Liverpool handed boost in Champions League race without even kicking a ball
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesPremier LeagueIn a busy weekend of Premier League action, Brighton and Brentford were both up first in the battle for European places, and the results suited both Liverpool and Manchester United ahead of Sunday's Old Trafford clashBrighton slipped up in the race for the Premier League top five placesLiverpool was handed a boost in its pursuit of a Champions League finish on Saturday, after Brighton was beaten by Newcastle.It means a victory for the Reds against Manchester United on Sunday could secure a top-five spot this season, and a place in Europe’s premier competition next term.Brighton had begun the weekend in sixth and were the Reds’ closest rivals in the battle for the top five. However, Fabian Hurzeler’s side fell to a 2-1 loss at St.
James Park and have slipped to seventh and it must now win all its remaining league matches this season and hope Liverpool loses its last four, to overhaul the Reds’ 58-point tally.READ MORE: Jan Paul van Hecke has already discussed playing with Virgil van Dijk amid Liverpool linksREAD MORE: Anthony Gordon has already revealed family ties to Liverpool as transfer rumors re-emergeBrentford leapfrogged Brighton following a 3-0 victory over relegation-threatened West Ham. The Hammers's attention will turn to Villa Park on Sunday, and hope Tottenham does not come away from the Midlands with a victory that would see it move out of the bottom three.As for Brentford, it now trails Liverpool by seven points in the table, meaning a win at Old Trafford on Sunday would make it impossible for Brentford or Brighton to catch the reigning champions.Should Liverpool win, only Bournemouth could match the 61 points it will have amassed, but the Cherries would need to win all of its remaining four games of the season.Newcastle did Liverpool a favor on SaturdayThe south-coast side host Crystal Palace on Sunday, and both sides will be conscious of events at the Vitality Stadium.The game may also prove significant for United, which is three points clear of Liverpool.With Bournemouth kicking off against Palace 90 minutes before the game at Old Trafford begins, the Red Devils could discover within minutes of the match beginning that a top-five place is guaranteed no matter the score against Liverpool.Brentford beat West Ham 3-0 on SaturdayRegardless of the permutations, it is a matter of time until United, Liverpool and fifth-place Aston Villa see their Champions League places confirmed.All three have endured mixed seasons, with good runs of form offset by disastrous declines.A top-five finish is also likely to ensure Arne Slot remains at Liverpool into next term, and that he will be given the chance to address the issues that have blighted his second campaign at Anfield.After a disastrous backslide this year, the Reds will aim to challenge the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal for the title once again in 2026/27.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCBrightonBrentford FCPremier League