Jamie Redknapp believes his former club Liverpool must win their next two Premier League matches if they are to finish in the top four and seal qualification for the Champions League.
Liverpool failed to make it three consecutive Premier League wins on Saturday night as they were held to a goalless draw by Patrick Vieira's Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. That has left the Reds six points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who by the end of this afternoon will have played two games more, given they host Chelsea in the 1.30pm kick-off.
There was, however, a much-needed clean sheet for Jurgen Klopp's side following a defensive disaster in Wednesday's 5-2 hammering at the hands of Real Madrid, with Virgil van Dijk and Alisson returning to form.
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Liverpool will now look to return to winning ways when they face back-to-back home games against Wolverhampton Wanderers, on Wednesday, and Manchester United, next Sunday. And Redknapp thinks the upcoming Anfield double-header is crucial.
He told Sky Sports' Premier League coverage: "They've got to win these next two games, they're home games, they've got to find that belief and confidence at home because a little bit will have been knocked away with that midweek performance (against Madrid).
"The fans have got to stay with them, which they always do there. They're games that I really believe will make all the difference because they've got to build that confidence up.
"The end of the season and the players you want to bring in and identify will take care of themselves. Right now this squad is still capable. You can't get into a situation where you've played every single game last year, got to the cup finals you've got to and be involved in every competition and all of a sudden become a bad side.
"They're damaged, their confidence is low but I still think they're capable of getting in the top four with that squad. Everything can turn on its head if they win on March 5 (against United) and win against Wolves. They're the games that can define seasons. All of a sudden top four becomes a realistic ambition.'"
Redknapp, who made more than 300 appearances for the Reds, also hailed the quality within Klopp's squad against suggestions that some players no longer possess the ability they once did.
"You can say they've won Champions Leagues and Premier Leagues with that midfield. (Roberto) Firmino would drop and play that ball and you're hoping [Cody] Gakpo can be that player," he added.
"Right now you focus on these little details that have been going wrong and you look at the age of the midfield and it isn't always ideal, that's why you're trying to bring in players to freshen it up."
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