Manchester United surges ahead! Paul Merson praises Manchester United over Liverpool in the fight for UEFA Champions League qualification.
On 6 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Paul Merson believes Manchester United is the favorite to secure a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League. The pundit views the "Red Devils" as having a significant advantage over both Liverpool and Chelsea.
Arne Slot’s team faces a tough challenge chasing a top-four finish. Although they recently won against Newcastle last weekend, after winning five consecutive matches early in the season, Liverpool has struggled to maintain consistent victories, winning only six of their last 19 league matches, causing them to fall off the title defense path.
Currently, Liverpool sits 6th in the table, two points behind Manchester United and one point behind Chelsea in the race for a top-four spot.
Merson told Sportskeeda, “Right now, I see Manchester United as the favorite to finish in the top five. Their win over Fulham was very important.”
“Also, they play only one match per week, which is a huge advantage compared to Liverpool and Chelsea. So, I have to back them as the favorites, even though the points are still close.”
However, Merson believes the top-four race will remain intense and expects all three teams to secure wins this weekend.
The Sky Sports pundit predicted Manchester United and Chelsea to beat Spurs and Wolves 3-1 respectively, and also sees Liverpool winning against Manchester City by the same scoreline.
“I would be very shocked if Liverpool lose this game,” he said.