Supercomputer increases Liverpool's Champions League chances after 5-2 win over West Ham
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Liverpool have seen their chances of securing a Champions League spot go up post-West Ham, according to Opta’s supercomputer.Saturday’s 5-2 win over the Hammers was certainly an interesting watch with some positive moments.Hugo Ekitike shone, scoring a goal and providing two assists, while Jeremie Frimpong looked sharp on his return from the sidelines. Did anyone actually deserve man of the match against West Ham? 😆 If so, who was it?
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images Yet, despite scoring five, Liverpool never really looked that comfortable for much of the game. However, a win is a win, and the Reds’ Champions League chances have increased.Liverpool backed for fourth-place Premier League finishAfter beating Nottingham Forest last time out, Liverpool were given a 50.78% chance of qualifying for the Champions League next term by Opta’s supercomputer.Post-West Ham, Arne Slot’s side have climbed above Chelsea in the actual Premier League table and are level on points with Manchester United for the time being.The Red Devils can restore their three-point lead on Sunday, but despite still being above Liverpool, it is the Merseyside outfit that Opta are predicting to finish fourth this season.Their supercomputer has now increased the Reds’ chances of Champions League qualification to 56.46%.Chelsea, on the other hand, are expected to end the campaign in sixth, which will not be a top-tier European place (22.24% chance of Champions League football).Manchester United, meanwhile, are backed to end 2025/26 in fifth with a 47.74% chance of making it into Europe’s top-tier competition.Interestingly, despite it previously looking like a three-horse race for Europe, Aston Villa’s declining form means they could be sucked into the battle as well.Unai Emery’s side lost to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday evening, winning just one of their last five league games, and are now only three points ahead of Liverpool with a two-worse goal difference.Liverpool are next in Premier League action against Wolves on Tuesday, while Chelsea face Arsenal on Sunday and Man Utd take on Crystal Palace in a 2pm kick-off on March 1.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox