Everton and Villa lack the legs for top four finish

I was at Everton against Aston Villa on Saturday at Goodison Park, where it ended 1-1.

It was interesting that the two teams that were closest to knocking on the Champions League door last season both looked a little leggy.

In this day and age of big squads, I think Everton and Villa, who finished fifth and sixth respectively last term, have two of the smallest.

I know both clubs have made summer purchases.

But I saw two sides that might not have quite enough to break into the top four again this season.

Everton have been badly stretched by injuries and I think Villa have been affected by putting out the same team week in, week out.

I have a soft spot for both clubs and hope both can do some good business in January to compete with the top teams.

While I was at Goodison Park, one of the people I spoke to was the mother of murdered toddler James Bulger.

I asked her if she was alright and met her partner.

She asked me to plug a song called 'Heal The World' which is being released on November 2 and is the official charity single in aid of James Bulger House.

It is available on iTunes and in Tesco and HMV and I hope our readers will buy it.

Fancy winning £3,000 for FREE this month? Play Mirror Football Streak for your chance to win cash prizes! Start predicting now!

williamhill.com

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