Liverpool vs Huddersfield LIVE: Five-star Reds thrash Huddersfield to return to top

Relive all the action live from Anfield

Liverpool vs Huddersfield Premier League preview

Liverpool's title destiny may still be out of their hands but they refuse to submit, with the 5-0 demolition of Huddersfield Town a reminder they are ready to pounce should Manchester City slip up.

The gap between top - the place occupied by Jurgen Klopp's side after this victory - and bottom could not have been more glaring as the visitors were outclassed at Anfield.

City, now two points behind with a game in hand, face a potentially tricky trip to Burnley knowing they cannot afford a mistake at this late stage of the campaign,

The relegated Terriers did themselves no favours after allowing Naby Keita to score after just 16 seconds, Liverpool's quickest Premier League goal and their 100th in all competitions this season. Relive all the action below:

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Key Points

• Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Lovren, Robertson, Wijnaldum, Henderson, Keita, Salah, Sturridge, Mane
• Huddersfield XI: Lossl, Smith, Kongolo, Hogg, Bacuna, Grant, Mbenza, Mounie, Schindler, Stankovic, Durm

[26 April 2019 17:26 · Tom Kershaw]

Welcome to The Independent's live coverage of Liverpool vs Huddersfield as Jurgen Klopp's side have the opportunity to leapfrog Manchester City - albeit temporarily - and return to the top of the Premier League table.

[26 April 2019 18:42 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Evening all.

It is the title race that refuses to slip. 

Manchester City's midweek derby triumph took Pep Guardiola's side back to the top of the table and back in control, safe in the knowledge that three wins against Burnley, Leicester and Brighton would secure back-to-back titles.

But Liverpool will believe they will still have their say, and this weekend it is their honour, on the tee, three from home, just one shot back.

Newcastle and Wolves will be Jurgen Klopp's men's closing salvos, but first it is a Friday night dinner at Anfield with relegated Huddersfield, and a chance to return to the top of the Premier League table.

Kick-off is at 8pm.

[26 April 2019 18:45 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Before we get to team news, may I direct you towards Miguel Delaney's excellent weekend preview, focused, of course, on a neck-and-neck title race that feels strangely hollow, and a climax that may not climax. 

[26 April 2019 19:01 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Team News - Liverpool

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is back in the Liverpool match day squad, while Dejan Lovren returns to the starting lineup after illness. Fabinho and Adam Lallana miss out after late fitness tests. Roberto Firmino is another notable absentee, with Daniel Sturridge in his place up front.

[26 April 2019 19:03 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Team News - Huddersfield 

Two changes for Huddersfield, with Jan Siewert having to do without goalkeeper Ben Hamer and midfielder Aaron Mooy after the pair picked up knocks in training.

[26 April 2019 19:06 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Jurgen Klopp confirms that Roberto Firmino misses out with a muscular problem that he describes as "not a big problem."

A third Premier League start of the season for Daniel Sturridge, then.

[26 April 2019 19:10 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

The appointment of Jan Siewert has proved disastrous for Huddersfield, eleven losses in twelve games a woeful record even given the paucity of resources at the German's disposal.

While there have been bright moments, a 3-1 lead at West Ham springing to mind, all the fight seems to have gone from the Huddersfield players, and it seems Siewert may be neglecting those who may be plying their trade elsewhere next year.

Surely they can't spring an almighty shock this evening?

[26 April 2019 19:13 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Little doubt for our Chief Football Writer...

[26 April 2019 19:17 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

It looks like a return to the five-at-the-back for Huddersfield, with the pace of Isaac Mbenza and Karlan Grant perhaps utilised in wider channels to try to exploit any potential opportunities on the counter.

[26 April 2019 19:20 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

"Liverpool’s season might unravel rather quickly over the next fortnight or their campaign could extend by another three weeks, changing history forever. Whatever happens between now and the end of the season, though, Liverpool can be quite confident about one thing. Their place at the top end of the table is more secure than it has been at any moment since City were bought out by Abu Dhabi in 2008 and changed the financial landscape of football overnight."

Simon Hughes on how and why Liverpool have reclaimed their place at the very top of English football, even if the title race ultimately falls Manchester City's way.