.
"I think Everton still could squeeze in. Chelsea have still got a couple of hard games to go and all's not well at Chelsea at the moment. So, there's a there's a good feel about Everton. Maybe Everton could sneak in."
Liverpool's victory in the all-Merseyside affair means the Reds are in fifth, seven points ahead of Chelsea and in the driving seat to secure Champions League football for next season. Owen thinks the victory was vital as any this season for the Reds, with both Chelsea and Everton previously breathing down the neck of Arne Slot's side.
David Moyes, Manager of Everton, looks on
David Moyes and Everton have been tipped to finish the season on a strong note(Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
"I think it's a big result," Owen said on the Merseyside derby. "Not just that result, but results in the last couple of weeks around Liverpool have been favourable as well.
"That cushion of seven points now, because Liverpool have got Villa, Chelsea, Man United, there are some tough games to come. If the result had been reversed yesterday, Everton being two points behind with those games to come.
"It would have been a very nerve-racking end to the season, but those seven points now are a lovely cushion. Don't get me wrong, it doesn't turn a bad season into a good one [for Liverpool], but at least it means Champions League football because we all know the implications.
"If you don't get that money coming in, you know, you start falling behind and we've seen with other clubs, it can be difficult."
Join our LFC WhatsApp community and get all the latest LFC news, views, transfer gossip and more, as it happens We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
Content Image
Content Image