Jamie Carragher makes Premier League top four prediction with Everton to ‘just fall short’

The Toffees closed to within two points of West Ham in fourth in the battle to qualify for the Champions League next season

Jamie Carragher believes Carlo Ancelotti can make the difference for Everton (Getty)

Jamie Carragher believes Everton will “just fall short” in the hunt to finish inside the top four in the Premier League this season.

The Toffees beat Southampton on Monday thanks to Richarlison’s strike to close in on West Ham, who currently hold the final spot and are two points ahead of Carlo Ancelotti’s side, having played a game more.

Ancelotti has maintained a place inside the top four would be a “dream” and that his team are ready for a “big fight” in the remaining games this term, but Carragher believes Everton are still lacking in quality compared to their rivals.

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“Are Everton good enough [to finish in the top four]? I think they may just fall short,” Carragher said on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.

“The squad of players is maybe just short of some of the other sides, you think of Liverpool and Chelsea. But if you look at the manager they have got, we have already spoken about his record and also how much of an impact he has had at Everton.

“I think the last two wins have pushed his win percentage above 50 per cent. No Everton manager has been close to that since Howard Kendall’s first spell - Everton’s best ever manager - so that shows the job he has done since he has come in.

“I think if Everton are to get to the top four a lot of it will be down to Ancelotti. I think other teams fighting for it maybe have better XIs or squads, but with that man in charge anything is possible.

“The challenge should be top four, if you are Everton now and you don’t qualify for Europe I think that would be a real disappointment. What they have to be thinking is the Europa League is the minimum, but they should be seriously thinking about top four, why not?”