Glen Johnson has revised his prediction for the top four teams in the Premier League, and he now believes Liverpool will finish third, ahead of Manchester United.
While Manchester City and Arsenal have jumped out in front of the pack at the top of the standings, there are still a few teams vying for the final two Champions League spots.
Newcastle United is currently in third place, two points ahead of Manchester United and three points in front of Liverpool.
Although it would be a huge shock if any of Tottenham, Brighton, or Aston Villa were able to make up the ground during the final few weeks of the season, they can all technically still qualify for the Champions League.
On Sunday, Arsenal returned to the title race with a 2-0 victory at St. James’ Park, handing Newcastle just their fifth league loss of the year.
When they play their final four games of the year against Leeds United, Brighton, Leicester City, and Chelsea, Eddie Howe’s team will try to recover and clinch their long-awaited return to Europe’s top table.
As Wolves, Bournemouth, Chelsea, and Fulham are on the horizon, Manchester United cannot afford any more blunders after their recent pair of 1-0 losses.
The Reds have won six straight games to put pressure on their top-four rivals after it appeared that Liverpool’s Champions League hopes were over earlier in the season as Jurgen Klopp’s team slipped into the mid-table pack.
Johnson thinks Liverpool may time their run perfectly and squeak into the Champions League spots with three games left to play against Leicester, Aston Villa, and Southampton.
When asked if Liverpool have a chance of beating Manchester United or Newcastle United to a top-four spot, Johnson responded, “I do now.”
“I’ve previously stated that Liverpool would need to go on a six to eight-game unbeaten run to have any chance, and they have done that.
“I believe Liverpool are the favorites among them, Manchester United, and Newcastle United to finish in the top four because they have the momentum and United is currently inconsistent.
“Out of Manchester United and Newcastle United, Liverpool will probably finish in the top four at Newcastle’s expense, in my opinion.
“The most reliable team among the three teams currently in competition, Liverpool will likely finish third this season, in my opinion. If they do, it won’t be a fluke.”
Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, is still optimistic that his team can win a return trip to the Champions League despite the Red Devils’ hiccup.
“We hold everything in our hands because of the table,” the former Ajax manager said. “It’s not about Liverpool, it’s about us.”
“We’ll succeed in games if we bring our best effort and moral character. We must look within to overcome obstacles and return to our prior levels rather than turning to others.”
