Michael Owen makes bold prediction on Everton and Liverpool's final league table position
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The former Liverpool and England forward has revealed his picks for the Premier League title and the Champions League raceFormer Liverpool star Michael Owen believes Liverpool will finish fifth this season. He has also backed Everton to break into the Premier League's top six, at Chelsea's expense.Everton suffered a 2-1 defeat to Merseyside rivals Liverpool on Sunday in the first-ever derby to be staged at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.The match appeared to be heading for a 1-1 draw before Reds captain Virgil van Dijk steered home a dramatic 100th-minute winner to send the Red half of Merseyside into raptures.
All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook pageREAD MORE: National media highlight key failing that stopped Everton from deserved result against LiverpoolREAD MORE: 'Don't like it' - Mohamed Salah moment from Liverpool win rubs Wayne Rooney the wrong wayEverton's prospects will have been boosted by Manchester United's 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening, dealing a significant blow to Liam Rosenior's ambitions of guiding the Blues into next season's Champions League.A top-six finish for the Toffees would be a remarkable achievement, representing their highest league placing since the 2013/2014 season, when they claimed fifth spot on 72 points.Former England striker Owen also believes Manchester City's vital triumph over Arsenal on Sunday has tilted the balance in Pep Guardiola's favour in the race for the Premier League title this season.Owen, who now represents Casino.org, a leading platform helping players find UK casino brands, said: "Well, you'd have to say that Man City have just gone slight favourites now, so I probably say: Man City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool."I think Everton still could squeeze in. Maybe Everton could sneak in."Liverpool's triumph in the all-Merseyside clash means the Reds sit in fifth place, seven points clear of Chelsea and firmly positioned to secure Champions League football for next campaign.
Owen believes the victory was as crucial as any this season for the Reds, with both Chelsea and Everton previously applying pressure on Arne Slot's outfit."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.