Liverpool require point against Brentford to secure Champions League spot
Liverpool require a minimum of a point against Brentford at Anfield on the final day of the Premier League season to guarantee their place in next season’s Champions League.
Arne Slot’s side currently hold a three-point advantage over chasing Bournemouth heading into Sunday’s decisive fixtures.
The Merseyside club will only drop out of the qualification places if they lose to the Bees and their south-coast rivals secure a victory with a six-goal swing.
Bournemouth kept their slim hopes alive by extending a remarkable 17-match unbeaten run with a draw against Manchester City earlier in the week.
Bournemouth await unlikely collapse
Andoni Iraola will take his overachieving squad to Nottingham Forest hoping for a miraculous turn of events on Merseyside.
However, the hosts possess a formidable record, having never lost to the west London outfit at Anfield in the top flight.
The home side’s prospects are further boosted by the manager hinting at the return of key attacking personnel for the final outing.
Failure to secure a top-tier European berth would cap off a highly frustrating campaign for the defending champions.
Despite heavy squad investment totalling £450m, the six-time European cup winners have been persistently derailed by injuries and tactical inconsistencies.
Aston Villa influence European places
The overall distribution of European allocations could yet be dramatically altered by Aston Villa’s upcoming continental exploits.
Should Unai Emery’s team win Wednesday’s Europa League final and finish fifth domestically, an unprecedented six English teams will enter Europe’s premier competition.
Conversely, a defeat for the Midlands club against Manchester City coupled with a Liverpool victory would elevate Slot’s men into fourth place.
Historic achievement for Cherries
Regardless of Sunday’s outcome, Bournemouth have already guaranteed continental football for the first time in their 127-year history.
Massive. For this club where it was, fighting in League Two. Nearly going bust, it’s amazing.
That was the verdict of midfielder Alex Scott, reflecting on a monumental season at the Vitality Stadium.