Jamie Carragher runs the rule over Liverpool’s top-four bid

Jamie Carragher believes there is very little between Liverpool and Southampton in the top-four race.

The Reds make the long trip to St Mary’s on Sunday evening as Brendan Rodgers’ side look to move to within a point of fourth-placed Southampton.

Liverpool are the Premier League’s form side after a nine-game unbeaten run in the top-flight, including victories over Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham.

While Carragher doesn’t expect Liverpool to be adversely affected by their FA Cup and Europa League commitments, the former defender admitted the Reds have a tough run of league fixtures.

“Southampton will be fresh though between now and the end of the season and have a four-point lead at the moment over Liverpool, so it is a toss-up really between the two sides,” Carragher told Sky Sports.

“There is very little to choose between the two in fact – I would say Southampton have had the better season so far and they are four points ahead, but Liverpool are on a great run at the moment, although those extra games could become a problem for them between now and the end of the season.

“And we will now see if the fewer games that Southampton have than Liverpool between now and the end of the season will ultimately have an effect.”

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Southampton have lost their last two games at St Mary’s after a 3-2 defeat by Crystal Palace in the FA Cup before a 1-0 loss to Swansea City.

Ronald Koeman’s side, who lost 1-0 at Anfield in the Premier League earlier this season, are a point ahead of fifth-placed Arsenal in the race for a Champions League spot.