Jamie Carragher has backed former club Liverpool FC to beat Manchester United to a Champions League qualification place.
Former Liverpool defender and present Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher had previously stated that Liverpool wouldn’t be able to manage so many matches because of commitments in cup competition and the league and would find a top 4 spot almost impossible to attain.
But Liverpoola s resurgence recently, which was illustrated with a 0-2 win over Southampton last weekend has made Carragher believe the Reds are poised well to end the season on a bright note.
a I have said for the last few weeks I didna t think Liverpool would get into the top four because of their FA Cup and European commitments and I felt Manchester United would,a said Carragher.
a I dona t know if people are saying Man United are not playing well, theya re out of form or whether thata s just how Manchester United are playing this season under Louis van Gaal.
a The fact that theya ve dropped points can happen, theya ve been on a great run, but Liverpool are coming into great form.a
Liverpool were 10 behind Manchester United on Boxing Day, but are now just two points behind Louis van Gaala s fourth-placed side. The bitter English rivals will meet at Anfield next month on March 22, and Carragher, who made 737 appearances for the Reds, believes that the particular game will have a lot of say in who eventually finishes in the top 4.
a I think a lot will be decided in the game (between the two sides) at Anfield and Ia d have to fancy Liverpool to win that game with the form both teams are in,a added Carragher
a Whether the accumulation of games will be a factor for Liverpool, who knows?
a But that game at Anfield will have a massive bearing on it and Ia d have to fancy Liverpool at the moment.a
Liverpool have flown to Istanbul for their Europa League round of 32 return tie against Besiktas.
Brendan Rodgers’ men hold a 1-0 lead from last weeka s first leg and would hope that the home lead would be enough to get them through to the next round. With the visit of second placed Manchester City this weekend, Carragher has anticipated changes.
a Ia d be surprised if (Brendan Rodgers) goes full-strength (against Besiktas) with the Manchester City game on Sunday because with that win over Southampton and Manchester United and Spurs dropping points, it looks like the top four is really there for Liverpool now,a he said.
a Before the weekend it was still a very outside chance and maybe the Europa League was their best chance (of qualifying for the Champions League).
a But now I think there is more chance of Liverpool getting into the top four than winning the Europa League and it maybe something the manager and the staff assess.a