Paul Merson predicts whether Liverpool will finish above Man Utd in the Premier League in 26/27

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Liverpool have endured a difficult 2026/27 season and are on course to finish below bitter rivals Manchester United.Despite coming from two goals down, the Reds lost 3-2 to Man Utd this past weekend, all but confirming they will finish below them in the Premier League table in 2025/26.However, Paul Merson has now explained why he thinks Liverpool will outperform the Red Devils next season. Barroso/Europa Press/Getty Images Liverpool to finish above Manchester UnitedMichael Carrick’s side sit six points clear of Liverpool going into the next round of fixtures.Barring a complete collapse from Utd and the Reds winning all their remaining games, which seems unlikely, they will most likely take third place.However, when speaking to Sportskeeda this week, Merson has suggested the roles will be reversed in 2026/27 because, unlike the current campaign, the Manchester outfit will have Champions League football to contend with.He stated: “I’m not worried about Liverpool next season though, I think they’ll be fine.“If someone asks me who among Manchester United and Liverpool will finish higher in the Premier League next season, I would actually back Slot’s team all day long!

I say that because Manchester United have played only once a week this season, and that’s a lot easier compared to what Liverpool went through.“Apart from Dominik Szoboszlai, none of their midfielders have performed well, both Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have had their own issues and yet, if they had beaten Manchester United, they would have been level on points! That says a lot and I believe Liverpool can finish above United next season.” With Arne Slot expected to stay, will Liverpool challenge for the Premier League next season?

Or will it be another difficult campaign? 😬 Photo Credit: Getty Images/Carl Recine Paul Merson predicts Liverpool vs ChelseaMerson also gave his prediction for Liverpool’s meeting with Chelsea in his Sportskeeda column.The Reds haven’t lost a Premier League game in May for 11 years now, last suffering defeat against Crystal Palace in 2015.And Merson backs that record to continue for at least another week, predicting a 2-0 win for the Merseyside club.He stated: “Lately, there has also been noise around the lack of intensity shown by this Liverpool team. None of them want to be injured and it is only a natural reaction, especially when Liverpool have nothing to play for at the moment.“I’m backing the hosts to get a crucial win at Anfield.”Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox