Liverpool’s Champions League hopes have been boosted following the latest Premier League gameweek coming to a close.
It began with Manchester United and Chelsea both dropping points in their meetings with West Ham United and Leeds United.
The onus was then on Liverpool to step up and secure a big result against a Sunderland team who have been excellent at home this term.
Who was Liverpool’s best player in the excellent win over Sunderland, and why?
What a win!
Liverpool players celebrate goal against Sunderland
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
When all was said and done, Virgil van Dijk’s goal won the game and saw the Reds gain some much-needed ground on their title rivals.
Opta now predict Liverpool will finish 5th in the Premier League table, which may be enough for Champions League qualification depending on where the English top-flight ranks in UEFA’s coefficient.
Regardless, it’s still expected to be a tight battle between Liverpool, Man Utd and Chelsea.
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Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea’s end-of-season Premier League fixtures compared
With the gap so close right now, the top-four/five is not expected to be decided until the back end of the campaign.
On that front, Liverpool have some pretty tricky fixtures to end off 2025/26, including what could be a huge meeting with Man Utd.
Manchester United vs Liverpool, May 2
Liverpool vs Chelsea, May 9
Aston Villa vs Liverpool, May 17
Liverpool vs Brentford, May 24
Facing three of the current top-five in the last four meetings of the season probably isn’t what Slot wants.
Though there could be an argument that it leaves Liverpool’s Champions League destiny very much in their own hands, rather than having to rely on other sides to take points off Utd and Chelsea.
Manchester United’s last four Premier League fixtures 2025/26
Manchester United vs Liverpool, May 2
Sunderland vs Manchester United, May 9
Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest, May 17
Brighton vs Manchester United, May 24
Chelsea’s last four Premier League fixtures 2025/26
Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest, May 2
Liverpool vs Chelsea, May 9
Chelsea vs Tottenham, May 17
Sunderland vs Chelsea, May 24
Man Utd probably have the easiest end to the season, followed by Chelsea and then Liverpool.
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