The battle for top four is really hotting up in the Premier League, with Chelsea looking unstoppable, there are essentially three remaining spots to fight for, and it could very well be about to go down to the wire.
Consistency will be key now, and any team finding a decent run of form could pull away and leave the rest in a shoot out below them.
After Liverpool’s excellent win over rivals Arsenal last Saturday, could they be ready to finally turn the corner and get back to their irresistible early season swagger?
Qualification for Europe’s elite competition would enable Jurgen Klopp to go after some of football’s best talents in the summer, and with the new mega money TV deal, missing out would be difficult to say the least.
Here we look at the next five games coming up, in what could be one of the most important run in’s in the club’s long history:
Burnley (H) - 12/03, Anfield
First up it’s Burnley, Sean Dyche’s men caught Liverpool cold earlier on in the season and produced what has turned out to be the blueprint of how to ‘deal’ with Klopp’s style of play. Their record at Turf Moor has been outstanding, but they haven’t travelled well all season, and Anfield is not an easy place to come. The Red’s will need no motivation for this one, with revenge high on the list of priorities. A quick start similar to the ones we saw in the two previous home games and I see only one winner, and it’s not the clarets.
Man City (A) - 19/03 The Etihad
Out of all of Liverpool’s remaining fixtures, this could prove the toughest, Man City are the closest thing in the division to the Red’s in terms of attacking style and they have been in good form since their humiliating defeat at Goodison Park. However, Liverpool’s recent record against city means that they can approach the game with confidence and will go there to try to win. Expect goals, this one could go either way.
Everton (H) - 01/04, Anfield
This one needs no introduction, the Ev will be desperate to avoid defeat in this one after Sadio Mane’s late winner in the reverse fixture. Their record at Anfield in recent years is abysmal and has seemed a millstone around the necks of many of their players, they will come across Stanley Park hoping to end their Derby nightmares. Liverpool are the stronger side and will expect to keep the bragging rights for another campaign. This could be a feisty one, with no quarter given, the first goal will be vital, as we’ve seen what can happen at Anfield when Everton’s head’s go down.
Bournemouth (H) - 05/04, Anfield
I’ve already used the word revenge in this article, but it’s coming out again because I think it’s needed. Many will see the 4-3 loss on the south coast as the day it all changed, leading by two goals for most of the game and cruising, missed chances and terrible individual errors handed three points to Eddie Howe’s men. They had done little to deserve it for the first 70 minutes of the game, a hiding under the lights of the Kop is what’s required here, expect Liverpool to dish one out.
Stoke City (A) - 08/04, Bet365 Stadium
Trips to the Potteries have been mixed over the years, it’s been more bad than good to be honest. Mark Hughes men can trouble any side in the league on their day and Stoke have some of the noisiest fan’s in the league. The game at Anfield probably flattered Liverpool, a 4-1 scoreline suggesting a more comprehensive display than what was delivered. With Stoke comfortable in mid table it might be a good time to visit, some players may already be thinking of flip flops and sunshine. On the other side Liverpool remain a big scalp so nothing short of 100% effort will be needed to take the 3 points.
Conclusion
So that’s the next five, maybe not the easiest run possible but these are certainly winnable games.
With some of our rivals still occupied by domestic and European cup competitions, any ground Liverpool can take over the next few week’s will be vital in the hunt for top four.
A return of 12 points over the next five games would be a major step toward Champion’s league qualification, which could make all the difference come the summer transfer window.