• Premier League

Ferguson tips Everton to challenge the big four

ESPN staff
August 13, 2010
Sir Alex Ferguson believes Phil Jagielka will be a key player for Everton this season © Getty Images
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Sir Alex Ferguson expects Chelsea to be the team to beat this season and believes the race for Champions League places will be more intense than ever.

Despite United's victory over Chelsea in Sunday's Community Shield, Ferguson insists Chelsea are the favourites to retain their title.

And following Tottenham's top-four finish to qualify for Champions League football, the United manager believes the monopoly the 'Big Four' once enjoyed is over and expects the likes of Manchester City and Everton to challenge this season.

"You have to think that Chelsea after winning the league last season, are going to be the favourites," he said. "They're the team that won it the previous year, you have to knock them off their perch.

"I think the interesting thing is Everton. They've got all their players back. The first half of last season was a nightmare for them - injuries to major players like [Mikel] Arteta and [Phil] Jagielka were big losses to them. With all their players fit they could be an interesting prospect for the season.

"I say that on the events of last season - Tottenham getting into the top four, so they broke that monopoly of the established teams like ourselves, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool.

"Tottenham are on the upswing given their fortunes of last year and Harry's [Redknapp] experience, it tells you the top four is going to be competitive four again because that's the priority - to be in the Champions League."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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