Sky pundit Paul Merson has backed Liverpool to make the top-four this season as what looks set to be a tight run-in looms.
Despite winning the Premier League last season by a copious amount of points, the Reds have fallen dramatically off their perch this term – albeit in part down to wretched luck with injuries.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have suffered a crisis of confidence at home since the turn of the year and will be desperate to rectify their form tomorrow when Aston Villa visit Anfield.
Despite a wealth of problems, Liverpool remain in the hunt for Champions League qualification, sitting just three points behind fourth-placed West Ham as things stand.
Merson, a former Arsenal midfielder, has told Sky Sports that he still expects the Reds to sneak into the all-important top-four:
Obviously, Manchester City and Manchester United are in, and I think Leicester make it. For the final spot, it’s between West ham and Liverpool, and I’m just sticking Liverpool, but it’s going to be so tight.
The 53-year-old also suggested what the crucial factor could prove to be: “One thing in Liverpool’s favour is that they do have some nice fixtures.”
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Turning around home fortunes this weekend would be a crucial step if the Reds are indeed going to stand a chance of finishing in an elite European spot.
Without a win in eight at Anfield, Klopp knows all too well that record will see his side eliminated out of this seasons competition and likely out of next.
