Paul Merson has predicted that Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool will not finish in the top four of the Premier League because of the win for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.
The former Arsenal star has predicted on SportsKeeda that Liverpool will fail to win against West Ham United at London Stadium in the Premier League this week.
The Sky Sports pundit believes that the match will end in a 2-2 draw.
Merson has predicted that Liverpool will miss out on the top four after Newcastle hammered Tottenham 6-1 at home on Sunday afternoon.
The Magpies are third in the Premier League table at the moment with 59 points from 31 matches.
Liverpool are seventh with 50 points from 31 games, while Tottenham currently find themselves fifth with 53 points from 32 games.
Paul Merson on Liverpool, Newcastle United and West Ham United
Merson wrote: “Liverpool are in a position where they may as well try and win every match – a draw is no good. They do not want to be in the Conference League and will want to finish in fifth place.
“The shackles are off for Liverpool at the moment and they’re looking good. If you’re a professional footballer, the one thing you can bottle up is confidence. They’ve got that back now, and they’re looking dangerous.
“I think West Ham’s result yesterday will give them enough confidence to go on and win the Conference League. If you’re Liverpool, you do not want to be playing against West Ham now.
“Newcastle’s victory yesterday was the nail in the coffin for Liverpool’s Champions League hopes. They would’ve hoped for a draw in that match. This is going to be a great match, and I’m going to go with a Liverpool draw this week.
“Prediction: West Ham United 2-2 Liverpool.”
HITC Verdict: Liverpool top-four chances slim
In our view, it is now unlikely that Liverpool will finish in the top four of the Premier League table this season.
Yes, there is still a slim chance of that happening, but Liverpool will have to rely on Newcastle, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur collapsing in the final weeks of the season.
Also remember, Aston Villa are in the hunt for an unlikely UEFA Champions League spot as well.
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