Ex-Manchester United defender and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville thinks that the race for Champions League football next season will be between United and arch-rivals Liverpool, and believes the men from Merseyside are in pole position to land 4th spot. That Champions League race heats up this weekend with other contenders Everton and Tottenham playing each other at White Hart Lane.There are currently just 7 points serparating Liverpool in 4th and Manchester United in 7th this season, but Neville insists that United cannot be ruled out yet.
The former United captain told Sky Sports, “There are little battles going on everywhere. The relegation fight is tighter than we’ve ever seen before, and the top of the league is obviously so exciting, and then there’s the champions league race with Everton, Tottenham, United and Liverpool.”
“I ahve to say that at the moment it’s Liverpool who look like they’re in pole position to land it. The big battles for all the teams are still to come and it could be any of those four in the mix, but I think it will be between United and Liverpool. Liverpool were top of the league on Christmas Day and I think that shows that there’s been clear progression this season, mainly through Suarez’s form, who has been just incredible, but he is supported and aided by a strong midfield and the rest of his team mates.”
“Everton made a good response at the weekend to that demoralising derby defeat, and Tottenham, well, we’re not sure about them quite yet are we? There’s no calling it, but we’ll cetainly enjoy seeing it develop over the course of the season.”
Neville was talking ahead of a huge game on Sunday at White Hart Lane between Spurs and Everton,
“I think it’s too early to say whether or not this game is a ‘must win’,” said Neville, “because teams around them are bound to drop points between now and May. Both managers will want to win, for sure, because obviously teams want to take points off their direct rivals. Everton had a good result at the weekend (2-1 at home to Villa) and they needed that after the shocking performance in the derby. They rarely do well at Anfield, so for them to show such spirit and come back so quickly they’ve shown they mean buisness.”
Liverpool travel to Old Trafford on 16th March, by which point the game could have massive significance on who claims that final Champions League spot, and Liverpool will be looking to complete a league double over United after a 1-0 win at Anfield in September.
By Ben Kelly
