‘They Could Be’: Alan Shearer & Gary Lineker Predict Where Everton Could Finish This Season

Pundits Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker have predicted where they think Everton could finish in the league this season.

The Blues have had a decent start to the season, with two wins out of three in the league. Fifth place in the table going into the international break, and progression in the League Cup.

Indeed, after a rocky start at Elland Road, performances and results have significantly improved. The Toffees had a strong transfer window too, recruiting nine players in total. 

After languishing in the bottom half of the table for many years now, perhaps things are looking up. After yearly relegation scraps, Shearer and Lineker see Everton making real progress this season.

Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, the two former forwards revealed they see Everton in a best of the rest position this year. 

“They could be the best of the other bunch outside that top eight,” Shearer said.

“Totally agree,” Lineker responded. 

BLUES TO BE BEST OF THE REST THIS SEASON?

Interesting that it is now the ‘top eight’ in reference to the strongest Premier League teams. It was the top six not long ago, and top four before that. No doubt it’ll be top 10 before long.

However, linguistic nuances of the media aside, a top half finish is definitely within reach this season. Indeed, it should be the least we’re aiming for. 

We’ve recruited well and retained the existing quality within the squad. Branthwaite’s injury has been a blow, but once he’s back, we have a very decent starting XI. We also now have options off the bench, for the first time in a long while. 

Moyes has done a tremendous job since returning to the Toffees. A 13th placed finish last season, after taking over from Dyche in January, is something to build on. We were staring down the barrel of another scrap for survival and finished mid-table. 

We’ve since added goals and creativity to the side, and have at times so far played with a swagger that’s been a joy to watch.

There are still limitations to the squad, but we have to be ambitious. I want to see us at least challenging for Europe this season. God knows we deserve it.