Paul Merson picks the clubs he believes will finish in the top four places of the Premier League this season Paul Merson picks the clubs he believes will finish in the top four places of the Premier League this season

As the Premier League takes a rest for the international break, we've asked Paul Merson to predict how the top four will look at the end of the season.

The former Arsenal player has Liverpool and Manchester United both missing out on Champions League qualification - and perhaps surprisingly fancies Tottenham for third and struggling Chelsea to secure fourth.

Here's how the Soccer Saturday pundit is expecting the top four to look come the end of the season...

Champions

Manchester City sit top of the Premier League table, courtesy of goal difference

I can't split Manchester City and Arsenal, I really can't. Manchester City think they just have to turn up against the lesser sides and it doesn't always happen, as we saw on Sunday at Aston Villa. It's a really hard call but if you're forcing me to pick one, then I've got to go with Manchester City because of their squad and what they're doing without two of their best players. They've also been there and done it, which counts for a lot.

Merson predicts: Manchester City to win the league (10/11 with Sky Bet)

Runners-up

Kieran Gibbs salvaged a point for Arsenal in the north London derby

Arsenal may have been bossed by Tottenham but they still didn't lose the game, which may sound silly but for me, it's an important sign. Those points can make the difference come the end of the season. They were losing games like that a couple of seasons ago and, as much as they'll be disappointed with that performance, they've still got a great chance to win the title.

Merson predicts: Arsenal to finish second (6/4 with Sky Bet)

Third place

Tottenham are currently on an 11-match unbeaten run

I know a lot of people are going to be surprised with this one, but I'm going with Tottenham. I've been very impressed with them and they've completely changed my opinion. What they did at the Emirates was phenomenal. They've got a great young squad and a very, very good manager in Mauricio Pochettino. The key for them is their best players need to stay fit. People have got to start respecting Tottenham and I definitely think they'll finish above Manchester United.

Merson predicts: Tottenham to finish third (10/1 with Sky Bet)

Fourth place

Chelsea suffered their third successive league defeat at Stoke on Saturday

It's a head-or-tails one here for me. If Chelsea play like they did against Stoke, they'll win a lot of football matches. I know that sounds silly as they lost but their performance was so much better. Meanwhile, Manchester United never looked like scoring against West Brom until Jesse Lingard got them out of trouble with a stunner. You've got to go out to win football matches and they go out not to lose them. Chelsea have a lot of points to make up but I can see them going on a run while United are capable of drawing too many games. There's still a long time for Chelsea to make up that gap and, while it's a hard, hard one to call, I fancy Chelsea to just edge it.

Merson predicts: Chelsea to finish fourth (4/1 with Sky Bet)