Former West Ham goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has claimed Premier League title challengers Liverpool are in danger of not finishing in the top four due to their defensive frailties.
While their attacking play, led by the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, has been widely praised, their defensive qualities have been exposed.
Speaking toESPN, Hislop claimed Jurge Klopp's side could be left to rue their defensive troubles come the end of the season, also stating he believes rivals Chelsea with finish above the Anfield club.
[Liverpool] can only play one way. I think that will ultimately cost them," Hislop revealed.
Not only do I think Chelsea will finish higher than Liverpool, I think unless they can get tighter defensively, Liverpool are in real danger of not even finishing in the top four.�
Hislop also went on to predict Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur would make up the top four this season, despite Liverpool's strong start to the season. The Reds are currently second in the Premier League, a point behind Chelsea and three ahead of fifth placed Spurs.
Liverpool's defensive woes have seen them record just two clean sheets in the league so far, against Manchester United and Southampton, conceding 14 league goals.
Tottenham, who have the league's best defence, have conceded eight goals thus far this season, while table-toppers Chelsea are second best with nine, and have also won their last six games,keeping six consecutive clean sheets in the processsince manager Antonio Conte switched to a three-man defence.