Liverpool in May: Can Klopp’s team get 15 points to lay down a marker for next season?

Liverpool edged Tottenham Hotspur in a 4-3 thriller at Anfield on Sunday to boost their chances for a top-four finish. An easy victory looked on the cards after the Reds found themselves three goals ahead within the first 15 minutes. But a great comeback from Spurs saw them level the scores in the third minute of injury time, only for Diogo Jota to score another for a stunning home success. 

Jurgen Klopp’s side are now on a four-game winning run but their hopes of Champions League football are firmly out of their hands. Manchester United are seven points ahead of them in fourth, despite having played a game less. Meanwhile, Newcastle United are leading with nine points after a spectacular 2022-23 campaign under Eddie Howe. 

Liverpool could secure a top-four finish at the expense of the two above two teams, but they will need to win all their remaining five matches. But even that will not be enough if the other results don’t go their way. 

United will need nine points from their remaining six matches to ensure the Reds finish below them. But if Brighton & Hove Albion win their seven games, Erik ten Hag’s side will need to hit 74 by collecting 11 more points. 

The odds look heavily in Man Utd’s favour, with Brighton, West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Bournemouth, Chelsea and Fulham as their next opponents. Three of these matches will be on home soil, thus further increasing their chances of hitting the required points total. 

Meanwhile, Newcastle will need seven points from their remaining five league games to leave Liverpool no chance of overtaking them. The Magpies are on a three-match winning run and it looks very unlikely they will drop enough points to hit 71 or below. 

At this stage, Liverpool only need to concentrate on their remaining games and hope either United or Newcastle slip up. 

Below we look at their final five matches of the season.

Liverpool vs Fulham (May 3, 2023)

Fulham haven’t been very convincing this month, with the Cottagers losing four of their six matches. But they have enjoyed a brilliant season overall under Marco Silva and  have a slim chance of securing any form of European football. 

Liverpool’s current form suggests they shouldn’t have any problems picking up full points at Anfield. 

Prediction: Win

Liverpool vs Brentford (May 6, 2023)

Brentford are aiming for another strong finish in the Premier League following their promotion to the top-flight in 2021. They stunned Chelsea 2-0 last month before beating Nottingham Forest 2-1 on home soil. But Anfield is a very difficult place for any team to secure a good result, and we are backing Klopp’s men to edge this contest.  

Prediction: Win

Leicester vs Liverpool (May 15, 2023) 

Leicester are desperately fighting for survival in the English top-flight. We expect them to put up a big fight at the King Power Stadium when Liverpool visit them on May 15. 

Prediction: Draw

Liverpool vs Aston Villa (May 20, 2023) 

Villa’s transformation under Unai Emery has been remarkable, and they are now in contention for a Europa League place next season. 

But the Reds outclassed them 3-1 at Villa Park in December, and we are expecting a somewhat similar result in the reverse fixture. 

Prediction: Win

Southampton vs Liverpool (May 28)

Southampton are the most likely team to suffer the drop this season. They are at the foot of the table with five points behind their nearest rivals Everton. 

Liverpool should comfortably win the St Mary’s Stadium encounter on May 28. 

Prediction: Win 

Conclusion 

Liverpool are expected to pick up maximum points from their remaining fixtures, but a top-four finish still looks unlikely. Because that will depend on slip-ups from Manchester United and Newcastle. 

United haven’t been very convincing in recent weeks and that’s understandable considering injuries to first-choice defenders Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez. But they boast plenty of quality in their squad and also have an easier run-in. 

Meanwhile, the Magpies are also in a strong position to secure Champions League football for next term. Newcastle’s remaining fixtures are against Arsenal, Leeds United, Brighton, Leicester City and Chelsea.  

However, Liverpool can lay down a marker for next season with an impressive run.