Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson struck a pessimistic tone ahead of his side’s visit to Liverpool on Sunday to conclude their Premier League campaign.
The former Reds boss will oversee his final match as Palace boss at Anfield, in a game which could clinch a Champions League spot for the home side.
A win would almost certainly land a top four spot for Jurgen Klopp’s side, who go into the game tied on points with Leicester City but have a better goal difference by four.
Both Liverpool and the Foxes could finish in the top four if they both secure victories at the weekend but Chelsea do not pick up three points in their tricky trip to Aston Villa.
The midweek round of results propelled the Reds into the top four ahead of Leicester - who were defeated at Stamford Bridge - setting things up for a tense final day with just one point separating the three sides.
Liverpool - who have won their last four Premier League matches - will be strong favourites for the clash against the Eagles at Anfield and they have been given further encouragement by comments from Hodgson.
The South London side have lost five of their most recent seven league matches and this is their third clash in the space of a week; they followed up Sunday’s 3-2 win over Aston Villa with a 3-1 defeat at home to Arsenal.
The boss believes the toll of three matches in such a short space of time may make it difficult for his side.
Hodgson said: "We're not good at three games in a week. A very tough run and not the right situation to say comfortably we're great. I've really got to wait and see tomorrow. Hoping it might be better than I might fear, but we have to wait."
Christian Benteke, Tyrick Mitchell and Scott Dann will have late assessments before the tie, which will be Hodgson's last in his tenure at the club.
