Manchester United missed out on the opportunity to tighten their grip on a top-four berth on Thursday evening, losing 1-0 to Brighton in dramatic circumstances at the Amex Stadium.
As a result of that defeat, Liverpool, who are currently fifth and one place behind United in the standings, could cut the gap on Erik ten Hag's side to a solitary point this weekend. They face Brentford at Anfield on Saturday evening and will be going in search of a sixth successive Premier League win.
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If Liverpool do win, the league table will make for nervy reading for United fans, but the Reds will still have two games in hand heading to West Ham on Sunday and remain firm favourites to secure Champions League qualification.
We've had a look at a possible nightmare scenario, though, which would see United miss out on the top four...
May 6/7
Liverpool vs Brentford - LIVERPOOL WIN
West Ham United vs United - WEST HAM WIN
Victory for Liverpool on Saturday would elevate them to within a point of Ten Hag's troops, putting United under stern pressure to win at West Ham just over 24 hours later. Should they achieve that, they would reopen a four-point cushion.
However, in the event of a defeat for United, they would remain just a point ahead of Liverpool, but would still have a game in hand.
4th: United - 63pts
5th: Liverpool - 62pts
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May 13/15
United vs Wolves - UNITED WIN
Leicester City vs Liverpool - LIVERPOOL WIN
Back on home soil, United will be strong favourites to beat Wolves next Saturday. The Reds have been almost faultless at home this season and have not lost a league match at Old Trafford since the opening day of the season, meaning you would expect them to see off Julen Lopetegui's side without too much trouble.
That would take United onto 66 points ahead of Liverpool facing Leicester just over 48 hours later. Liverpool will fancy their chances of winning at the King Power Stadium and a win would move them back to within a point of the Reds.
4th: United - 66pts
5th: Liverpool - 65pts
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May 20
Bournemouth vs United - DRAW
Liverpool vs Aston Villa - LIVERPOOL WIN
A rare occasion where both clubs will play at exactly the same time, each kicking-off at 3pm. Both face tricky assignments in their own right, with United up against a much-improved Bournemouth side and Liverpool taking on a Villa team who have been revitalised in recent months under Unai Emery.
United's fragility away from home could rear its ugly head again on the South Coast, potentially opening up an opportunity for Liverpool to climb above them for the first time, should they defeat Villa at Anfield. It could be a pivotal day.
4th: Liverpool - 68pts
5th: United - 67pts
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May 25
United vs Chelsea - UNITED WIN
United's game in hand on Liverpool comes just three days before the final day of the season, meaning it could prove to be a defining night at Old Trafford. The Reds, such is their impressive home record and Chelsea's struggles, will be strong favourites to beat Frank Lampard's side and put them in command of their own destiny ahead of the final day.
4th: United - 70pts
5th: Liverpool - 68pts
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May 28
United vs Fulham - DRAW
Southampton vs Liverpool - LIVERPOOL WIN
United have already beaten Fulham twice this season and a final day victory over them at Old Trafford would secure a top four finish, regardless of Liverpool's result at Southampton. But in the event of United dropping points, a Liverpool win by any margin could seal them fourth.
At the time of writing, Liverpool's goal difference is currently 15 better off than United's, meaning it is hard to see Ten Hag's side swinging that back in their favour.
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FINAL STANDINGS
4th: Liverpool - 71pts
5th: United - 71pts
In summary, Liverpool can finish on a maximum of 71 points, provided they win each of their last four games. United, by contrast, only need eight points from a possible 15 to achieve the same feat.
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