Liverpool have slipped down to sixth and well off the pace of Manchester United ahead of their meeting with Sunderland.
The Reds have gone from Premier League champions to possibly not qualifying for the Champions League in the space of one season.
Arne Slot could lose his job if Liverpool don’t make it into Europe’s premier competition, Jamie Carragher thinks.
However, after losing to Manchester City on Sunday, Slot’s side are now five points adrift of Manchester United and four behind fifth-place Chelsea.
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Cody Gakpo pictured in action during Liverpool's Premier League match against Leeds United at Elland Road.
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Sunderland are next up for Liverpool, and they are expected to prove another difficult test, currently sitting just three points behind the Reds.
Ryan Gravenberch rates Liverpool’s Champions League chances
Ahead of the tie, midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has been asked about the club’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League.
Liverpool have won just one of their last seven Premier League games, while Man Utd and Chelsea have both won four in a row.
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Despite this, the Dutchman is still confident about his side’s chances of making it into Europe.
He told the club’s website: “We have to start winning games.
“I’m confident. It’s a difficult position but I’m not really concerned because I know the quality we have, but we will see. We have to keep pushing still.”
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Arne Slot on Liverpool future
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Liverpool’s expected Premier League finish
After the defeat to City, the Reds are no longer expected to finish in the top four by Opta.
Fifth place could, and probably will be, a Champions League spot come 2026/27.
However, Liverpool aren’t even expected to finish there going into the final few months of the campaign.
Instead, their most likely position is sixth, which will only get them Europa League football.
Opta give them a 21.70% chance of qualifying for the Champions League.
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