Paul Merson predicts where Liverpool FC will finish in top-four race
The Arsenal legend is ruling out Liverpool FC finishing in the Premier League's top four this season
Paul Merson has ruled out Liverpool FC finishing in the Premier League’s top four this season.
The Reds secured a return to the Champions League thanks to a fourth-place finish last term after seeing off a late challenge from Arsenal.
Liverpool signed four players in the summer transfer window, including the addition of former Chelsea winger Mohamed Salah from AS Roma in a £39m deal.
The Egypt international has scored 12 times in 15 games in the Premier League to break Robbie Fowler’s record start for the Anfield outfit.
However, Liverpool FC have struggled defensively after conceding 19 times in 15 games in the Premier League, including 17 goals in eight games on the road.
Jurgen Klopp was linked with a move to sign Southampton captain Virgil van Dijk in the summer transfer window but failed to get a deal over the line.
Former Arsenal midfielder Merson believes Liverpool aren’t good enough at the back to finish in the top four.
“Defensively, I just can’t see Liverpool getting in the top four,” Merson told Sky Sports.
“You never know with Liverpool, but defensively they are always going to get caught. I think you have got to be at least half solid at the back.”
The Reds were 5-1 winners at Brighton on Saturday evening before Arsenal’s 3-1 loss to title rivals Man United.
Liverpool FC haven’t won the Premier League title but finished in second place in 2002, 2009 and 2014.
The Reds appointed Klopp as Brendan Rodgers’ successor in October 2015.
