The Final Four

Last updated : 17 April 2008 By Jim Bonner
Everton lost at home to Chelsea on Thursday night which opens up a window of opportunity for Pompey to close in on fifth in the league and the guaranteed UEFA Cup place that comes with it.

We have four games left and I believe that if we win all of them that we will finish ahead of Everton. Of course, to expect us to win all four is very optimistic and I think that realistically, eight points would be a good return.

I've predicted a draw in our next game at Man City, followed by another draw at home to Blackburn and then I think we will win our final two games at Middlesbrough and at home to Fulham.

Will that be enough? It might be as Everton's next game is at home to Villa which is then followed by a trip to Arsenal and then Moyes' men play a rejuvenated Newcastle at Goodison Park on the final day. The Toffees aren't in great form and it's a possibility that they could go the rest of the season without winning another game.

Aston Villa could also take fifth spot. Before their game with Everton they have the second city derby against Birmingham. Their last two games are at home to Wigan and away to West Ham. I would expect Martin O'Neill's side to take quite a few points from them games so they shouldn't be discounted, especially if they go to Merseyside and win.

For the record, I still think we will end up missing out narrowly on fifth spot as I think Everton will get enough points to see them over the line, not to mention a superior goal difference over us.

However, if we can win at stuttering City then who knows? Maybe we will take our place as the best team outside the "big four" and the UEFA Cup spot that goes with it.