Liverpool still have a mountain to climb if they are to snatch Champions League qualification after their top-four rivals Newcastle United gunned down Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday night.
An own goal from Brighton striker Deniz Undav - who later netted at the right end - set the Magpies on their way. Dan Burn, Callum Wilson and Bruno Guimaraes completed the 4-1 verdict at St. James' Park.
Having put together seven wins on the spin, Liverpool gave themselves late hope in the push for Champions League qualification. However, even with further victories in their remaining two games, Jurgen Klopp and his rejuvenated side would only be able to accumulate 71 points.
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Newcastle have now totted-up 69 points from 36 matches after playing their game in hand. It means another win would guarantee them a seat at the top table for next season - while their superior goal difference serves as another buffer on Manchester United and Liverpool below them.
United are currently in fourth position on 66 points from 35 matches. Following the Newcastle result, it looks increasingly like being a two-team scrap between rivals United and Liverpool to join Manchester City, Arsenal and Newcastle in the marquee competition next campaign.
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And there will be no forthcoming boost for the side who finishes fifth-place if City - now through to the UCL showpiece against Italian giants Inter Milan - reign supreme in Europe this season.
It would usually be permitted for five clubs from the same country to play in the Champions League. In order for that to happen, though, a team must win the competition and finish outside of the top four in the Premier League; so Liverpool have one path into the competition by finishing fourth or above.
Realistically, they need to win their final two games, against Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday afternoon and Bournemouth next week, to maintain their quest. On the proviso they do that, United - whose goal difference is way less than Liverpool's as things stand - would need to pick up a maximum five points from their matches, against Bournemouth, Chelsea and Fulham, to see Klopp's men through.
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