Micah Richards has cited the main reason Liverpool have an advantage over Manchester United in the race for a top-four finish, while Jamie Redknapp calls the Reds' next game "the decisive game of the season".
Liverpool extended their winning streak to six games by beating Brentford 1-0 at home on Saturday night. Mo Salah scored his 100th goal at Anfield and it turned out to be the winner, while Brentford was unable to respond despite a strong performance.
The fifth ranked team Liverpool is currently only one point behind the fourth ranked team Man Utd. Man Utd have two games left against their rivals, although they are now under pressure to win as Jurgen Klopp's men are out of breath. After Liverpool's win over Brentford, former Manchester City defender Richards revealed Klopp's men have an advantage over Man Utd because they can "play with complete freedom". Meanwhile, Redknapp urged Man Utd to tread carefully because if they lose to West Ham on Sunday night, their Champions League spot will be in serious trouble.
"I'm a bit more confident because there's no pressure when they [Liverpool] don't finish in the top four," Richards said on Sky Sports (May 6 at 19:00:
54). "Jamie has made a good point where they would probably have been where they were four months ago, by a lot of points. But now they're just playing with a bit of freedom. "The good thing about Liverpool is that they don't play like Liverpool used to, [but] they still go overboard. Today's clean sheet means a lot to them.
"I think they can go into every game with confidence and see what happens. Sometimes it's better to chase than to have points on the board psychologically.
Redknapp added:
“Man Utd have one game, West Ham away, their next game. It's like it's their season there. If they win, I hope they come out on top.
Man Utd's next match 'very important' for Liverpool's fate
"They have a lot of problems away, against top teams. It's an important game. If they lose, Klopp is right, Liverpool just need to be ready.
“They [Liverpool] have had three good games, Leicester away, [Aston] Villa at home and Southampton away. These are the games you will love. Man Utd is not too bad.
Redknapp continued:
“Whatever happens, there is some momentum [at Liverpool] and a good feeling coming back after a disappointing season.
"There's a lot of excitement when it comes to Trent Alexander-Arnold and what will happen to him next year in this [midfielder] position."
Liverpool have done well to close Man Utd after a turbulent season. But they may have abandoned him too late as Man Utd's two ongoing games have put them to their advantage.
However, as Richards and Redknapp point out, Ten Hag players will feel the pressure. Eliminating a Champions League spot would be a major setback to Ten Hag's project and would also have dire consequences for their hopes of acquiring world-class stars in the next transfer window.
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