Pundit Paul Merson has shared his prediction for who will finish in the top-four in the Premier League this season – suggesting whether Liverpool will make the cut or not.
Writing for his predictions column for Sportskeeda, the former Arsenal man has weighed up who he think will secure a place in next season’s Champions League.
With Arsenal and Manchester City already too far ahead, this was always going to be Merson’s 1 and 2.
Taking third place is Manchester United, who have looked much improved under Erik ten Hag this term – despite their recent 7-0 demolition at the hands of the Merseyside outfit.
Therefore, fourth place is certainly the trickiest spot to pick a team for.
Tottenham Hotspur currently sit within Champions League qualification, having gained 48 points from 27 matches.
Newcastle United trail in fifth with 44 points from 25 games, whereas Liverpool have dropped down to sixth with 42 points from 26 fixtures.
Both Brighton and Brentford could quite easily close the gap, making the margins for a spot in the top-four incredibly fine.
Whilst the Reds recently emerged as contenders, Merson has selected Spurs instead – probably due to Liverpool’s 1-0 loss to Bournemouth at the weekend.
“Paul Merson’s top-four predictions: Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.”
Merson doesn’t think Liverpool will get top-four
After Liverpool’s 7-0 mauling of Man United, fans thought this could have been a turn in the side’s season.
The Reds have looked like a shadow of themselves this term, so with a few results going their way, it was easy to dream.
However, just six days later, Jurgen Klopp’s men failed to capitalise on their momentum. Losing 1-0 to Bournemouth, Liverpool wasted their opportunity to close the gap on Tottenham.
As it stands, with the way they’re playing, the Reds won’t make the Champions League next season.
They haven’t shown a reason why they deserve it – although Spurs haven’t looked much better lately.
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