Phil Thompson: 'Liverpool will struggle to finish in top four'

Phil Thompson feels that it will be "extremely difficult" for Liverpool to finish in the top four of the Premier League following their poor start to the season.

The Reds fell to their sixth defeat of the campaign in the top flight when they lost 3-1 to Crystal Palace on Sunday, and the former assistant boss at Anfield has admitted that the club's problems do not just lie with Daniel Sturridge's absence.

Thompson told Sky Sports News: "The only thing going in Liverpool's favour is that the so-called 'big teams' have been average and you look at what Southampton are doing and they show there's still a possibility.

"However, the odds don't lie and it's hard to see where the next win is going to come from. It's going to be extremely difficult with a lack of points, form and confidence.

"The problems lie deeper than just Daniel Sturridge and even when he comes back it's going to be difficult with his fitness issues."

Liverpool are 12th in the Premier League following their defeat to Palace.