"The reality is that any progress that we make now will stand us in good stead for next season and the possibility of Champions League qualification is clearly part of this picture.
"From a financial perspective for the club and from a sporting point of view for the team, we know the importance of finishing in the top five and that is why it is always a priority.
"At the time of writing these notes, I do not know which of our injured players, if any, will be available for this fixture. But what I do know is that the second half against United showed that we still have the quality to impose ourselves on games even if we do have players who are unavailable.
"Injuries have been too much of a factor in our season since it began and it has not been easy to deal with them, especially when they are serious and lead to players being out for a long time.
"We have not used them as an excuse but this does not mean they aren't a reality that we have had to deal with and we will carry on doing so.
"In recent weeks, we have been unable to call upon our first- and second-choice goalkeepers which has led to Freddie Woodman coming into the team.
"The way Freddie has dealt with this situation – particularly the attitude he has shown and the way he has quickly become part of the team – is exactly what we need in a situation like this.
"This is something that our supporters have clearly appreciated and you showed this in our last home game against Palace. This, to me, says so much about our support and we will need that kind of backing today.
"Hopefully on and off the pitch we can give one another exactly what is required."
* **Pick up your copy of the programme at Anfield today or** [**online here**](https://store.liverpoolfc.com/matchday-programme-lfc-cfc-prem)