Liverpool's hopes of securing Champions League football for next season were raised after Brighton's surprise 5-1 defeat by Everton on Monday afternoon.
Roberto De Zerbi's side were expected to comfortably come out on top, having beaten Manchester United and earned a comprehensive 6-0 victory over Wolves in their previous two matches, but were blown away by the Blues in emphatic fashion to dent their top-four dreams.
The Seagulls had the opportunity to move to within two points of Manchester United had they won their two games in hand, posing serious competition to Liverpool's hopes of qualifying for Europe's elite competition. Defeat, however, has now left the Reds in a stronger position by boasting a seven-point advantage over Brighton despite playing two games more.
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Also offered helping hands by Newcastle and United both losing this weekend, Jurgen Klopp's side are now waiting to pounce should either team again stumble in their remaining fixtures. Newcastle will face Leeds United, Brighton, Leicester City and Chelsea in their final four outings, meanwhile the Red Devils will take on Wolves, Fulham and Chelsea at Old Trafford and Bournemouth on their travels.
Liverpool travel to relegation-threatened Leicester City next Monday before going head-to-head with Aston Villa at Anfield and Southampton on the final day.
Premier League run-in:
Liverpool
May 15 - Leicester (A)
May 20 - Aston Villa (H)
May 28 - Southampton (A)
Manchester United
May 13 - Wolves (H)
May 20 - Bournemouth (A)
May 25 - Chelsea (H)
May 28 - Fulham (H)
Newcastle United
May 13 - Leeds (A)
May 18 - Brighton (H)
May 22 - Leicester (H)
May 28 - Chelsea (A)
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