Paul Merson shares grim Liverpool vs Leeds United prediction with ‘dangerous' admission | OneFootball

Paul Merson doesn't think that Liverpool will beat Leeds United

One of the Reds' main problems this season has been their defence.

None of their starting defenders have performed to their usual standards with players such as Milos Kerkez and Ibrahima Konate letting their team down on more than one occasion.

Indeed, the fact that the Anfield outfit missed out on signing a new centre-back in the summer has massively hindered them but fortunately for Slot, Leeds' attack hasn't been up to scratch either.

However, that didn't stop Merson from claiming that he thinks the game could end in a draw.

While speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson shared why he thinks the game could end in a draw and why Leeds could end up being a "dangerous" opponent for Liverpool.

"Florian Wirtz is slowly showing signs of improvement at Liverpool. I've always said that he needs more games," he said.

"This is a hard league and you need time to get used to it. The German league is quite open and gives players like him the space to operate effectively.

"Here, every game is hard. If you look at the Leeds team for example, most of the players in that line-up would be full internationals.

"You don't see that in a team battling relegation in the Bundesliga. That is the difference. Liverpool need to trust him with more minutes now.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Liverpool won this game 2-0 or even 3-0. But it's a free swing for Leeds at Elland Road and that makes them dangerous. I'm going for a draw, but if I was forced to pick a team, I'd choose Liverpool.

"Prediction: Leeds United 1-1 Liverpool."

One thing that has been made abundantly clear this season is that too much change for any team all at once results in bad performances.

Although all the players that Liverpool brought in during the summer transfer window were top-class, the fact that they've all been thrown together without any prior knowledge of the way their teammates play has resulted in the Anfield outfit massively underperforming.

Liverpool may have avoided defeat in their last outing against Sunderland but unless players such as Alexander Isak and Mohamed Salah start firing, they may as well kiss their Premier League title hopes goodbye.

A lot can happen throughout the rest of the season but if Slot doesn't figure out how to get the best out of his players soon, there could end up being nothing for them to fight for by the end of January.

This, would be a massive fall from grace, especially with all the money they spent in summer.