18 May 2023 , 04:00
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It seemed as if Liverpool would struggle to qualify for the Europa Conference League, let alone the Champions League, after their goalless draw at Chelsea in April.
But after seven consecutive Premier League wins, Jurgen Klopp's side are back in the hunt for a top-four spot. Liverpool are just a point behind both Newcastle in third and Manchester United in fourth, although they have played a game more.
The Reds will be confident of winning their final two Premier League games against Aston Villa and Southampton, meaning Newcastle and Man Utd need two wins each to guarantee a top-four finish. With that in mind, here are the latest headlines from Anfield.
Howe ramps up pressure
Eddie Howe believes Newcastle WILL qualify for the Champions League after Klopp said: "Newcastle and [Man] United would be happy if we would not be there anymore."
The Magpies can open up a four-point gap over Liverpool with two games to go if they beat Brighton at St James' Park on Thursday night. That is a big if, however, as Roberto De Zerbi's side can still mathematically qualify for the Champions League too.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
Brighton won 3-0 at Arsenal on Sunday to move eight points behind Newcastle with a game in hand. Although it seems unlikely they will catch Newcastle or Man Utd, they will still be keen to win at St James' Park to boost their Europa League qualification hopes.
Eddie Howe's Newcastle are trying to stay in front of Liverpool (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)Do you think Liverpool will beat Newcastle to Champions League qualification? Let us know in the comments below!
Yet Howe isn't feeling the heat. He told reporters on Wednesday: "I don't feel like we're being hunted. I don't feel that emotion. It's us against ourselves, really. That's how I see it. It's us trying to be the best we can be. I've not focused on any other team all season."
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Liverpool's secret weapon
The man at the heart of Liverpool's revival is Curtis Jones, who has started their last nine Premier League fixtures to help them soar up the table. The 22-year-old midfielder has almost been the forgotten man at Anfield due to a series of annoying injuries.
Yet Jones is fit again and firing, with the Liverpudlian aiming to fire his boyhood club to the Champions League. Our man Mark Jones has taken a look at the youngster's comeback.
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Timber targeted
Liverpool have been backed to sign Jurrien Timber from Ajax. The 21-year-old defender has two years remaining on his existing deal and is believed to be on Man Utd's transfer radar. Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag worked with Timber during his time at Ajax.
Yet former Everton winger Andy van der Meyde believes Timber is heading to the red half of Merseyside. Van de Medye discussed Ajax's summer business with his former team-mate Wesley Sneijder after the Dutch side failed to retain their Eredivisie title.
Van de Medye said: "[Edson] Alvarez will leave for forty million [euros], [Mohammed] Kudus for thirty million and Timber will probably go to Liverpool. They also pay crazy money. Then you can start building again."
Man Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan move
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