Rio Ferdinand has predicted who will finish in the top four this season, and he has some bad news for Arsenal and Liverpool.
The former Manchester United defender appeared on BT Sports show Premier League Tonight, following Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Arsenal at Anfield, and tipped both clubs to end the season outside the Champions League places.
Here’s the Premier League top six after Saturday’s fixtures, before Tottenham Hotspur played Everton, Manchester City played Sunderland and Chelsea’s game against West Ham United:
Earlier on Saturday, Manchester United blew a chance to move from sixth with a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth at Old Trafford. The away side played over half the game with 10-men, after Andrew Surman was sent-off, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic missed a penalty.
Yet, Ferdinand still thinks his old team will have enough to finish above Arsenal and Liverpool.
“I think it will be Arsenal and Liverpool who miss out,” the former England defender said.
“The problem is, all the teams we’ve mentioned have an inconsistency. United have got into a groove and a mentality, and a way of winning. They drew (with Bournemouth), but they’ve got their hands on a trophy.
“I still think Jose Mourinho will be able to pick them up and re-align that. I think the most important thing to United is Zlatan Ibrahimovic.”
R.I.P. Arsenal's season. pic.twitter.com/WHjtC17jII
— JOE (@JOE_co_uk) March 4, 2017
Ferdinand and Ian Wright had more bad news for Arsenal. The pair predicted that Alexis Sanchez will leave the club at the end of the season.
Sanchez was dropped for Saturday’s loss to Liverpool, as Arsene Wenger said he wanted his team to play long to Olivier Giroud.
The Chilean came-on at half time and set up Danny Welbeck for Arsenal’s only goal of the game.
Sanchez’s contract expires at the end of next season, and he has yet to sign a new deal. Wright and Ferdinand both believe he is in the final months of his career at the Gunners.
"I wouldn't stay if I was him."@IanWright0 fears @Alexis_Sanchez's time at @Arsenal is nearly over. #PLTonight https://t.co/zJPaXVahB9
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 4, 2017
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