Everton will finish ahead of Manchester United in the Premier League table, predicts Leon Osman, while Charlie Nicholas expects Wilfried Zaha to score for Crystal Palace today.
The Toffees finished eighth in the league table during the 2018-19 campaign, while the Red Devils ended up sixth in the standings.
Former Everton midfielder Osman has backed Marco Silva’s side to finish sixth ahead of United.
Osman told BBC Sport: “United are in a huge transition period. I am expecting them to have a really tough season and I think Everton will pip them to sixth.
“The Toffees finished last season strongly, and will have to hit those heights quickly, but they have made some decent additions and have improved their squad depth.”
Finishing sixth
Everton have made a number of good signings in the summer transfer window, including winger Alex Iwobi from Premier League rivals Arsenal.
The Toffees do have a strong squad, and there is a very good chance that they could break into the top six of the Premier League this season.
Silva’s side have to be more consistent and have to win matches even when they do not play well.
Today’s match
Everton will kick off their 2019-20 Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace away from home at Selhurst Park in London this afternoon.
Former Celtic and Arsenal forward Nicholas believes that the Eagles will win the counter 2-1.
Nicholas has also predicted Ivory Coast international winger Wilfried Zaha to score the winner for the Toffees.
Nicholas wrote on Skysports.com: “I have high hopes for Everton, but it needs time for the team to gel. They still have problems at the back and Zaha will be the match-winner against Everton here, the headlines are already written.”
A footnote added: “CHARLIE PREDICTS: 2-1”
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