Sam Allardyce believes both Chelsea and Manchester United will find it difficult to get into the top six this season. The former manager thinks both clubs have squads that are too young, and he thinks Everton have the chance of breaking the ‘big six’ monopoly at the top of the table:

“United have gone even younger than Chelsea have with their squad this year; they’ve trimmed their squad down to the smallest number of experienced players I’ve probably ever seen.”

“I think Man United might find breaking in a bit of a struggle, so will Chelsea, so that gives an opening and an opportunity for a team like Everton.”

Chelsea have had their teething problems under manager Frank Lampard so far this campaign. With five points from four games, the Blues find themselves 11th in the league.

Even so, Everton are just two points ahead, having yet to play one of the top clubs and have already suffered defeat to recently promoted side Aston Villa.

Manchester United may have beaten Chelsea on the opening day but the Red Devils have struggled for form since then and went into the international break on the same number of points as the Blues.

We may have to wait until later in the campaign to see which of the teams has the best claim of finishing highest in the table.