Liverpool will finish behind Manchester United in fifth

The former Reds striker feels 'third or fourth' is the best Jurgen Klopp's side can hope for, but sees them being overhauled by their arch rivals

Liverpool will end the 2016-17 campaign ‘fifth in a battle with Spurs’ and behind Manchester United, according to Stan Collymore.
The Reds are perched second at present, with Jurgen Klopp’s side the closest challengers to in-form Chelsea.
The battle for a top-four finish has intensified over recent weeks, though, with there now little to choose between a leading pack of six.
United have come back into the reckoning after finding form, while Tottenham remain within touching distance of the Champions League qualification spots.

Liverpool intend to finish the season ahead of 19 of their top-flight rivals, but former Anfield striker Collymore feels ‘defensive frailties’ will cost them dear.

He fears they could end up slipping into the Europa League places, with their arch-rivals from Old Trafford leapfrogging them under the guidance of Jose Mourinho.
“I just see defensive frailties in Liverpool and a little bit of lack of quality in certain areas that maybe the other teams can mask,” said Collymore on his podcast.

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“If I had to be a betting man and I had to look into a crystal ball then I would go Manchester City first, Chelsea second, Arsenal third.
“I’m going to stick my neck out and say Manchester United to nick fourth place. Liverpool fifth in a battle with Spurs. I still think third or fourth is the best Liverpool can hope for.”

The Reds have finished inside the top four just once in the last seven seasons, with an eighth-place standing in 2015-16 seeing them hit their lowest point since 1993/94.