A supercomputer has backed Liverpool to finish outside of the Champions League places this season.
The Reds have not missed out on a top-four spot since 2016 but a poor campaign by their high standards has left them trailing behind.
While a run of three straight wins has triggered talk of a potential late-season push, Liverpool remain seven points behind fourth-placed Manchester United and have played a game more.
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But while third-placed Newcastle United are showing no signs of slowing down - they beat the Reds' relegation-threatened neighbours Everton 4-1 on Thursday at Goodison Park - Man United are begin to show signs of stuttering.
Erik ten Hag's team had to settle for a 2-2 draw on Thursday after racing into a two-goal lead at fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who make their way to seventh-placed Liverpool on Sunday (4.30pm kick-off).
And football analytical site FiveThirtyEight give the Reds just a 14 percent chance of competing in UEFA’s elite competition next year. By contrast, Man United (86 percent) and the Magpies (94 percent) are tipped as shoo-ins to secure a top-four finish.
Brighton have been one of the surprise packages of the season and, given their games in hand, are viewed by many as potential outsiders for the Champions League. However, the website - which uses statistical information and detailed data analysis to predict top-flight outcomes - only ranks their chances at 5 percent.
Missing out of the top four would deal a hammer blow to Liverpool’s transfer plans, with Jurgen Klopp possibly unable to entice players with the allure of Champions League football. On a positive note, FiveThirtyEight expect the Reds to leapfrog Tottenham and Aston Villa to claim fifth spot - a feat that would ensure Europa League football.
As far as the title race is concerned, Manchester City (90 percent) are now overwhelming favourites after brushing aside Arsenal on Wednesday 4-1 at the Etihad. Southampton (97 percent), Everton (75 percent) and Nottingham Forest (56 percent) are backed for relegation.
FiveThirtyEight predicted top 10: 1 Man City (89 points), 2 Arsenal (84), 3 Newcastle (73), 4 Man United (72), 5 Liverpool (65), 6 Brighton (62), 7 Tottenham (60), 8 Aston Villa (60), 9 Brentford (53), 10 Fulham (51).
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