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Rio Ferdinand has predicted that Everton will end up finishing eighth this season in the Premier League.

The Toffees have enjoyed a strong campaign so far with manager Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, and are a team looking upwards.

They currently find themselves eighth in the Premier league standings with five games left to play.

A nine-point deficit to fourth means Champions League qualifcation seems unlikely for them, but finishing in the European positions and bringing European football to Goodison Park for next season must be a huge incentive.

Pundit Ferdinand put Everton eighth though in his prediction for how the division table will finish this year.

“I think there is just a bit too much to do for Everton,” Ferdinand told BT Sport 1 when discussing the top-four race (11:40pm, 8 May).

“Their form has been a bit indifferent, and their squad obviously has injuries. I think it may be a bit too much. I think they’ve done a fabulous job to get where they are this season. I think another good recruitment window and they’ll be up there again.”

TBR’s View:

If this Everton team perform anywhere near their maximum, they are a match for anyone in the league.

It’s a huge clash for them away to West Ham on Sunday, who themselves are fifth in the thick of the European picture.

Everton follow that game up with fixtures against Aston Villa, Sheffield United and Wolverhampton, before finishing on the final day against an opposition that are on the verge of winning the title.

As well as trying to finish in Europe, if they can end up above Merseyside rivals Liverpool it will be a huge achievement celebrated wildly by supporters.