‘Liverpool Miss Out’ – Former PL Star Doesn’t See Reds In Top Five, Backs Aston Villa

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Michael Steele/Getty Images Former Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop believes Liverpool will miss out on Champions League qualification, arguing that Aston Villa have an easier run-in and are likely to collect enough points before facing the Reds in the penultimate game of the season. As it stands, just three points separate third from sixth in the Premier League table with nine games remaining, as Manchester United, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool jostle for the coveted Champions League places.

In the nine fixtures that remain, Liverpool must still navigate away trips to Everton and Manchester United, along with a home clash against Chelsea at Anfield, before travelling to Birmingham to face Aston Villa. Aston Villa Liverpool Burnley (A) Chelsea (H) Liverpool (H) Aston Villa (A) Manchester City (A) Brentford (H) Aston Villa and Liverpool’s last three games The former top flight shot stopper noted that Aston Villa and Liverpool still have to face each other in the penultimate round and added that, despite Villa closing the season against Liverpool and Manchester City, he expects them to collect enough points beforehand to finish above the Merseyside club.

“Villa’s run-in is far easier than Liverpool’s. “Villa finish with Liverpool and City, but before that I think Villa will amass enough points to finish ahead of Liverpool.” Liverpool sit sixth in the Premier League table, level on 48 points with Chelsea, but outside the top five on goal difference, although one Reds legend has expressed confidence that they will ultimately secure a Champions League place.