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Kieran King

Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp delivers fresh top four prediction amid Man Utd warning

Liverpool can close the gap to within a point of the Champions League places with a win over Brentford on Saturday evening.

Jurgen Klopp's side recorded their fifth victory in a row on Wednesday as they scraped past Fulham at Anfield, with Mohamed Salah scoring the decisive goal. It was a result that moved to them four points behind fourth-place Manchester United in the race for the top-four.

The Red Devils had the chance to extend that gap but failed to capitalise as they were beaten 1-0 at Brighton on Thursday to leave the top four race wide open. However, Liverpool's next game won't be a walkover by any stretch. Thomas Frank's Brentford have done well this season and won the reverse fixture 3-1.

Here is the latest news to come out of Anfield.

Klopp's Champions League verdict

Jurgen Klopp has issued a warning to Manchester United and his Liverpool side that Brighton are firmly in the mix for a Champions League spot ahead of the run-in.

Brighton sit four points behind Liverpool in the table but have two games in hand - although they are against Manchester City and Newcastle.

He said: "Other teams are above us and if they win their games we have no chance. We have teams behind us, Brighton could win all of their games this season given how they played last night.

"We have 59 pts, we can get 71 maximum, I think United will get the points they need. We have enough to do with ourselves. Brentford, oh my God, it's such a difficult game. They are really good at counter attacking. The players and the manager are great.

"All we can do is take care of our own business. The way the top four have played over the year, nobody looks like they'll lose more games than they'll win between now and end of the season."

Jurgen Klopp has been speaking ahead of Liverpool's game against Brentford (Getty Images)

Liverpool team news

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Thiago will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery - while Diogo Jota has another issue and is doubtful for the game against Brentford.

The Spaniard has missed the last two matches against Tottenham and Fulham. Speaking in his press conference, Klopp said: Diogo has his back issue, he has a bruised rib. Bobby is not yet in team training, we hope he can start next week.

"Thiago will have the surgery and is out for the rest of the season. Hendo we have to see. He had a scan yesterday but we do not have the results yet. It's not a big thing."

They join Calvin Bassey and Stefan Bajetic on the injury table as Liverpool aim to get into the Champions League.

Liverpool to play national anthem

Liverpool will play the national anthem before Saturday's game against Brentford - but have issued a "personal choice" to fans.

Before the game, Liverpool are set to mark a series of special events. In September 2022, the city was selected to host the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine. Liverpool will celebrate that achievement and include a special section in the matchday programme, where Jurgen Klopp provides support for the competition.

Alongside this, in recognition of the Premier League's request to mark King Charles III's coronation, players and officials will congregate around the centre circle when the national anthem will be played. However, Liverpool added that "it is, of course, a personal choice how those at Anfield on Saturday mark this occasion".

They also recognise that some Liverpool fans have strong views on the matter, with the King's Coronation set to take place at Westminster Abbey at 11am - and last the majority of the day. During the ceremony, the King will be crowned alongside Camilla, the Queen Consort.

Read more here.

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