Liverpool currently sit 7th in the table, on 34 points. The team currently in 4th place is Tottenham, who are 7 points ahead on 41. However, I think that Champions League qualification is a realistic aim for us this season.
I know that some people will have stopped reading already, dismissing me as just another one of those desperate, delusional fans. However, to me this closed-mindedness is foolish. Firstly, there are only seven points between us and the top 4. Theoretically, we could be 4th in three games time! I’m not suggesting this will happen, but over the course of the season it’s certainly not impossible that we will be able to close a 7 point gap. It may be a slow process, but with 14 games still to play it could certainly happen.
Also, there is form to consider. Liverpool have been brilliant lately, with 3-0 wins over QPR and Sunderland, and most recently a 5-0 thrashing of Norwich. This is more than can be said for our other main rivals for 4th place. Arsenal haven’t looked so good, taking only a point from Southampton and putting in lacklustre performances in their defeats to Man City and Chelsea. Everton have also looked weaker lately, with draws against both Southampton and Swansea. Tottenham have looked the best recently out of our rivals, but even they were held to a draw at QPR. On top of this, Liverpool look set to get even better. Daniel Sturridge has been an instant success, and is constantly improving his chemistry with Luis Suarez. Meanwhile, Suarez himself is still in amazing form. If we continue to play as brilliantly as we did against QPR, Sunderland and Norwich, I see no reason why we can’t get 4th spot, and maybe even challenge for third.
Some people say that this whole thing is a moot point, and that it ultimately doesn’t matter that much if we get 4th this season as long as we keep up this steady improvement under Rodgers. I disagree. It is of utmost importance that we qualify for the Champions League for three reasons. Firstly, it will give all our current players a huge morale boost, and encourage them to play even better. Secondly, it will allow us to bring better players to the club, lured by the promise of Champions League football. Finally, and in my view most importantly, it will help ensure that we are able to keep Luis Suarez. He is an exceptional player, and although he is very loyal there is only so long a player of his talents can go without Champions League football. Steven Gerrard himself recognised this in a recent interview, saying that the team need to push for the Champions League. There are also financial benefits for qualifying for the Champions League, which will again help us sign more big names.
In conclusion, qualification for the Champions League is a possibility for Liverpool this season, and it is vital that we push for it. The benefits for the club are vast, and frankly I've missed seeing my club play in such a prestigious tournament. Bring on Europe!
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