BBC pundit Alan Shearer believes there is a big chance of Liverpool missing out on a top-four finish this season, following their woeful run of form since Christmas.

The former England international is expecting Manchester City, Leicester and Chelsea to make the top three, and he feels Manchester United could pip the Reds for the final spot:

“City to win it. I think Chelsea, I do think Leicester – really impressed with them. Either Manchester United or Liverpool to miss out, if you push me, I think Liverpool could. I just think defensively, they look all over the place. They have put a youngster in, the new signing. It’s a big ask for him to come in and shore up that defence.”

On current form, you can’t blame Shearer for making such a prediction. Jurgen Klopp’s side haven’t necessarily played badly in recent games but results have been very concerning.

After last night’s wins for Chelsea and West Ham, Liverpool find themselves sixth in the table; a position they have rarely been in since Klopp’s arrival at the club in 2015.

You would back the Reds to recover some sort of form in the coming weeks and months but it remains to be seen whether the damage has already been done. It seems they will be in a hard-fought battle to secure a top-four spot for the remainder of the campaign.