With their victory over Wolves on Monday evening, Liverpool leapt up the Premier League table, skyrocketing from lowly eighth and eight points off Chelsea in fourth all the way to sixth and a mere five points back of the London Blues.
Needless hyperbole aside, at this stage of the season and with the number of teams ahead of and around them, the Reds remain rather short of favourites to finish in the top four and it’s probably best not to get too excited about one good result.
“We must think about us,” was forward Diogo Jota’s take. “There are a lot of games still to play, I think nine, so if we win all those games I’m pretty sure we can at least gain a spot in the Champions League, so let’s keep doing our job.”
It’s a rather understated way to look at it, but certainly if Liverpool win all of their remaining league games they would expect to finish top four. Given their season to date, though, even the most optimistic fans won’t expect that kind of a run.
As for what the odds actually are, FiveThirtyEight’s predictions have the Reds one in four to make the top four. Not great, but not outside the realm of possibility. They also have Jürgen Klopp’s men about one in four to make the Champions League final.
After the struggles of the past few months, either outcome would likely be welcomed as a successful season—proof enough that this side, if they can get fully fit and bring in a few new players, can challenge for top honours next season.
“We had a good run of form now,” Jota added of earning two victories on the bounce and the mixed blessing of the ended layoff up next for the Reds. “But we have a break, so it is what it is and we need to come back as we left it here.”