(Credit: Imago)

Jacob Raw

Sun 17 May 2026 11:10, UK

Everton could have an increased chance of qualifying for Europe should Aston Villa win their Europa League final against Freiburg next Wednesday.

The Toffees host Sunderland at Hill Dickinson this Sunday in a huge game that could make or break their chances of cementing their spot in Europe next season.

David Moyes has made it his mission to help the Blues return to where they belong, competing, but recent results haven’t helped his case.

The Toffees currently sit 10th heading into their final two Premier League games of the season, with the likes of Chelsea, Brighton, Brentford and Bournemouth all competing for a European spot.

Everton may qualify for Europe if they finish ninth, but that could depend on whether Villa win the Europa League next week, if Alan Myers’ deleted tweet is anything to go by.

Alan Myers teases Everton need to finish 9th for Europe

Regardless of what Everton need to qualify for Europe, they have to take care of their own business.

However, the Toffees may be rooting for Villa to win their first European trophy since 1982 if Myers’ deleted tweet proves to be true.

Myers made a post on Saturday saying: “I’m told 9th if Villa win the Europa [League], I haven’t confirmed it to be fair.”

He then replied to an Everton fan, saying he’s also heard that the Villans need to finish fifth in the league for this to become a reality for the Blues.

This is not confirmed news, but it would make sense, and considering these are suggestions that Myers has been told, it could be very reliable.

It would result in Everton qualifying for the Europa Conference League if true, as Moyes will have then delivered on his promise.

Chelsea are now Everton’s biggest rivals

Everton may now see finishing above Chelsea as their biggest task. The Blues have just lost the FA Cup final to Manchester City, as their season looks all but void of any success.

Chelsea are one place above the Toffees, level on points, but face Tottenham at home before a difficult away fixture at Sunderland.

The irony is that Chelsea and Everton face the same opponents, just at reversed home and away grounds, so whoever finishes in front of the other will have these next two games to thank.

Thankfully for Moyes, Chelsea seem pretty hurt at the moment, but as mentioned earlier, Everton need to do their own job, and the rest will take care of itself.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.