Liverpool and rivals' run-ins analysed as unlikely Champions League contender emerges

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But the question now turns to who will occupy it.The defending champions Liverpool currently sit fifth but could move above an Aston Villa side on the slide and in-form Manchester United tonight (Tuesday).But even if the Reds were to beat Wolves at Molineux and climb into the top three, the competition for a top-five finish remains strong, with Chelsea and even surprise-package Brentford in the mix, given only eight point separates third from seventh place at present.READ MORE: Highly-rated defender who has already namechecked Liverpool 'wants' transferREAD MORE: Julian Nagelsmann explains 'very complicated' transfer situation that led to Liverpool moveSo, what do each clubs' remaining fixtures tell us about Liverpool’s hopes of playing Champions league football in 2026-27? Their run-in is:Newcastle United (A), Aston Villa (H), Bournemouth (A), Leeds United (H), Chelsea (A), Brentford (H), Liverpool (H), Sunderland (A), Nottingham Forest (H), Brighton & Hove Albion (A)Facing two teams around them in the next five games, along with difficult fixtures Newcastle United and Leeds United, is only beneficial to Liverpool’s hopes of securing a spot in the top five.Reds fans can be further buoyed by United’s difficult fixtures in late April, when after heading to Stamford Bridge, they entertain Brentford, before welcoming their bitter rivals to Old Trafford for what promises to be a crucial encounter.Man United, however, do have the benefit of being the only team in the current top seven not to be playing European football or being involved in domestic cup competitions.Aston Villa (4th, 51 points)Aston Villa have held a place in the top four since November 23 but have dipped in recent weeks.

Their run-in is:Chelsea (H), Manchester United (A), West Ham United (H), Nottingham Forest (A), Sunderland (H), Fulham (A), Tottenham Hotspur (H), Burnley (A), Liverpool (H), Manchester City (A)Villa’s current form and lack of confidence will may not be improved by facing Chelsea and Man United in their next two games.After a brilliant start to the year, Unai Emery's men look at risk of slipping out of the top five, with these next two matches potentially crucial in deciding their fate, especially as they face Liverpool and Manchester City in their final two fixtures of the campaign.Liverpool (5th, 48 points)Liverpool have struggled to find their rhythm under title-winning boss Arne Slot this season, but after beating West Ham United 5-2 at the weekend, they will be hoping to kick on in their hunt for Champions League Football. Their run-in is:Wolves (A), Tottenham Hotspur (H), Brighton & Hove Albion (A), Fulham (H), Everton (A), Crystal Palace (H), Manchester United (A), Chelsea (H), Aston Villa (A), Brentford (H)The focus for the Reds is not to drop unnecessary points in the next four games leading up to the Merseyside derby on April 18 (TBC).Following their first-ever visit to Hill Hickinson Stadium, their run-in includes each of the four sides around them, which will be the real decider of Liverpool’s season.This presents a challenging run in for the defending champions, but also means their destiny of is in their own hands.Chelsea (6th, 45 points)Having sacked Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day after one win in seven games, Chelsea appear to have found some sort of stability again under Liam Rosenior.

Their run-in is:Aston Villa (A), Newcastle United (H), Everton (A), Manchester City (H), Manchester United (H), Brighton & Hove Albion (A), Nottingham Forest (H), Liverpool (A), Tottenham Hotspur (H), Sunderland (A)Opta predicts Chelsea to finish sixth, losing out to Liverpool in the hunt for Champions League football. Their run-in is:Bournemouth (A), Wolves (H), Leeds United (A), Everton (H), Fulham (H), Manchester United (A), West Ham United (H), Manchester City (A), Crystal Palace (H), Liverpool (A)Brentford will look to capitalise on games against relegation-threatened Leeds United, West Ham United and Wolves to close the gap on the teams above them.