Is a top-four finish really beyond Liverpool’s reach?

I’m actually writing this before the upcoming Manchester United v Liverpool game. So I won’t be sharing Liverpool fan’s sense of glee (or disappointment). I still think, however, that we can predict the course of the Reds season.

Yes, a positive result against Manchester United may put a fairly positive complexion on Liverpool’s season. But I would argue against any undue confidence.

Besides, don’t Liverpool always put in a good performance against the big teams? It’s against maller clubs (clubs like West Brom, Sunderland, etc) that Brendan Rodger’s side has struggled against. And that’s why Liverpool are no longer a top four side any more. I certainly can’t see them challenging this season.

And neither can Sir Alex Ferguson. When asked about the top four this season, he responded with the following names: United, City, Chelsea, Arsenal, with outside challenges from “Everton, of course, could do it – and they want to do it. Tottenham could – and they want to do it. But it’s hard. Liverpool — it’s a new regime and it might take time.” (Source: The Telegraph).

It’s hard to disagree with him. Liverpool looked like they would struggle this season and low and behold, they have. That’s not a criticism – it’s recognition that Liverpool were hamstrung before they even really got started this season. They’ve gutted themselves of any chance of competing at the top level by failing to strengthen an already goal-shy strike-force. As a result, they’ve doomed themselves to yet another transitional season and that’s if they’re lucky. The danger is now that they start to slide backwards.

The other danger would be apportioning blame in the wrong areas. It’s likely that Brendan Rodgers will take a lot more stick before the end of the season. I just hope he isn’t made the scapegoat for the club’s shortcomings this season. With the right personnel and proper backing he could have achieved something this season. As things stand, however, a Europa League finish should be considered a success. Mid-table should be acceptable.

Of course, the hope will be that Liverpool do as well as they can until January, when they’ll be able to make a couple of additions. By then, however it may already be too late. The competition is extremely tough this season and Liverpool are already struggling.

What’s your take? Could Liverpool crack the top four this season?

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