Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has backed Liverpool to finish fourth in the Premier League this season and claim an all important Champions League spot.
The Merseysiders currently lie seventh in the table, four points behind Tottenham after a disappointing first half of the season.
Many pundits, including Redknapp tipped Rafael Benitez's men for the title this season after they finished second last year with 86 points - their highest ever total in the Premier League.
However, injuries and loss of form have seen one of the countries most decorated sides competing with Tottenham, Aston Villa and Manchester City for a place amongst Europe's elite next season, and the financial rewards it brings.
Redknapp admitted it was not easy watching his former side struggle, but was convinced they will be playing Champions League football next season.
"It's so frustrating," he told Soccer AM. "The last two results have really helped them, beating Wolves at home and Villa away, but I have to be honest at the start of the year when I was asked 'who do you think will win the league?' I said Liverpool but I couldn't have been more wrong.
"I think they've conceded too many goals and at the back they're not quite as good as they have been. A lot of people have been saying they won't finish in the top four but I honestly still believe they will finish fourth."
Former Liverpool legends, including Graeme Souness have speculated what will happen to the club if they do fail in their task to secure a place in the top four, with some suggesting an exodus of star names from Anfield, including captain Steven Gerrard.
Former Reds midfielder Redknapp admitted it was a worry, but believes Gerrard will finish his career at Liverpool.
"I can't imagine Steven Gerrard playing for anyone else," he said. "I genuinely couldn't see him in another football kit. But I can see Fernando Torres, if Liverpool don't make the Champions League for a few years. He's cut a frustrated figure of late I think."
Liverpool's inconsistent form has been further highlighted by the rise in prominence of Tottenham, Manchester City and Aston Villa this season.
All three teams have beaten a team from the big four this campaign and Redknapp told Helen and Max that the gulf between the sides at the top and the rest is closing.
"If you take Cristiano Ronaldo out of your team who's the best footballer alongside Lionel Messi in the world, of course (Manchester United) are going to be weaker.
"Chelsea are stronger this year because they have had (Michael) Essien back and fit, although he isn't at the moment. And if you look at Liverpool they lost (Xabi) Alonso, although I think there's more to it than just losing one player, but it certainly weakens you.
"It's great though because Tottenham and Aston Villa are doing well and Man City have spent fortunes so they're obviously going to be a better team and I think it definitely makes for a better league."
The Merseysiders currently lie seventh in the table, four points behind Tottenham after a disappointing first half of the season.
Many pundits, including Redknapp tipped Rafael Benitez's men for the title this season after they finished second last year with 86 points - their highest ever total in the Premier League.
However, injuries and loss of form have seen one of the countries most decorated sides competing with Tottenham, Aston Villa and Manchester City for a place amongst Europe's elite next season, and the financial rewards it brings.
Redknapp admitted it was not easy watching his former side struggle, but was convinced they will be playing Champions League football next season.
"It's so frustrating," he told Soccer AM. "The last two results have really helped them, beating Wolves at home and Villa away, but I have to be honest at the start of the year when I was asked 'who do you think will win the league?' I said Liverpool but I couldn't have been more wrong.
"I think they've conceded too many goals and at the back they're not quite as good as they have been. A lot of people have been saying they won't finish in the top four but I honestly still believe they will finish fourth."
Former Liverpool legends, including Graeme Souness have speculated what will happen to the club if they do fail in their task to secure a place in the top four, with some suggesting an exodus of star names from Anfield, including captain Steven Gerrard.
Former Reds midfielder Redknapp admitted it was a worry, but believes Gerrard will finish his career at Liverpool.
"I can't imagine Steven Gerrard playing for anyone else," he said. "I genuinely couldn't see him in another football kit. But I can see Fernando Torres, if Liverpool don't make the Champions League for a few years. He's cut a frustrated figure of late I think."
Liverpool's inconsistent form has been further highlighted by the rise in prominence of Tottenham, Manchester City and Aston Villa this season.
All three teams have beaten a team from the big four this campaign and Redknapp told Helen and Max that the gulf between the sides at the top and the rest is closing.
"If you take Cristiano Ronaldo out of your team who's the best footballer alongside Lionel Messi in the world, of course (Manchester United) are going to be weaker.
"Chelsea are stronger this year because they have had (Michael) Essien back and fit, although he isn't at the moment. And if you look at Liverpool they lost (Xabi) Alonso, although I think there's more to it than just losing one player, but it certainly weakens you.
"It's great though because Tottenham and Aston Villa are doing well and Man City have spent fortunes so they're obviously going to be a better team and I think it definitely makes for a better league."
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