Having been the last team to penetrate the top four back in 2005, David Moyes has admitted that this season could be a season where any team has the ability to break into the Champions League.

In a season similar to that eventful campaign back in 04-05, no one team cementing a wining streak, the form guide thrown out the window and ‘relegation candidates’ beating tipped title contenders, Moyes believes that his Everton team can repeat what last season seemed impossible.

The tight league in 04-05 was epitomised by the fact that Everton, finishing in that elusive Champions League spot were in fact closer points wise to 20th than 1st. Incredible! And this season could prove to be identical with a meager 9 points currently separating 4th from 16th.

Moyes spoke ahead of the Villa game that despite the lack of spending power compared to his competitors, breaking into the top four is not beyond the current squad.

“It will always be difficult to break into the top four,” said Moyes. “I think if you have a go financially it gives you an opportunity. We know we didn’t have a go financially so we’re slightly different. What we have had is stability and a backbone of a side with good players who have tied themselves to Everton for a long time.

“We’re on a different route to others who are spending so we have to hope the route we’ve gone down will allow us to [qualify for the Champions League] again. It has worked for us before and we’ve got to try to achieve that again.”

speaking about Villa, and it is apparent that Moyes has respect for a club similar to Everton, a good solid British fan base who have been momentarily deprived of success.

“I think Villa will have [had a good season] if they finish above us,” the Scot stated. “We were fifth last year and I’m sure Villa will be [trying] to take over that position.

“I still think Everton will finish high in the league. We’ve got a good side and we look as if we’re getting back to playing a bit better. I’m looking forward to the coming months and, hopefully, better performances and good results.

“But it will be tight. Villa have spent well and it sounds as if they’re going to buy again in Jaunary. They’ve got a young, exciting side and they look like they’ve got a good future ahead of them. But they’ve still got to [secure] the position we were in last season.”

The loss of Yakubu will not have helped the cause, the Nigerian has been sidelined for 9 months.

More transfer rumours for a potential loan or long term replacement have been circulating, they are as follows:

Victor Obinna-loan to buy

Lukas Podolski-loan

Marlon Harewood-loan

David Nugent-loan to buy

Henrik Larsson-out of contract

Vagner Love-loan to buy

by Max O’Collins

Expect a match preview to be published by Follow Everton on the Aston Villa game within the next day by one of the members of the team.

One Response »

1. Editor on December 6th, 2008 at 1:02 pm:

   It is now believed that Love may move to Chelsea in January, with Scolari stating ‘one more striker and we would be fine’ in reference to winning the league.