Jamie Carragher speaking on the Overlap with David Moyes looking on from Circular inset
Jamie Carragher speaking on the Overlap with David Moyes looking on from Circular inset
Jamie Carragher has issued his updated thoughts on Everton's chances of European football after the start of this season.
Last campaign, the Toffees were close to achieving their ambitions, but poor results towards the end of the season put an end to that.
However, the mere fact they were even battling for that opportunity, and coming close, brought optimism in L3.
A strong transfer window could have set the Blues on course for a strong season, fighting near the top of the table.
But proper investment was not provided to David Moyes.
The Scotsman and his team are now sitting just one point behind the Europa League positions, with Carragher issuing his prediction.
Does Jamie Carragher think Everton will qualify for Europe?
There is plenty of competition for those coveted European spots, and Everton will be looking to finish in those.
Currently, the Toffees are 11th in the Premier League, but there are plenty of games left to play.
However, Carragher believes Everton's current position is about right for where they should end up come May, and feels their ambitions may be too high.
Speaking on the latest episode of The Overlap's Fan Debate, he said: "Supporters were saying we just want a couple of years of no sleepless nights going into March and April, and Moyes gives you that ."
Before he continued to state: "At the end of last season, it was a little bit harsh in terms of, like, oh we could have gone to Europe the last few games of the season, and this summer he's been dealt a bad hand.
"So I think Everton will probably finish where they are now."
Everton will still have ambitions of pushing higher up the table, particularly after the optimism surrounding their move to Hill Dickinson Stadium.
However, they do need investment into their squad, and the uncertainty surrounding the Friedkin Group's ownership begs the question of whether they will be willing to provide Moyes the necessary resources in January.
Everton will learn true European credentials in next five games
Everton's fixture swing is not exactly in their favour in the upcoming weeks.
Over the next five Premier League games, they will be facing four teams expected to also challenge for those top seven spots.
Games against Newcastle, Brentford, Liverpool and Aston Villa loom, while former manager Frank Lampard also awaits Everton with Coventry.
If the Blues can come out of that tricky run inside the top half of the table, their chances and confidence of Europe will undoubtedly increase.
If they struggle to secure the required points to do so, they may end up falling further behind than they are able to catch up.
They will need their top stars such as Jack Grealish and James Garner to lead by example.