Liverpool’s season is almost over, but there is still time for immense drama on the final day of the Premier League campaign.
The Reds have hung around the Champions League spots for most of the run-in, but they have failed to create enough distance from the chasing pack. There is still a world in which they finish outside the top five altogether, depending on what happens elsewhere.
But there is also an even more bizarre outcome on the table — one that could see Liverpool’s season extended beyond Sunday in a way the Premier League has never seen before.
You can give one rarely-used Red a chance against Brentford. Who gets your vote? 👀
A historic Premier League play-off could be needed for Liverpool and Bournemouth
Liverpool face Brentford on the final day, currently three points clear of Bournemouth. That should be enough, especially with a superior goal difference, but the exact numbers leave the door open for something historic.
The scenario is very specific. If Liverpool lose 1-0 to Brentford and Bournemouth beat Nottingham Forest 5-0, the two clubs would finish level on 59 points.
They would also be level on goal difference, goals scored and goals conceded.
Normally, that would still be sorted by head-to-head record, but even that would not separate them. Liverpool beat Bournemouth 4-2 at Anfield earlier in the season, before the Cherries won 3-2 in the reverse fixture.
That leaves the head-to-head points level, while the away goals in those matches are also identical.
Should Arne Slot drop Mohamed Salah from the squad to face Brentford? 👀
A sour end could be in store…
If all of that happens, Liverpool and Bournemouth would need a one-off play-off at a neutral venue to decide who qualifies for the Champions League. It would be the first play-off in Premier League history.
The chances are clearly slim, but they are not quite as ridiculous as they sound. Bournemouth beat Forest 5-0 just four months ago, and Liverpool losing by a single goal to Brentford is hardly impossible given the state of their season.
After the chaos that has been Liverpool’s campaign, wouldn’t it be a fitting way for it all to end?
- READ MORE: Carlo Ancelotti makes Alisson Becker guarantee ahead of Liverpool’s final game against Brentford
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