What Liverpool need against Chelsea to qualify for Champions League

Liverpool remain on course to qualify for the Champions League, despite defeat to Manchester United.

Liverpool made the trip to Old Trafford last weekend knowing victory could have guaranteed a top-five Premier League finish with three games remaining.

This scenario was made possible following Brighton’s defeat to Newcastle around 24 hours prior, though was ruled out with Bournemouth beating Crystal Palace shortly after kick-off in Manchester.

Nevertheless, a 3-2 loss at the hands of their fierce rivals means Liverpool are likely to finish behind Man United in the table, capping off a largely forgettable season.

The blow of losing was slightly softened with Aston Villa suffering a home defeat against relegation-threatened Tottenham later on Sunday evening.

As a result, the Reds remain fourth in the table by virtue of a superior goal difference to Villa.

With three Premier League games remaining for Liverpool and a six-point lead over sixth-placed Bournemouth, it would take a major collapse for Arne Slot’s side to drop out of the top five.

Fifth place in the Premier League will, once again, be enough for Champions League football due to how English clubs have performed in European competitions this season.

Bournemouth, Brentford and Brighton are still mathematically in the hunt for Champions League qualification, while there is a unique scenario in which the team who finishes sixth earns a spot at Europe’s top table next season.

Liverpool face Chelsea at Anfield this weekend and can put themselves on the brink of achieving their target.

As things stand, 62 points will be enough to guarantee a top-five Premier League finish. Liverpool are currently on 58 points which means they require a win and a draw from their three remaining matches.

Liverpool will qualify for the Champions League if they beat Chelsea and Bournemouth then fail to pick up all three points away at Fulham in the 3pm kick-off.

A draw at home to Chelsea will see Liverpool qualify for the Champions League if Fulham beat Bournemouth, Brentford lose to title-chasing Manchester City and Brighton do not beat Wolves.