As Arsenal get set to welcome Liverpool to the Emirates in a game that is a certain six-pointer in the race for Champions League football next season, an outrageous statement has been made by the former Manchester United and Everton player Phil Neville, who has claimed that he expects to see both Liverpool and Manchester United to pip Arsenal to the top four.
Neville, on being asked his prediction for the remainder of the campaign, was quoted as saying: “I’m going for an outside bet of Manchester United finishing second and then I’m for City and Liverpool. They (Liverpool) have made it more difficult for themselves with the game last week but potentially they still can (finish in the top four).”
Quite honestly, I find it really interesting that Neville had that to say when the reality of the situation is that if Liverpool lose to Arsenal on Saturday, then their chances of qualifying for Europe’s elite competition will effectively be over. With just seven games to go after the big clash at the Emirates and considering the red-hot form of the Gunners, there is certainly no way for the Reds to make up a nine-point gap.
While I cannot debate the former England international’s statements in regards to Manchester United having a good chance to finish second, I have to say that his comments in regards to Liverpool finishing above Arsenal are proposterous. Now although it may seem like I’m getting a little ahead of myself here, I am extremely confident that Arsenal will beat Liverpool come Saturday, which will establish a comfortable nine-point gap between the two sides and make Phil Neville eat his words.
Anurag