The race to finish 5th in the Premier League is well and truly on between Liverpool and Tottenham. Who would have thought it, when Roy Hodgson was still in charge of Liverpool and we were fighting to avoid the relegation zone. There was even a time when we thought that just avoiding relegation this season would be a good thing for Liverpool but ever since Kenny Dalglish took over, things have changed for Liverpool. Now we are talking about finishing 5th and clinching a Europa League place for next season.
It had looked as if Tottenham or Manchester City were almost certain to finish 4th and 5th. But due to a fine run put together by Liverpool and the slipping form of Spurs, Liverpool now currently occupy the crucial 5th spot ahead of Spurs by goal difference with only a few games left to go. Manchester City have almost but sealed 4th place as they are 7 points ahead of both Liverpool and Spurs so we can pretty much forget about Liverpool coming 4th at this stage, although mathematically it is still possible!
Looking ahead to the battle for 5th, Liverpool have 3 games left this season, away to Fulham, at home to Spurs and away to Aston Villa on the last day of the season. The game against Spurs at Anfield is virtually going to decide who finishes 5th and with Liverpool’s current form, you cannot bet against us beating Spurs on that day.
The trips to Fulham and Villa are tricky but they are two games we should win. Fulham and Villa are both safe from relegation so they do not have much to play for which could be in our favour. I would hate it if were had to play the likes of West Ham, Wigan and Wolves as they are desperate for wins to avoid the drop.
Spurs have a much harder task than Liverpool with their remaining 4 games. They play Blackpool next at White Hart Lane which should be a win for Spurs. But with Blackpool fighting against relegation and needing the points, you can not put it against Spurs and their goal keeper Gomes to mess it up! Spurs then go to Manchester City before coming to Anfield. Two games they will be lucky to get anything out of before they end their season at home against Birmingham, a match they should win.
Rons prediction: Liverpool vs Fulham – Liverpool 1-0 win (3 points), Liverpool vs Tottenham – Liverpool 2-1 win (3 points), Liverpool vs Aston Villa – Draw 0-0 (1 point). That means Liverpool will finish off the season with 62 points.
Tottenham vs Blackpool – Tottenham 2-0 win (3 points), Tottenham vs Liverpool – Liverpool 2-1 win (0 points), Tottenham vs Manchester City – City 2-1 win (0 points), Tottenham vs Birmingham – Tottenham 3-1 win (3 points). That leaves Tottenham with 61 points and Liverpool clinching 5th spot.