Liverpool head into their final match of what has been a tumultuous Premier League season knowing a win would almost guarantee a top-four finish.
The Reds welcome Crystal Palace to Anfield this afternoon for what will be former Merseyside manager Roy Hodgson’s final game in charge of the Eagles.
However, there will be no room for sentiment from the hosts as three points would all but seal UEFA Champions League football for next season – barring a dramatic goal difference swing elsewhere.
Having rather annihilated Palace earlier in the season at Selhurst Park when a rampant Jurgen Klopp side put seven unanswered goals past the Londoners, Liverpool can come into this match with renewed confidence following their recent form.
Former Anfield defender Mark Lawrenson is feeling optimistic regarding the Reds’ chances as he tipped a 2-0 home win to the weekly BBC Sport prediction column.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are in a good run of form at the moment and look brighter everywhere on the pitch, but the key is having Fabinho back in midfield and protecting their backline.I am expecting the Reds to win pretty comfortably here too, but Palace’s former Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson should get a good send-off after his final game in charge of the Eagles.
Elsewhere, Lawrenson predicted a win for Chelsea whilst tipping Leicester to go down 2-1 at the hands of Tottenham – results that would ultimately see the Foxes miss out on a top-four finish.
Liverpool will be further boosted by the return of 10,000 of the Anfield faithful to the L4 home and a win, coupled with a show in front of their loyal supporters would be just the tonic to end what has been a difficult season.
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Finishing in the top four after all that has been thrown at the Reds this term would be an almighty achievement from Klopp and his side.
Perhaps more importantly, continued elite European football next season would give the club more financial security and increased pulling power for what is set to be a hugely significant transfer window.
Just win.
