Man United and Chelsea Could Dent Liverpool’s Champions League Hopes Even if They Finish Fourth

• Liverpool have endured a disastrous run of results this season that has them in danger of missing out on a Champions League spot
• The Reds are currently placed sixth in the Premier League standings with 42 points, five off a UCL spot
• Liverpool could miss out on playing in the Champions League altogether next season even if they seal a top-four finish

Liverpool are sure to end the season trophyless after a disappointing campaign that has seen them eliminated from cup competitions.

The Reds were recently dumped out of the Champions League after a 6-2 aggregate defeat to Real Madrid in the round of 16.

The European elite competition represented the club's only realistic chance to win a trophy this term, having already been bundled out of the FA Cup.

Liverpool's elimination from the Champions League will see them shift their focus to qualifying for the tournament next season.

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Despite their frustrating start to the season, Jurgen Klopp's charges have somewhat rediscovered their mojo and have set their eyes on finishing in the top four.

The Merseysiders are currently placed sixth on the charts with 42 points, seven off a top-four spot.

However, they do have two games in hand which could see them close the gap on fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

Man United, Chelsea role in Liverpool's UCL hopes

Be that as it may, Liverpool's chances of qualifying for the Champions League are very much reliant on Chelsea and Man United - even if Klopp's charges finish fourth.

According to Sportbible, if Man United, who currently sit third, somehow manage to lose out on the top four to Liverpool, they would still have an opportunity to play in the Champions League via Europa League.

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But for that to happen, United would need to win the second-tier European competition and hope that Chelsea wins the Champions League.

Sportbible adds that UEFA allows only four teams from the English top flight to play in the Champions League.

And with Chelsea's hopes of making the top four almost zero, their only route to Europe's big stage is by winning the tournament this season.

Should Man United and Chelsea be crowned European champions, Liverpool will be denied the chance to play in the Champions League even with a fourth-place finish.