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Slot explains why it’s ‘impossible’ for Liverpool to reach Premier League top four without key change

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Liverpool could climb into the Champions League places if they beat Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend.

The Reds, while their overall performances have been mixed, are now six unbeaten across all competitions.

They most recently secured a 2-1 win over Tottenham in the Premier League, being helped out by two sending-offs.

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Virgil van Dijk lifts the Premier League trophy surrounded by Liverpool players on the final day of the 2024/25 season at Anfield.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images

Regardless, three points are three points, and Liverpool are now only behind fourth-place Chelsea via goal difference.

If the Blues drop points this weekend, it seems very likely the Merseyside outfit will overtake them, given they are playing a Wolves team who are yet to win a league game this term.

Arne Slot bemoans Liverpool’s set-piece record

Yet, speaking before the weekend’s action, as per Sky Sports, Arne Slot has explained why his team can’t make the top four right now.

He bemoaned Liverpool’s set-piece record and compared it to the other big teams in the division.

The Dutchman said: “It’s a big frustration we are where we are this season because when we were halfway through last season we had not conceded one set-piece (goal).

“It’s impossible to be top-four, top-five with our set-piece balance, let alone winning the league.

“We are the only team in the top end of the table that has a negative set-piece balance [Manchester City are in fact on minus-one according to official data supplier Opta] – not only are we negative, we are minus-eight and still on equal points with fourth.

“But if we are minus-eight – Chelsea is I think plus-eight [actually plus-four] and Arsenal and United are very high [scoring 10 apiece] and if you look at that you could say how special it is we have as many points as we have if you have that set-piece balance.

“We all know why because in open chances created we are number one in the league.”

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Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez pictured playing for Liverpool.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Liverpool’s 2025/26 Premier League finish predicted

After the summer transfer window came to a close, Liverpool were predicted to win the Premier League by Opta.

However, as we head towards the latest gameweek, Opta’s supercomputer has the Reds finishing lower.

They expect Slot’s men to end the campaign in fourth place and give them a predicted points total of 65.86.

Liverpool’s chances of retaining their Premier League crown are currently just 1.03%, while they are given a 56.20% chance of qualifying for the Champions League in 2026/27.