Liverpool in May: Can Klopp’s team get 15 points to lay down a marker for next season?

Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur in a 4-3 thriller at Anfield on Sunday to boost their chances for a top-four finish in the Premier League.

An easy victory looked on the cards after the Reds went three goals ahead within the first 15 minutes.

However, a great comeback from Spurs saw them level the scores in the third minute of injury time, only for Diogo Jota to score another for a stunning home success. 

Jurgen Klopp’s side are now on a four-game winning run, but their hopes of Champions League football are firmly out of their hands.

Manchester United are seven points ahead of them in fourth, despite having played a game less.

Liverpool could secure a top-four finish, but they must win their remaining five matches. Even that may not be enough if the other results don’t go their way. 

United need nine points from their remaining six matches to ensure the Reds finish below them. But if Brighton & Hove Albion win their seven games, Erik ten Hag’s side will need to collect 11 more points. 

The odds look heavily in Man United’s favour, with Brighton, West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Bournemouth, Chelsea and Fulham their remaining opponents.

Three of these matches will be on home soil, further increasing their chances of hitting the required points total. 

Newcastle need just seven points from their remaining five league games to leave Liverpool with no chance of overtaking them.

The Magpies are on a three-match winning run and it looks very unlikely they will drop enough points to hit 71 or below. 

Liverpool must concentrate on their remaining games and hope either United or Newcastle slip up. We look at their final five matches of the season.

Liverpool vs Fulham (May 3, 2023)

Fulham have been unconvincing this month, losing four of their six matches.

But they have enjoyed a decent season overall under Marco Silva and have a slim chance of securing European football. 

However, Liverpool’s current form suggests they shouldn’t have any problems picking up full points at Anfield. 

Prediction: Win

Liverpool vs Brentford (May 6, 2023)

Brentford are aiming for another strong finish in the Premier League following their promotion to the top flight in 2021.

They stunned Chelsea 2-0 last month before beating Nottingham Forest 2-1 on home soil.

But Anfield is a tough place for any team to secure a good result, and we are backing Klopp’s side to edge this contest.  

Prediction: Win

Leicester City vs Liverpool (May 15, 2023) 

Leicester are desperately fighting for survival in the Premier League. We expect them to put up a big fight at the King Power Stadium when Liverpool visit on May 15. 

Prediction: Draw

Liverpool vs Aston Villa (May 20, 2023) 

Villa’s transformation under Unai Emery has been remarkable, and they are now in contention for a Europa League place next season. 

But the Reds outclassed them 3-1 at Villa Park in December, and we expect a similar result in the reverse fixture. 

Prediction: Win

Southampton vs Liverpool (May 28)

Southampton are the most likely team to suffer the drop this season. They are at the foot of the table, five points behind Everton. 

Liverpool should comfortably win at St Mary’s on May 28. 

Prediction: Win 

Conclusion 

Liverpool could pick up maximum points from their remaining fixtures, but a top-four finish still looks unlikely.

Man United have been inconsistent in recent weeks and that’s understandable considering injuries to first-choice defenders Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.

However, they boast plenty of quality in their squad and have an easier run-in. 

Newcastle’s remaining fixtures are against Arsenal, Leeds United, Brighton, Leicester City and Chelsea, and they look a good bet to stay in the top four.  

However, Liverpool can lay down a marker for next season with an impressive run.