Key Takeaways:
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Lineker predicts Liverpool will finish in Premier League top 5, enough for Champions League qualification.
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Reds’ late win over Nottingham Forest temporarily levels them with Chelsea and Manchester United.
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Arsenal, Man City, Aston Villa, and Man United seen as near-certain top-four qualifiers.
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Liverpool face crucial games in May against Man United, Chelsea, and Villa.
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Consistency against lower-ranked teams remains key to staying in contention.
Lineker Issues Fresh Top 5 Prediction
Gary Lineker has backed Liverpool to finish inside the Premier League’s top five this season, keeping them in the mix for Champions League qualification.
The former Match of the Day host shared his prediction on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football, recorded after Liverpool’s dramatic late victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
According to Lineker, the top five by the end of the season would be:
Arsenal, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Liverpool, with Chelsea just missing out.
He explained that the race for fifth is wide open, noting that both Chelsea and Liverpool can be erratic. While Chelsea have a strong squad, their inexperience could cost them, whereas Liverpool have tightened defensively and improved since the first half of the season.
Liverpool Back in the Top 5 Race
The Reds’ 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest has temporarily put them level on points with Chelsea and Manchester United. However, Man United can reclaim fourth with a win against Everton.
After a mid-February setback against Manchester City, Liverpool’s Champions League hopes appeared in jeopardy. Yet, the team capitalized on dropped points from rivals to climb back into contention. These wins demonstrate the squad’s resilience under Arne Slot.
Crunch Showdowns Await in May
Every team currently placed third to sixth faces each other in the final three months, crucial for deciding the final Champions League spots behind likely qualifiers Arsenal and Manchester City.
Liverpool’s upcoming May fixtures are particularly significant:
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Man United away
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Chelsea at Anfield
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Aston Villa away
Slot’s side must enter these games in top-four contention to avoid relying on last-minute qualification scenarios.
Before these head-to-heads, Liverpool have three league games against bottom-half teams — critical matches to maintain momentum and secure points.
What This Means
Lineker’s prediction underscores the tight Premier League race for European places. Liverpool’s late-season form and crucial fixtures against fellow contenders could determine whether they reach the Champions League. Fans will be watching the final months closely, as consistency and resilience are now vital for European qualification.
FAQ
Q: Who did Lineker predict in the Premier League top five?
A: Arsenal, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Liverpool.
Q: Does Liverpool still have a chance for top-four?
A: Yes, but they must remain consistent and perform in key matches against Man United, Chelsea, and Villa.
Q: How does Liverpool’s Forest win affect the standings?
A: It temporarily levels them with Chelsea and Man United in points, strengthening their top-five contention.
