Liverpool are pushing for a top eight finish in the Champions Leagueplaceholder image
Liverpool are pushing for a top eight finish in the Champions League | AFP via Getty Images
Liverpool will face Marseille and Qarabag in their final league phase fixtures
The Reds are currently 11th in the table after the Tuesday results but they have a big opportunity to break into the top eight with a win tonight. Three points in France could see Liverpool move to as high as fourth, with just one game left to play at this stage.
As things stand, Liverpool will be comfortable knowing they are least guaranteed a place in the top 24, providing they don’t lose their remaining two matches. Clubs who finish between ninth and 24th will need to face the play-offs to secure their spot in the next round.
In order to avoid playing an extra round, here’s what Liverpool need to finish inside the top eight and confirm automatic qualification for the round of 16.
What do Liverpool need to secure Champions League top eight?
Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain both suffered shock defeats on Tuesday, meaning Liverpool can leapfrog them tonight with a win over Marseille. City lost 3-1 to Bodo/Glimt, while Sporting beat PSG 2-1.
Last season, Liverpool topped the Champions League table with 21 points from seven wins from a possible eight. While they are no longer in a position to match such a tally, they are on track for a top eight finish based on the previous standings.
Bayer Leverkusen, LOSC and Aston Villa finished sixth, seventh and eighth respectively with 16 points, which Liverpool are just four points off.
Realistically, a win and a draw from their upcoming meetings with Marseille and Qarabag should be enough to avoid the February play-offs. Two wins will make it an even more comfortable battle for the Reds, especially as others ahead of them will likely drop points based on how this season has gone so far.
Liverpool Champions League fate predicted by Opta
Opta has predicted how the league phase will play out between now and the end of the month, based on form so far and all remaining fixtures.
According to the latest projection, Liverpool are predicted to finish fourth during this stage of the Champions League, with 16.24 points, behind Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and leaders Arsenal.
The rest of the top eight is predicted to consist of Atalanta, Atletico Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur and Man City. If this plays out, Liverpool will secure an automatic place in the Champions League knockouts and will hope to improve on last season, when they exited the tournament in the round of 16.
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