Paul Merson makes bold Liverpool title prediction amid Andoni Iraola warning
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesLiverpool FCLiverpool fans will be glad to see the back of this campaign, although Paul Merson is expecting much bigger things from the Reds in the 2026/27 Premier League seasonPaul Merson has predicted Liverpool will be in the title race next season(Image: Sky Sports)Paul Merson has predicted Liverpool will be back in the race for the Premier League title next season — although it comes with a warning about the club’s managerial situation.The Reds will finally bring an end to their poor season on Sunday as they host Brentford at Anfield. Although Champions League qualification is still not secure ahead of kick-off, it would take quite the turnaround in results for both Liverpool and Bournemouth to miss out on a top-five finish.It will be an emotional occasion for supporters and players as Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson make their final appearance for the club, although Liverpool fans will be more than happy to see the back of this season.READ MORE: Liverpool vs Brentford LIVE: Team news, Salah and Robertson final game, TV channel and streamREAD MORE: Liverpool closing in on new appointment as Arne Slot future becomes clearerThere has been a major drop-off from the Reds following last season’s title triumph, despite over $600 million having been spent on new signings last summer.Arne Slot finds himself coming under increasing pressure as a result, with fans already having shown signs of losing patience with the Dutchman.All the signs point to Liverpool sticking by its current head coach though, with Slot set to add one of his former Feyenoord coaches to his staff this summer, while Xabi Alonso — who was linked as a possible replacement — has now taken the Chelsea job.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.
Learn moreLiverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.Speculation has continued over Slot’s future, with Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola having been linked as another option to replace him, although former Arsenal star Merson thinks that wouldn’t satisfy Liverpool fans.Making his prediction for Liverpool’s final fixture, Merson told Sportskeeda: “I don't think Arne Slot can afford to lose this game.“Now that Xabi Alonso has gone to Chelsea, Liverpool fans will be unhappy if Slot is replaced by even someone like an Andoni Iraola. Alonso was the one they really wanted and the decision to stick with Slot could come up again next season.”Andoni Iraola has been touted as a replacement for Arne Slot(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)Despite the uncertainty around Slot’s future and the poor performances from the Reds this season, Merson went on to put his neck on the line with a bold prediction for next season.“Liverpool will have challenges next season, but I have a feeling they will push for the title.
Call that an early prediction if you like,” Merson said.Liverpool.com says: Based on what we’ve seen from Liverpool this season, that is a very bold call from Merson. If Liverpool can get things right this summer, then you would at least hope for a much improved season compared to this one.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCPaul MersonArne SlotPremier League