It has been a season to forget for Liverpool as an injury-ravaged campaign ensured they would not be able to build on their Premier League and Champions League success of recent seasons.
However, a return to form in recent weeks has seen the Reds climb back into Champions League contention despite their mid-season collapse.
The Reds moved eight games unbeaten in the Premier League and up to fourth following a 3-0 victory at Burnley in midweek, and have their fate in their own hands heading into the final weekend of the Premier League season as a result.
Despite moments of uncertainty in the first half, Roberto Firmino scored the all-important first goal, to cap a fine week for the Brazilian, before Nat Phillips headed home a second after the break. Substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain sealed the win and added another to the goal difference tally.
It puts Liverpool within a whisker of Champions League qualification, which seemed ever so unlikely a few months ago.
Chelsea's 2-1 victory over Leicester City on Tuesday night put the onus on Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp's men delivered their side of the bargain to set up a tense final day.
The permutations for Liverpool are simple, they must equal Leicester City's result against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday to finish fourth in the Premier League. The Reds currently lead the Foxes on goal difference, with a margin of three goals in their favour.
Liverpool could finish as high as third too. They trail Chelsea by one point in the table, with an identical goal difference.
If Thomas Tuchel's side drop points against Aston Villa, Klopp's side will finish third. If Chelsea don't win, that could open the door for Leicester too.
Final day permutations and fixtures
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
Leicester City vs Tottenham Hotspur
- If Liverpool win they are guaranteed fourth, providing Leicester don't win by a four-goal margin bigger than Liverpool.
- If Liverpool win and Chelsea draw with Aston Villa, they finish third.
- If Liverpool draw or lose and Leicester win, they finish fifth.
- If Chelsea draw or lose and Leicester win, they would finish fifth.
- if Leicester don't better Liverpool's result, they finish fifth. A draw would not be enough even if Chelsea lose.
