Liverpool are still searching for their first Premier League win of the year as they prepare to take on Bournemouth.
A 3-0 win over Marseille in the Champions League put an end to a disappointing run of form in 2026.
However, Arne Slot’s side have generally been much better in Europe this season, with the real issues coming in the league.
mail iconJoin our newsletter for news & smart analysis.
Liverpool have a largely fit squad for the Bournemouth meeting, but that has been the case for the first four games of the year, all of which have ended as draws.
Despite the winless run, the Merseyside outfit have managed to maintain their place in the Premier League top-four, for now.
Who’s your XI to beat Bournemouth on Saturday?
Does Salah start again?
Liverpool Predicted XI vs Bournemouth
RTK Predicted XI vs Bournemouth
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Arne Slot backs Liverpool to fend off Manchester United and more
Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa are already at least seven points clear of Liverpool.
But below Slot’s side, there are just three points separating them and ninth-place Sunderland.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
Perhaps most concerningly, Chelsea and Manchester United have made managerial changes, both of which have so far had positive impacts.
Yet, when asked in his pre-Bournemouth press conference if Liverpool will finish in one of the Champions League places this season, Slot’s stance was clear.
He said: “I’m very confident [Liverpool will finish top-four/five] because I work with these players every single day, and I see the qualities they are having.
“But it’s always hard to predict the future because if these players all stay available, we are in a very good place. But sometimes in football, you can pick up injuries from nowhere.”
He continued: “I think this team have shown many times, if they are available and if they are fit, very, very competitive team against any team in the world. So there’s a lot of confidence from me looking forward, looking to the future.”
Slot is backing Liverpool for a top-four finish. Where do you think the Reds will end 25/26?
Slot predicted Liverpool will earn Champions League football in his pre-Bournemouth press conference!
Arne Slot prior to Liverpool v Leeds United - Premier League
Credit: Liverpool FC/Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Opta names final Premier League table
As mentioned, Liverpool could drop out of the European places this weekend if they lose to Bournemouth and results elsewhere don’t go their way.
Despite this, Opta give the current Premier League champions 53.25% chance of securing Champions League football this term.
That is more than double Chelsea, who are expected to finish fifth with a 23.43% chance of qualifying for Europe’s premier competition.
Newcastle United (10.67%) and Manchester United (10.33%) are then the next most likely teams to finish inside the top four or five.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox