Opinion: Former LFC coach can gift Liverpool Champions League qualification

Brendan Rodgers can gift Liverpool an improbable route to next season's UEFA Champions League as his Leicester City faces a hugely tough fixture list before the season ends at the end of the month.

It was just last season when the Northern Irishman failed to capitalise on a brilliant chance to get his side into Europe's elite competition but bottled it as he and his players only won 14 points from an available 42 heading into the end of season run-in.

Leicester were third with 14 games to go with a commanding 14-point advantage but with a relegation-esque point-per-game average, they ended the 2019/20 Premier League season in fifth, four points outside of the Champions League places.

It was an incredible 18 point swing that saw Manchester United make the most of Project Restart while Leicester capitulated after football restarted after a long lockdown.

Liverpool's fixture list is by no means easy.

They face Manchester United on Thursday after the game was rescheduled following protests against the Glazers but the feeling among Reds' fans is that a win at Old Trafford will see their biggest obstacle cleared.

Jurgen Klopp's side will still need to overcome West Brom, Burnley and Crystal Palace if they're to secure top four and they also need to rely on other teams to do the business for them.

Enter Brendan Rodgers and his faltering Foxes.

They've won just two of their last five and after losing 4-2 to Newcastle United, confidence is at an all-time low. Leicester's next game is also against Man Utd and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men could do Liverpool a huge favour.

All it would take in theory is for Leicester to lose and for Liverpool to win their remaining games but that would still mean it would go to the final day of the season and it would come down to goal difference.

Rodgers' side is underperforming right now but they have the ability to bounce back and deliver a multi-goal win to take their goal difference above Liverpool's.

The Reds have struggled to beat teams by more than one goal, with their 2-0 win against Southampton an uncharacteristically dominant display.

Thiago grabbed his first goal for Liverpool with a controlled strike from outside the box to help his side to a huge win at Anfield.

Klopp's side hasn't been playing too badly recently but they've struggled to kill games off and with a trip to Old Trafford on the cards, they will need to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal if they're going to get back onto the M62 with a win in their back pocket.

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