Well, wouldn’t this be a turn-up for the books!
There’s an unlikely but very real possibility that Liverpool and Manchester City could face a play-off to decide who finishes above the other this Premier League season.
Pep Guardiola’s team are currently three points behind us, but if we both win all our remaining matches, we’ll end up on 78 points.
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The next criteria is goal difference, which could end level with City currently just one worse off than ourselves.
Next is goals scored. We’re five up on the Citizens, but they have winnable home fixtures against Crystal Palace, Leicester City and West Brom and undoubtedly have the firepower to bang a few in.
If head-to-head record comes into account, we’d be fine, having beaten City at Anfield and drawn at the Etihad, but unfortunately, if goals scored is also level – a play-off match will take place.
The Echo claims the Premier League rules state: “If at the end of the season either the league champions of the clubs to be relegated or the question of qualification for other competitions cannot be determined because two or more clubs are equals on points, goal difference and goals scored, the clubs concerned shall play off one or more deciding league matches on neutral ground, the format, timing and venue of which shall be determined by the board.”
Potential destinations for the proposed fixture include Goodison Park and Old Trafford, although these grounds seemingly give slight advantage to the team whose city they lie in…
Hopefully, we’ll be able to finish in third without the help of a play-off, as fourth brings up the possibility of a very tricky Champions League qualification match at the beginning of next season.