‘I don’t want Liverpool to win the title – but I want Everton to beat Manchester City,’ says Leon Osman on talkSPORT
Toffees fans are torn ahead of Wednesday's Premier League clash, knowing that a result against City would boost their red rivals' Premier League title bid
Leon Osman has told talkSPORT he is backing Everton to beat Manchester City, despite what it means for rivals Liverpool’s Premier League title bid.
Man City travel to Goodison Park on Wednesday night knowing a win would see them overtake Liverpool at the top of the table on goal difference - for the time being, at least.
Many Everton fans have therefore suggested they would be happy to lose, as a win or draw against the defending champions would give Liverpool a huge boot in their title pursuit.
For under-pressure manager Marco Silva and his players, though, victory will be the only thing on the mind.
MORE: Marco Silva has no interest in affecting title race ahead Everton v Man City
Yet, in the event of a result against City and Liverpool being crowned champions by a slim margin, Evertonians will be left with a sickly feeling of helping their rivals to the title.
But Osman insists supporters will get right behind their team once they walk through the Goodison Park gates.
“I think most Evertonians want Everton to win the game,” said the former Toffees star on Wednesday’s Sports Breakfast.
“I remember a couple of years back Man City had to come to Goodison and beat us to win the league, but Evertonians were saying they’d rather City take the points and stop Liverpool winning the title.
“But the moment you get to Goodison Park, you become a supporter again and that’s what will end up happening to every one of them Everton fans.
“You get to ground and you can’t help but support your side. The players will be professional and the fans will be right behind the team.
“I hope it’s a good game, a good performance and ultimately Everton get the three points because in the race for what is now seventh, Everton are desperate for the points.
“I certainly don’t want Liverpool to win the title, but it’s not going to come down to this one game, that’s for sure.”
The former midfielder accepts that in hindsight, though, a win over Man City may not be the most popular result in the blue half of Merseyside…
“Marco Silva will be in more trouble if he wins the game from Evertonians,” he added.
To which co-host David Seaman replied: “Exactly, he’ll get booed off for winning, haha!”