Why Liverpool can catch Manchester United and qualify for the Champions League

A top four finish remains possible for Brendan Rodgers' team

Steven Gerrard and Robin van Persie (GETTY IMAGES)

Every time Liverpool's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League for a second season running look to be over, Manchester United offer them hope.

The form of Brendan Rodgers' side has been poor of late - defeat to Hull, a draw with West Brom and a comprehensive thrashing by Arsenal were among the results in May.

However, Manchester United have arguably been even worse. Just when it appeared Louis van Gaal had cracked it at Old Trafford and found a way of winning well, they lost three matches in a row.

So is it possible that Liverpool could still catch them and claim a place in the top four? Manchester United sit on 65 points whilst Liverpool are on 61 with three games to go. United's goal difference is much better, meaning if Liverpool win the lot, the Red Devils need five more points to be guaranteed a place in the top four.

We take a look at how Liverpool could still catch United and qualify for the Champions League...

GAME WEEK 36

Manchester United are the first of the two teams next in action as they travel to Crystal Palace on Saturday. Recent results for Van Gaal's side suggest no team should be ruled out from beating his team, particular after the most recent loss which came at home to West Brom. Crystal Palace have shown their ability in recent times to cause an upset and whilst they've lost their last three, victory over Manchester City at the start of April showed they still have what it takes.

The following day Liverpool face what should be their toughest challenge of the run-in, a trip to Stamford Bridge. However the task in hand should be much easier with the Blues having already been crowned champions. Liverpool will face a side that could be suffering from a hangover from their celebrations. Rodgers will be hoping so - Liverpool haven't beaten the Blues in their last seven meetings.

Chelsea players celebrate winning the Premier League title (Getty Images)

GAME WEEK 37

Liverpool travel to Crystal Palace themselves the next weekend, playing on Saturday 16 May in the late kick-off. Victory will be required to put the pressure on Manchester United, who if results have gone Liverpool's way, could hold little or no advantage ahead of their match with Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday. As well as having Liverpool breathing down their necks, they'll be well aware that Arsenal have the capacity to beat them. The Gunners won 2-1 at Old Trafford in March in the FA Cup.

Arsenal could do Liverpool a favour (GETTY IMAGES)

GAME WEEK 38

Liverpool will head into the final day of the season needing to pick up maximum points away against Stoke. The mid-table Potters will have little to fight for and with Liverpool winning the last three meetings between the pair - including a 5-3 victory when they last played at the Britannia - Rodgers should feel optimistic of taking three points. Simultaneously, United will be in action against Hull, a team that could be fighting for their Premier League survival. Steve Bruce's side are currently one point above the relegation zone and in all likelihood will need a result on the final day of the season if they are to stay up. Manchester United might take heart from the fact they've won every meeting with Hull since 1975, but when it comes to squeaky bum time, anything can happen. Liverpool must hope so if they are to qualify for the Champions League.

If Liverpool clinch a place in the Champions League, it will come at the Britannia Stadium, home of Stoke City (GETTY IMAGES)

LIVERPOOL FIXTURES: Chelsea (A, Sun 10 May), Crystal Palace (H, Sat 16 May), Stoke (A, Sun 24 May)

MANCHESTER UNITED FIXTURES: Crystal Palace (A, Sat 9 May), Arsenal (H, Sun 17 May), Hull (A, Sun 24 May)