It's likely that there will be five Champions League positions again this season, but there's six teams, including Liverpool currently fighting it out
Alexis Mac Allister celebrates scoring his side's goal during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool at City Ground.
Alexis Mac Allister scored a late winner for Liverpool against Nottingham Forest.(Image: Andrew Kearns - CameraSport, CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Gary Lineker has predicted that Liverpool will secure a Champions League berth this season, with the former Match of the Day host pointing to improved performances in recent weeks. The Reds won their third game in a row in all competitions in Sunday's Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest.
A 97th-minute goal from Alexis Mac Allister saw Liverpool take all three points in dramatic fashion with a 1-0 win. The goal came just minutes after the same player had a goal ruled out for handball.
The victory moved Liverpool level on points with both Chelsea in fourth and Manchester United in fifth. Man United are in action on Monday night as they take on Everton away.
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They are unbeaten since Michael Carrick took interim charge of the club. In his five games in charge so far, they have won four and drawn one.
Just like last season, England's European coefficient suggests that the top five will likely qualify for the Champions League next term. That represents positive news for the clubs, including Liverpool, competing for those positions.
However, with six teams currently vying for places, it guarantees that at least one will be disappointed.
Speaking on The Rest is Football, Lineker has offered his view on who that will be. "It's pretty tight up there for the Champions League spots," he said.
"I would say [Aston] Villa probably, they've got a lot of fixtures. The addition of Tammy Abraham will help them, they'll be in the top five.
"Then two from three. At the moment, the three of them are on 45 points. I think the way they are going, if they stay injury-free, United will take one of them.
"Who would have thought that if you said last season that Man United would finish above Liverpool? Even a few weeks ago you would have gone, what?
Alexis Mac Allister celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool at City Ground.
Alexis Mac Allister scored a crucial late winner against Nottingham Forest(Image: Carl Recine, Getty Images)
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"I think the other spot is between Liverpool and Chelsea. I think United will do it, they've got momentum, belief, but as long as they don't have any injuries, because I don't think they'll cope with that. If they don't, I think they'll finish in the top five.
"Chelsea and Liverpool are both erratic. Chelsea have got a lot going for them, but a bit inexperienced. Liverpool are definitely better than they were in the first half of the season. Defensively, they aren't giving goals away.
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"If you pinned me against the wall and asked me to give you the top five; Arsenal, City, Villa, Man United and Liverpool, Chelsea just missing out."
Villa are currently in third position in the standings, six points clear of Chelsea, United and Liverpool, although United have the match in hand. All three sides, occupying fourth, fifth and sixth, are currently divided by goal difference alone.
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