Liverpool and Manchester United are currently locked in a tightly contested battle for a Champions League place.
Arne Slot has explained the Reds’ struggles in the Premier League this season, suggesting a number of factors have led to their decline.
Thankfully, after five fixtures without a win, which included meetings with Burnley and Bournemouth, Liverpool beat Newcastle United 4-1 this past Saturday.
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However, some of the damage has already been done, and the Merseysiders have slipped out of the Champions League places behind Manchester United and Chelsea.
How many goal contributions will Florian Wirtz end 25/26 with? He’s predicting some ‘crazy’ numbers!
Florian Wirtz during Liverpool v Leeds United - Premier League
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Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike’s Liverpool form displeases Rio Ferdinand
Luckily, there is still plenty of time for Slot and his players to catch Man Utd, who are two points behind, ahead of the latest gameweek.
The Red Devils have improved under Michael Carrick, winning three in a row, but Rio Ferdinand is still wary of Liverpool duo Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.
Wirtz and Ekitike are shining at Anfield this season, and speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, the former Utd centre-back expressed his displeasure at how well the Reds’ summer signings are now faring.
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He said: “I’ll tell you what I’m not laughing at. I’ll tell you what I’m not laughing at is how good is Ekitike? And Wirtz is starting to cook a little bit as well. Yeah, I’m not happy about that.”
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Luis Suarez prior to Nashville SC v Inter Miami CF - 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. Hugo Ekitike celebrates after scoring for Liverpool during their UEFA Champions League match against Qarabag at Anfield.
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For the last several years, Liverpool have finished above Manchester United in the Premier League table.
This season’s battle is expected to be the closest for some time, but even with the Reds on the decline, they are still being backed for a better finish.
Despite their upturn in form, Opta’s supercomputer thinks Man Utd will end 2025/26 in sixth place, missing out on top-tier European football.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are expected to finish fourth, which will guarantee them a place in next season’s Champions League even if the Premier League is not awarded five spots again.
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