I'm backing Liverpool to finish fourth

They are in good form at the moment and I am sure confidence will be high at Goodison.

But the big thing for me is that when Liverpool really need to win games they more often than not do so.

They have proven this time and time again in Europe and now they have a similar challenge at home I'm sure they will rise to it.

The key for me is Liverpool's next three games. After playing West Ham at Anfield tomorrow night they then have two more home games against Newcastle and Reading.

All three of these are must win games and all three are against teams you would expect Liverpool to beat. So if they can take a maximum nine points from these fixtures it will set them up nicely.

Both our clubs have big European games on the horizon - Everton meet Florentina in the UEFA Cup on Thursday and Liverpool play Inter Milan a week today - and that means both will have to fall back on their squad strength.

You cannot play the same starting line-up week in, week out in the modern game because injuries, suspensions and loss of form will always take their toll.

So when this does happen you have to be able to call on players from your squad to come in and do a job and I just feel Liverpool have the edge when it comes down to this.

Liverpool also look like they are coming back into form at the right time, particularly after winning for the first time at Bolton under Rafa Benitez, and although there will be a few twists and turns along the way I'm backing them to take fourth place.

But, first things first, they have to go out and beat West Ham in their game in hand because if they do that it will put them back in the driving seat.