Liverpool have won six games in a row. Will they sneak into the top four?

L iverpool have previous when it comes to muddling through the majority of the season only to finish strongly in the run-in. Two years ago, they were eighth in the Premier League table with 10 games to play. A top-four finish was looking precarious after six straight home defeats, but Jürgen Klopp’s team went unbeaten in their last 10 games of the season, winning eight of them, and finished third.

Klopp is hoping for something similar this season. Having been off the ball throughout the campaign, Liverpool suddenly look formidable. They have won their last six matches and, with three games to play, are now just one point behind Manchester United and Newcastle, albeit having played a match more than the two teams above them. The maths are against Liverpool, but they have the momentum.

Manchester United have wobbled in recent weeks, with their away form a cause for concern. They have lost their last two league matches and have only won two of their last eight in all competitions. Newcastle are also coming off a defeat and lack experience in this situation. Having spent the entire season out of the top four, Liverpool can now see a narrow path to Champions League qualification.

Securing Champions League football is the best way to attract the big names and the club’s power in the transfer market will be weakened if they are not participating in Europe’s elite club competition. Competing with clubs such as Manchester City and Real Madrid in the transfer market is tough enough without having to sell the idea of the Europa League – or Conference. Take Jude Bellingham. The England international has been Liverpool’s top midfield target for some time, but he is close to joining Real Madrid – the same Real Madrid who beat