Liverpool’s seven-game winning streak came to an end on Saturday afternoon
With only one match left in the Premier League season, Liverpool’s chances of finishing in the top four appear to be over.
Three points against Aston Villa would have kept Jurgen Klopp’s side in with a chance of qualifying for the Champions League, but such hopes are fading fast ahead of next Sunday’s final-day trip to Southampton.
The Europa League now appears to be the most likely outcome of the Reds’ 2022/23 campaign, a scenario that has been largely self-inflicted as a result of a string of poor performances against inferior opposition.
The results of today’s Premier League matches have confirmed that Klopp’s men could finish as high as third, though this is extremely unlikely, and as low as sixth. We’ll explain how in more detail later.
How did Liverpool manage to finish third?
If both Newcastle United and Manchester United lose their final two games, and Liverpool wins on the South Coast next weekend, the Reds will finish the season tied on 69 points with their opponents.
Liverpool would finish ahead of the Red Devils on goal difference, but they would need Newcastle to concede a few goals against Leicester City and Chelsea to close the seven-goal gap Eddie Howe’s side currently has on them.
How did Liverpool manage to finish fourth?
Again, winning at Southampton is the first step toward making this a reality. Manchester United would also need to lose at home to Chelsea and Fulham in order to tie Liverpool on 69 points. Regardless of Newcastle’s results, the Reds would finish fourth, ahead of Erik ten Hag’s men, due to their lower goal difference, which is currently at 17.
How did Liverpool manage to finish fifth?
Liverpool can clinch fifth place by defeating Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium next Sunday. Even if Brighton win their remaining two games, the Reds would deny them fifth place if they beat the Saints. Brighton must win against Manchester City and Aston Villa to have any chance of passing Liverpool, which means a draw or defeat in either of their next two games would rule them out.
How did Liverpool manage to finish sixth?
If Liverpool lose on the final day, Brighton will move one place up the table, though Roberto De Zerbi’s side must beat City and Villa. The Reds would finish with 66 points, while Brighton would have 67.
If Liverpool draw with Southampton and the Seagulls win three points against City and Villa, the race for fifth place will be decided on goal difference. The Reds currently lead in this category (+28 vs +20).
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