Rio Ferdinand explained the key advantage Liverpool have over Chelsea as he doubled down on his verdict on the top-four battle.
The former England defender was hugely impressed by the Reds’ performance in their 3-0 win at Arsenal on Saturday and made a fresh prediction on who will finish in the Champions League places.
“I think Liverpool are going to get in there now,” said Ferdinand. “The result they got at the weekend, the performance and the confidence that will give that team.
The Reds must close the three-point gap on fourth-place West Ham in order to fulfil their goal of a top-four finish.
(Image: BT Sport)
Many consider fifth-place Chelsea to be their main competition for a Champions League spot, but Ferdinand insists Jurgen Klopp’s side have a vital edge over the Blues.
Asked for his top-four prediction ahead of Liverpool’s quarter-final tie with Real Madrid, he told BT Sport: “I think Liverpool, if they continue their form.
“The other three: Man United, Man City and Leicester, probably.
(Image: Getty Images)
Do you agree with Ferdinand’s top-four prediction? Have your say in the comments.
“I think Chelsea and Liverpool, those two teams there, it’s going to be a shoot-out to see who finishes fourth.
“Liverpool, out of all the team that are chasing that top-four spot, they’re the team that have proved they can go on a seven, eight-game winning streak.”
While Liverpool recorded an eye-catching victory at the Emirates on Saturday, Chelsea suffered a 5-2 home defeat at the hands of West Brom.
Thiago Silva’s sending off in the first half proved vital as the relegation-threatened Baggies condemned the Blues to their first defeat since Thomas Tuchel was appointed manager.
Chelsea are also involved on the European stage in midweek and face off with Porto in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday.
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