Liverpool Could Easily 'Finish Fourth In The Premier League This Season,' Says Paul Merson

Liverpool's Premier League title defence could fall apart and the Reds could finish the season in fourth place, according to Paul Merson.

The Reds have been heavily criticised for their lack of business in the transfer window, despite Jurgen Klopp taking a swipe at rival clubs who have spent heavily in the summer.

Klopp's men kicked off their league campaign with an enthralling 4-3 victory over Leeds at Anfield.

However, Merson was far from impressed with how many times Liverpool conceded and he believes that the Reds' lack of transfer business could come back to haunt them.

The 52-year-old pundit wrote in his Sky Sports column: "You look at the goals Liverpool let in against Leeds: wow. I just think they turned up and thought they would wipe the floor with Leeds.

"I think they need to buy someone. It would not surprise me if the finished fourth this season, and I thought that before this game.

"It's the same team, and they have a massive amount of players who have to play every week.

"Virgil van Dijk cannot get injured. The full-backs cannot get injured. They have not got anyone to replace the front three if they are injured.

"I keep saying it. There's a famous fast-food chain that used to sell more chips and burgers than anyone; they still did adverts. You spend to stay at the top."

Merson went on to explain how Manchester City wouldn't come across the same problems as Liverpool due to their squad depth.

And the Arsenal hero added that one of his biggest concern is with how much some of the Liverpool players will have to play "week in, week out."

Merson continued: "If Man City get injuries, they will just play: 'We'll score more goals than you' anyway.

"What we'll see later in the season is teams like Man City come into the fold massively, because their squad is too big.

"That's why I worry about Liverpool, there's five or six players who must play week in, week out, otherwise the team is weakened immensely. This is the hardest league in the world. You have to be fit, it's the first thing.

"Passing comes well below fitness! You could be the best passer in the world, but if you are not fit, you are not playing a game. After that, it's about pace and passing the ball."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Liverpool, Football News, Football, REds, Paul Merson, Premier League

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz is a journalist for SPORTbible. He studied for a B.A. in History at the University of York and followed it up with an M.A. in Multimedia Journalism at MMU. Before he started writing about sports, he spent over four years in the gaming press. He has worked for several publications, including Hardcore Gamer, LADbible and the Manchester Evening News. Follow him on Twitter to find out what he is working on next. Got a story tip for Adnan? Email him: [email protected]

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