They couldn't, could they?
Liverpool have come from nowhere to challenge Newcastle and Manchester United for Champions League qualification. Jurgen Klopp's side are now just a point behind Man Utd in fourth having played a game more. Liverpool have won six on the bounce in the Premier League... and it would be foolish to rule them out of the race at this stage.
The Reds have trips to relegation candidates Leicester and Southampton on the horizon, with a home clash against European chasers Aston Villa sandwiched in between. Here are the latest headlines from Merseyside ahead of those crucial Premier League fixtures.
Van Dijk ignores talk
Virgil van Dijk is not interested in talking about Liverpool's Champions League hopes. The Dutchman was asked whether they are back in the top four race after beating Brentford 1-0 on Saturday afternoon. He replied: "That's something for you guys to talk about."
Van Dijk is more concerned with Liverpool banishing the inconsistency that's plagued their season. It would be an achievement if they can finish the term with nine consecutive wins.
Van Dijk added: "It has been a very challenging season mentally as well for each one of us, the manager as well and anyone connected with the club. But it's how you deal with it.
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"So far we have been dealing with it in the right way and hopefully we can win the remaining games and take that good feeling into next season and get back to where we want to be."
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Top four hopes analysed
With everyone talking about Liverpool's top four hopes, Mirror Football's finest have made their predictions. Some journalists are backing the Reds to edge Newcastle, Man Utd and Brighton for a Champions League spot, while others think they'll just miss out.
Klopp has played down Liverpool's chances of leapfrogging Newcastle and Man Utd. He told Sky Sports after the win against Brentford: "It [the top four race] is pretty much done."
Click here to find out what our experts had to say...
Arthur hoping for goodbye
It's fair to say Arthur Melo's loan move to Liverpool hasn't gone to plan. The Brazilian arrived from Juventus last summer but has played just 13 minutes of football. He's still waiting for his Premier League debut, having made the bench just five times this season.
Yet Arthur hasn't given up on playing for Liverpool just yet. "Next season I see it with good eyes," the midfielder told GOAL. "It will be decisive in my career and I am working very well. I'm looking forward to showing this new version of Arthur.
"Hopefully I have an option to say goodbye in Liverpool by playing something. To say goodbye to my team-mates, the technical committee and the fans, who have been very good to me."
