Echo

Liverpool sent 'special' double warning ahead of Champions League qualification decider

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Liverpool are firm favourites above Bournemouth to seal a top-five Premier League finish but they could be in for a difficult game against BrentfordLiverpool have been warned that Brentford will come to Anfield and throw caution to the wind as the battle for Champions League qualification goes down to the final day of the season.Erling Haaland's injury-time equaliser for Manchester City in their 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday night was not enough to stop Arsenal from being crowned Premier League champions.But it did prove a useful goal for Liverpool, who now know it will take a freak set of results for them not to finish in the top five.The Reds are currently fifth, three points above Bournemouth in sixth and with a superior goal difference (+10 compared to +4).READ MORE: Arne Slot told he cannot win over final Mohamed Salah Liverpool decision - 'If he had more power'READ MORE: Mateus Mane 'would be Liverpool asset' as attacker transfer discussedTherefore, the Cherries would need to win at Nottingham Forest and Liverpool lose at home to Brentford with there being a seven-goal swing.It does feel far-fetched that the Reds, for example, could go down 3-0, with Bournemouth winning 4-0. We had a good few chances and on another day one of them goes in. unfortunately, it didn’t."We’ll take the point and go to Liverpool.



We’re optimistic, we’ll give it our all and we’ll have a right good go at them."That sentiment is echoed by Collins' manager, and fellow Irishman, Keith Andrews.He said: "The one thing you can guarantee from our team is they give everything. We've had a very special season which could become even more special next weekend."The highest Brentford can finish is seventh.Should Bournemouth draw or win at Forest, the lowest they can finish is sixth, which would be enough to secure Champions League football if fourth-placed Aston Villa, who are three points above Liverpool, slip to fifth.That is because Villa, who head to runners-up Manchester City on Sunday, won the Europa League in Istanbul on Wednesday.And Cherries boss Andoni Iraola, for whom it will be his final match in charge of the club, said: "We have a special group of players.

Right now, there is nothing about my future in my head; I just want to celebrate and push it."We have the Europa League; next, let’s maximize our options. Can we take the last Champions League spot?