Liverpool face Watford on Monday. Depending on how the rest of the Premier League fixtures turn out this weekend, the Reds could find themselves outside the top four.
Both Manchester clubs are lying in wait, just one or two points behind Jurgen Klopp’s side. These clubs can easily overtake the Reds before their Monday match at Vicarage Road. The number three, four, and five spots in the table are extremely close. It will likely come down to the last match-week to see who is in and who is out of European football next season.
All season Liverpool have been in a position of holding off the competition, but they may soon be in the position of chasing both Manchester clubs. What is also working against Klopp is his side have already played an extra match. They are one match ahead most clubs on the fixture list. This is due to the Reds having no European football this season and were eliminated quickly in both domestic cup challenges.
A Quick Recovery
Last week, Liverpool found themselves with another loss, a 1-2 loss to Crystal Palace. This not only was a defeat on the pitch for the Reds but also in the hearts of their fans. Too often this season Klopp’s side have disappointed against lower-table sides. It is heart -breaking. There is so much talent at Anfield and it is squander with horrible losses like the one last Saturday.
The Reds have been exposed. They struggle against set pieces and make unintelligent decisions on defense, time and time again. According the Squawka, Liverpool rank 18th in defense this season in the Premier League. The only two sides that are worse are Hull City and Swansea. That is not great company to be a part of if you really want to play in European football next season.
On the other hand, the top three defensive teams in the league this season are Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham. Well at this point, two of those three clubs are headed to Europe next season for sure. If Klopp wants to hold on to his top-four spot, his side needs to win out and that means winning against the lower-table side of Watford on Monday. It is truly do or die for the Reds.