Liverpool’s dismal 3-1 defeat at Brentford on Monday put a massive dent in their hopes of securing a top four finish in the Premier League.
The result left the Reds seven points adrift of fourth place and with a big job on their hands to bridge the gap during the second half of the season.
Despite the defeat, most of the leading bookmakers are still tipping Jurgen Klopp’s side to finish in the top four at the end of the season.
The latest 22Bet odds list Liverpool just ahead of Newcastle United in the race to finish fourth, with Tottenham Hotspur next in the betting.
The Magpies are currently third in the standings, but have played a game more than Liverpool. Read on as we assess Liverpool’s chances of success during the rest of the season.
Premier League
Arsenal and Manchester City look nailed on to finish in the top four, leaving Liverpool to fight for one of the other two Champions league qualification places.
Newcastle and Manchester United are currently level on 35 points in third and fourth place, although the Red Devils have a game in hand on the north east outfit.
Liverpool have a seven-point deficit to make up on that pair and desperately need to beat both teams when they play them over the next couple of months.
The Reds know-how could be enough to see them overhaul Newcastle, but they will need to improve massively on what they produced at Brentford over the coming weeks.
Prediction: If Liverpool win at Newcastle in February, they could finish in the top four. However, they may well already have given themselves too much to do.
Champions League
Liverpool qualified for the round of 16 with ease, but have been handed a tough tie against reigning champions Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants have been in fine form this season and Liverpool will need to be at their best if they are to progress to the quarter-finals.
They were deservedly beaten Madrid in last year’s final and it would be a brave move to back them to gain revenge for that result.
Madrid are unbeaten in their last six outings against Liverpool and look a good bet to send the English club packing when they meet again.
Prediction: Madrid have had the upper hand over Liverpool in recent years and are strongly fancied to knock Liverpool out.
FA Cup
The FA Cup had not been kind to Liverpool in recent years, but they rectified the matter by lifting the trophy for the eighth time last season.
Klopp has been known to field weakened teams in cup competitions and may be tempted to rest his top players to keep them fresh.
However, a good cup run would help to build confidence and potentially boost Liverpool’s hopes of success in the other two competitions.
A third-round tie at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers is a winnable game and Liverpool could mount a stern defence of the FA Cup this season.
Prediction: The FA Cup is Liverpool’s best hope of silverware this season. They should beat Wolves, but will need luck with the draw to go all the way again.
