Paul Merson is expecting West Ham to be Liverpool’s closest challengers to finish in the Champions League places.

The Sky Sports pundit still thinks the Reds will end up fourth but he believes the Hammers’ final eight fixtures make them stronger contenders for the top four than the likes of Chelsea, Spurs and Everton:

“It’s between West ham and Liverpool, and I’m just sticking Liverpool, but it’s going to be so tight. A lot will depend on what happens in some huge games in the coming weeks.”

Merson has gone with Manchester City finishing first, United in second, Leicester third and Liverpool in fourth. One of the main issues the pundit has with West Ham is their wafer-thin squad.

He goes on to comment that he has a “nagging doubt” over the Irons due to injuries. With Michail Antonio and vice-captain Declan Rice both currently out, he feels manager David Moyes can’t afford to have any more players sidelined.

The clash against Leicester this weekend could prove absolutely vital in terms of the battle for the top four. A win for the London club would be a massive boost going into the final six weeks of the season.