Liverpool and Everton battle for the last Champions League spot

Of course we won’t forget Bolton Wanderers since they have a realistic chance to get in. In fact I’ll start with Bolton and then get to the point. Bolton has improved dramatically, and I think Sam Allardyce has been magnificent not only in his coaching but his willingness to take on difficult or out of form players. He represents what is great about the Premiership.

Liverpool continues to disappoint, yet merit sympathy. It’s got all the talent it needs: Cisse, Gerrard, Alonso, Morientes and Luis Garcia. Liverpool merit sympathy when you count the number of games that group has played together:

0

Everton haven’t been the same team since the departure and neither have Real Madrid since Gravesen arrived there in the transfer window.

You can imagine where that is heading given Gravesen’s excellent form. He’s melted right into a Madrid side that has desperately missed Claude Makelele. Everton have struggled to maintain the place and are four points ahead. I just don’t see them maintaining the lead. Not after Liverpool just beat them.