Michael Owen, the former Liverpool and England forward, has delivered a striking prediction for the Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League's final standings, placing his old club fifth and backing EvertonTeam·Everton to secure a top-six finish. Speaking as Manchester CityTeam·Manchester City's recent victory over ArsenalTeam·Arsenal shifts the title momentum, Owen envisions a table topped by Pep Guardiola's side, followed by ArsenalTeam·Arsenal, Manchester UnitedTeam·Manchester United, Aston VillaTeam·Aston Villa, and then Liverpool. EvertonTeam·Everton, he argues, can displace ChelseaTeam·Chelsea thanks to their recent form and the Blues' struggles.
The prediction arrives amid heightened tension in the Merseyside rivalry. EvertonTeam·Everton fell 2-1 to Liverpool on Sunday in the first derby ever hosted at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. The match balanced on a knife-edge at 1-1 until Reds captain Virgil van DijkPlayer·Virgil van Dijk steered home a dramatic winner in the 100th minute, igniting celebrations among Liverpool supporters. That result propelled Liverpool into fifth place, now seven points clear of ChelseaTeam·Chelsea and well-positioned for Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League qualification next season.
Owen views the derby triumph as pivotal for Arne SlotCoach·Arne Slot's Liverpool, especially with daunting fixtures against Aston VillaTeam·Aston Villa, ChelseaTeam·Chelsea, and Manchester UnitedTeam·Manchester United looming. "I think it's a big result," Owen said. "Not just that result, but results in the last couple of weeks around Liverpool have been favourable as well."
He highlights the seven-point buffer as a vital cushion. "That cushion of seven points now, because Liverpool have got Villa, ChelseaTeam·Chelsea, Man United, there are some tough games to come," Owen continued. "If the result had been reversed yesterday, EvertonTeam·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."
Owen tempers enthusiasm for Liverpool, noting the win secures Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League revenue without transforming their campaign. "Don't get me wrong, it doesn't turn a bad season into a good one , but at least it means Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League football because we all know the implications," he added. "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."
EvertonTeam·Everton's path brightens further from Manchester UnitedTeam·Manchester United's 1-0 win over ChelseaTeam·Chelsea at Stamford BridgeVenue·Stamford Bridge on Saturday, which dents Liam RoseniorCoach·Liam Rosenior's Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League hopes for the Blues. Owen sees opportunity in ChelseaTeam·Chelsea's tough remaining slate and internal woes. "ChelseaTeam·Chelsea have still got a couple of hard games to go and all's not well at ChelseaTeam·Chelsea at the moment," he said. "So, there's a good feel about EvertonTeam·Everton. Maybe EvertonTeam·Everton could sneak in."
A top-six berth would mark EvertonTeam·Everton's highest finish since 2013/14, when David MoyesCoach·David Moyes guided them to fifth on 72 points. Owen credits their quality on display this season, even in derby defeat, as evidence they can climb. His full predicted order—Man City, ArsenalTeam·Arsenal, Manchester UnitedTeam·Manchester United, Aston VillaTeam·Aston Villa, Liverpool, with EvertonTeam·Everton nudging ahead of ChelseaTeam·Chelsea—reflects City's tilt as slight favorites post their ArsenalTeam·Arsenal success.
These forecasts carry weight in a tight race where every result reshapes the landscape. Liverpool's derby steal not only widens their lead but eases pressure from pursuers like EvertonTeam·Everton and ChelseaTeam·Chelsea. For the Toffees, Owen's endorsement underscores belief in their surge, potentially reigniting Merseyside passions as the season closes. The title chase and European spots remain fiercely contested, with Owen's take adding fuel to the narrative.
Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha in action during the 248th Merseyside Derby against Everton. Photo by Propaganda Photo/IMAGO.
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