Liverpool have just 12 games left to salvage a top four place from the wreckage of a dreadful Premier League season.
And the Reds must start by taking on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the first game back after the international break.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola's men are trying to close an eight point gap to leaders Arsenal, as well as gearing up for a clash with Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
READ MORE: Liverpool would miss out on two major trophies under 'unfair' new rule change
READ MORE: Only 14 Liverpool players 'guaranteed' Anfield future ahead of summer revamp
Jostling for a place in the Champions League with Liverpool are Tottenham, Newcastle and even Brighton, while at the other end of the table Bournemouth, Southampton, Everton and a whole host of other clubs scrap for survival in the closest relegation fight in years.
Here are the Liverpool ECHO predictions for what promises to be a dramatic final two months of the season.
Ian Doyle, Chief LFC Reporter
Who will win the title?
Eight points clear going into the final two months of the season, it will require arguably one of the worst capitulations in Premier League history for Arsenal not to win the title. The fact is so much has gone for the Gunners this season - lack of injuries, troubles at their rivals, general officiating decisions, teams not taking them seriously, minimal pressure and expectation from the national media - that their ability to take advantage of situations that has been forged for a few years under Mikel Arteta is now bearing fruit. In any normal season, they'd be fourth. But this isn't a normal season - and a failure to finish the job now would damage the reputation of all involved considerably. Arsenal can't blow it now.
Who will finish top 4?
With Arsenal top, Manchester City a close second and Manchester United comfortable in third, only fourth place is realistically up for grabs. Brighton are likely to be distracted by their FA Cup run, and Liverpool simply aren't very good this season. Newcastle United don't score many goals and while Tottenham Hotspur are in the box seat, they have to face all of those three teams and Antonio Conte is clearly on some sort of self-destruct mission. They're all pretty rubbish in their own way, aren't they? Let's say Liverpool, then.
Who will qualify for Europe?
It looks like at least two places will go to those in league positions, so that's going to be Tottenham and Newcastle. I really hope Brighton get in, too, whether that be from winning the FA Cup or finishing in the top seven where the Europa Conference League awaits.
Who will get relegated?
I've thought for some time Bournemouth and Southampton have gone, and I've seen nothing in the last few months to change my mind. Everton, in my view, were safe the minute they appointed Sean Dyche while Leeds have a bit of quality and West Ham. Wolves and Leicester City will be fine despite their flirtations with the drop. I'd be worried about Crystal Palace if they didn't play at Selhurst Park, but Nottingham Forest are going backwards fast and are the least together of the struggling teams. So, them.
Who will win the Champions League?
Napoli will be heavily fancied given their easier path to the final, but the fact they may have to overcome two Italian sides could hamper them. Nevertheless, the winner of the competition will come from the other half of the draw. Real Madrid can't keep going forever, so this will be the year Manchester City finally win it. It's going to happen some time, folks, so get used to the idea.
Who will win the Europa League?
Manchester United may have been given a tough draw but they must be strong favourites regardless as the only really half-decent team left in a tournament that hasn't had a lot of quality this term. They should win it, and I wouldn't be surprised if they complete the cup treble Liverpool achieved in 2001 by also adding the FA Cup to the League Cup they've already secured.
GET INVOLVED: Will Liverpool be in next season's Champions League? Predict their results for the rest of the season to see if they are able to finish in the top four using our Premier League predicter below:
Theo Squires, Liverpool writer
Who will win the title?
A month ago I would have said Man City for the title. But the manner of Arsenal’s recent victories over the likes of Aston Villa and AFC Bournemouth do demonstrate a real champions mentality. Maybe they have enough to do it after all? Their trip to the Etihad next month is decisive.
Who will finish top 4?
The top two is settled. Manchester United take third and let’s be optimistic and say Liverpool sneak fourth.
Who will qualify for Europe?
Spurs, Newcastle and Brighton take the remaining European places.
Who will get relegated?
I’d be surprised if Bournemouth didn’t get relegated, but it’s so hard to call at the bottom. Southampton have the toughest run of fixtures, while the lack of January signings could cost Everton. Meanwhile, a lack of goals could be Wolves’ undoing. All three of them have played the most games too, so let’s say it’s between them in joining the Cherries in the Championship.
Who will win the Champions League?
The Champions League’s still going on, is it? Thought it ended last week. Couldn’t care less.
Napoli get to the final, but Real Madrid always gonna Real Madrid. With Liverpool now out of it, I wouldn’t begrudge Sadio Mane winning it with Bayern Munich though.
Who will win the Europa League?
Let me just Google who’s still in this one. Fingers crossed it remains equally off Liverpool’s radar come the end of the season. Bayer Leverkusen are still in it? Great, I’m team Xabi Alonso then!
Joe Thomas, Everton correspondent
Who will win the title?
Arsenal. Their defeat at Everton sparked a poor run but they have bounced in recent games. The resilience they have shown has been impressive, as has been the emphatic manner in which they have won crucial matches, scoring at least three in each of their last four (though they left it late against Bournemouth). Manchester City's Champions League draw is tough and the five point gap and fact Arsenal only have eyes on the title mean it is theirs to lose.
Who will finish top 4?
Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool. Liverpool's task was made harder by the defeat to Bournemouth but Spurs are in crisis and Newcastle United's depth is limited. This has been a bad season for Liverpool but when they get it right they are still one of the best teams in the world and if they can regroup and pick up some momentum, they sneak in there.
Who will qualify for Europe?
Newcastle United, Spurs and Brighton. I think the games in hand just give Brighton the edge over Brentford, particularly as Brighton seem to have more players capable of chipping in with a goal.
Who will get relegated?
Bournemouth, Southampton and Nottingham Forest. Sean Dyche has given Everton a much-needed boost and I think it will be enough to carry them to safety. Forest have stayed away from danger for so long but now they are playing under pressure having been dragged into the fight, I'm not sure there is the resilience within such a newly-formed squad to survive.
Who will win the Champions League?
Napoli. They have Serie A sewn up and their half of the draw avoids the main contenders. Benfica are a good side but I back Napoli to reach the final from that side of the draw and their attacking threat can cause anyone problems over 90 minutes in the final. They have the best opportunity to reserve themselves for that occasion and that could be the difference.
Who will win the Europa League?
Manchester United. I think it will be whoever wins the Man United v Sevilla tie and it looks like Eric ten Hag is building a winning mentality there. Had Arsenal overcome Sporting Lisbon then I would have had them down as my favourites.
GET INVOLVED: Will Everton be relegated? Predict their results for the rest of the season to see if they are able to beat the drop using our Premier League predicter below:
Chris Beesley, Everton reporter
Who will win the title?
Like most people I went for Manchester City at the start of the season and while I still wouldn't rule them out, surprise package Arsenal are displaying great spirit to suggest they could hold on for what would be a magnificent achievement for pupil Mikel Arteta against master Pep Guardiola who he used to be assistant to at the Etihad,
Who will finish top 4?
1) Arsenal; 2) Manchester City; 3) Manchester United; 4) Liverpool.
The top three to stay the same but Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool to make their inevitable push to edge out Tottenham Hotspur and nouveau riche Newcastle United for the last spot. Remember the lockdown season when they were eighth as late as April and they still made it into the Champions League places?
Who will get relegated?
Wow, what a call to make! Just four points separating the bottom nine and three points between eight of those clubs from 12th-19th.
Despite what was a disgusting lack of recruitment from Everton in the January transfer window, Sean Dyche's nous should be just about enough for the Blues to climb to safety after Frank Lampard had them plummeting towards the Championship.
How can anyone serious make a call on this with any degree of certainty? I'll say Southampton, Bournemouth and Leeds United.
Who will win the Champions League?
It should be Manchester City but they say that every year and there are some things that money can't buy and the petrodollar-fuelled side from down the East Lancs Road always seem to bottle it at the business end of the competition. They seem to be in the tougher half of the draw too.
I'll play the percentages and say Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti again despite their last-gasp heart break at the Camp Nou on Sunday night that left them 12 points adrift of arch rivals Barcelona in La Liga.
Who will win the Europa League?
Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson's old noisy neighbours might flounder in Europe again but despite their recent humiliation at Anfield, Erik ten Hag is a top coach who is finally turning things around at Old Trafford after a decade of decline following their legendary Scottish manager's retirement.
Dave Powell, Business of Football Reporter
Who will win the title?
Arsenal show no signs of stopping and the lead that they've built up, while not unassailable, would take some closing, not least for a Manchester City team who aren't the relentless force of recent seasons this time around.
Who will finish top 4?
City will take second, Manchester United third and I remain convinced Liverpool will finish fourth.
Who will qualify for Europe?
Tottenham Hotspur are experiencing some real tumult right now and Newcastle United's form has dipped and they'll draw too many.
Who will get relegated?
It will be decided on the final day.
Who will win the Champions League?
Real Madrid still have the players for the big occasions and they will brush aside Chelsea in the quarter final. Nobody is better equipped that Carlo Ancelotti to win this season's competition. He'll lift it for the fifth time.
Who will win the Europa League?
My head says Manchester United as I think they have tended to save the best version of themselves for Europe this season. My heart is backing Union Saint-Gilloise all the way, though. They are a remarkable model of how to effectively recruit on a small budget.
Richard Garnett, Football Writer
Who will win the title?
Arsenal have been the best team to watch all season and have, in their sights, the prospect of ending a 19-year wait for the Premier League title. That's precisely why I think they'll blow it and will be overtaken by Manchester City by the end of the season. See how you like it, Arsenal.
Who will finish top 4?
The Gunners will finish a galling second and will be joined in the top four by Manchester United and one of either Tottenham, Newcastle or Liverpool. The Reds have hardly troubled the top four all season so I see no logical reason why that should change now. That said, both Newcastle and Tottenham look capable of blowing it, but I'm backing Spurs to be the ultimate bottle-jobs, leaving the door open for Eddie Howe's Magpies to make a return to the Champions League ahead of schedule.
Who will qualify for Europe?
Liverpool and Spurs qualify for the Europa League with Brighton boxing well above their weight to hold off the threat of Brentford, Fulham and Chelsea for the Conference League spot.
Who will get relegated?
At the other end of the table, anyone from Crystal Palace down could find themselves in the Championship next season. Sean Dyche will probably do enough to avert Everton's half-expected doom, so I'm picking Southampton, Bournemouth and Leeds United to be the three to drop.
Who will win the Champions League?
Manchester City have got a tough game on their hands against Bayern Munich, but if they can get through that one, I make them favourites to win their first European Cup. Napoli are in a great moment and will be gunning for glory, but watch out for that annoying team in white from Madrid. It's fair to say that they know how to get it done.
Who will win the Europa League?
Jose Mourinho loves a bit of European football doesn't he? Conference League champions with Roma last season, I'm backing him to go one better this year, beating that team from Manchester in the final. That's if Erik ten Hag's men can get past Europa League specialists Sevilla first, of course.
Keifer Macdonald, Football Writer
Who will win the title?
Manchester City
Despite Arsenal playing an almost flawless season to date, I still believe Manchester City will lift their fifth Premier League title in six seasons. The reasoning behind such a belief is quite simple really; Manchester City and Pep Guardiola have been there, won that and got the t-shirt to show for it.
Of course, Liverpool will have a big say in proceedings as they face both of the Premier League's top two sides in April. However, I think Arsenal's eight-point gap (albeit having played a game more) won't be enough to withstand visits to both Anfield and the Etihad in the coming weeks and when push comes to shove Manchester City will be there to capitalise on the Gunners' lack of experience - even when not at their scintillating best.
Who will finish top 4?
Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool.
While there are still plenty of twists and turns in what has been a stuttering race for the Champions League positions, I think, similarly to Manchester City, Liverpool's experience in the business end of the season will see them pip both Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur to fourth.
Of course, with the Reds facing Manchester City, Chelsea and April in their next three Premier League games there is every chance Jurgen Klopp's side could be out of the race come the 9th of April.
But elsewhere in the race, I think Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal have all but confirmed their qualification in next season's competition, leaving just one final spot up for grabs.
Who will qualify for Europe?
EL - Tottenham and Newcastle
ECL - Brighton
Who will get relegated?
Bournemouth
Southampton
Leeds United
While my deciding factor for sentencing Bournemouth to an immediate return to the Championship is the lack of actual quality within their squad, I think the play styles of both Leeds United and Southampton will ultimately seal their fate.
As highlighted against Wolves, Javi Garcia's side are clearly capable of putting the ball in the back of the net and do boast real attacking quality in their ranks. However, their inability to see out games in a composed manner will prove to be the Whites' downfall between now and the end of the campaign.
Who will win the Champions League?
Real Madrid
As has been the case in recent seasons, I think it's incredibly hard to look past 14-time winners Real Madrid and their undeniable romance with the European Cup.
While Carlo Ancelotti's side have clearly been handed the 'harder' side of the bracket as they face Chelsea before a potential semi-final clash with either Manchester City or Bayern Munich, the talents of Vinicius Jr and Karim Benzema - supported by a glittering supply line of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos - will prove too formidable for any of the remaining clubs to prevent Madrid from claiming a record 15th European Cup.
Who will win the Europa League?
Manchester United
While Tottenham, Newcastle, Liverpool and Brighton all scrap for a place in the Premier League's top-four and Manchester City and Arsenal battle it out for the league title, Manchester United's position in almost no man's land will allow them to slowly turn their attention to the final rounds of the Europa League after a six-month slog.
A potential reunion with Paul Pogba and his resurgent Juventus side is likely to be the toughest task the Red Devils face but, as was the case with La Liga leaders Barcelona last month, the luxury of a two-legged tie should see United home and hosed.
READ NEXT
- Only 14 Liverpool players 'guaranteed' Anfield future ahead of summer revamp
- Jude Bellingham transfer news as Steven Gerrard sends message over Liverpool target
- Liverpool investment latest as FSG model could be copied by Manchester United
- Liverpool would miss out on two major trophies under 'unfair' new rule change
- Liverpool chances of signing Bellingham and your transfer questions answered
