Football betting: Everton facing heartache?

Jason Gulledge

When Liverpool won the Champions League in 2005 after an amazing second-half comeback against AC Milan their victory caused a headache for the game's governing body UEFA as they had not qualified via their league position to defend their title the following season. To add spice the team that almost missed out then, Everton, could miss out this season if Liverpool repeat their success of 2005.

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In 2005 Everton finished in fourth place in the Premiership and thus qualified for the Champions League. However because the competition rules state that the Champions League winners must be allowed to defend their title, England's four-team quota was taken up by the top three teams in the Premiership and the holders Liverpool.

In the end UEFA saw sense and allowed both Merseyside teams to compete in the following season's Champions League but there has been a rules change since then and if the same scenario were to take place - Everton finish fourth and Liverpool, who are 2/7 to progess past Inter Milan after taking a 2-0 lead in the first leg, win the Champions League - then the blue half of Merseyside will have to contend themselves with a UEFA Cup place.

On the back of this eventuality totesport have opened up a book on the same scenario taking place and Everton are 40/1 to finish fourth in the Premiership but miss out on a place in the Champions League. Paul Petrie, totesport spokesman commented, "You would have to feel sorry for Everton if they managed to finish fourth yet missed out on Champions League qualification but after last night's result it is could be on the cards. However, a consolation could be the 400/1 that, if they are to play in the UEFA Cup, then at least it would be as Champions."

Totesport betting

Everton to finish fourth and miss out on CL - 40/1: Everton to finish fourth and play in UEFA Cup as holders - 400/1 (In both bets Liverpool must win the Champions League)

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