## Aim for the Top 8: Liverpool’s Road to Champions League Success
Liverpool’s impressive start in the new-look Champions League has set them on the path to avoid the knockout round play-off. The Reds secured a crucial three points against AC Milan in the Swiss-style league phase, positioning themselves favorably as they strive to finish in the top eight of the 36-team league. But why is it so important for Liverpool to aim for the top eight, and how can they achieve this goal?
### Why Should Liverpool Aim for the Top 8?
While it is unlikely that Liverpool will exit the competition at the first hurdle, finishing in the top eight has significant advantages. It would allow them to avoid an extra play-off round that would take place just before a crucial league match against Manchester City. The knockout round play-offs are scheduled for February 11/12 and 18/19, 2025. By finishing in the top eight, Liverpool can bypass this additional hurdle and focus on their domestic campaign without any distractions.
### How Can Liverpool Finish in the Top 8?
To secure a top-eight finish, Liverpool will need to accumulate enough points from their remaining fixtures. According to Opta, 10 points should be sufficient to secure a top-24 finish, guaranteeing them a play-off spot. This means Liverpool would need just seven points – two wins and a draw – from their remaining seven matches to secure a play-off position.
However, Liverpool’s ambitions extend beyond merely qualifying for the play-offs. The Opta supercomputer, as reported by Sky Sports, suggests that accumulating 16 points would almost certainly secure a top-eight finish. Football Meets Data, a statistics platform, even suggests that 15 points could be enough to secure eighth place. Although unlikely, even 14 points may be sufficient, depending on other teams’ results.
With 15 points as the target, Liverpool needs to secure 12 points from their upcoming seven fixtures. Let’s take a closer look at these crucial matches:
– Matchday 2: Bologna (Home) – Wednesday, October 2, 8pm
– Matchday 3: Leipzig (Away) – Wednesday, October 23, 8pm
– Matchday 4: Bayer Leverkusen (Home) – Tuesday, November 5, 8pm
– Matchday 5: Real Madrid (Home) – Wednesday, November 27, 8pm
– Matchday 6: Girona (Away) – Tuesday, December 10, 5.45pm
– Matchday 7: Lille (Home) – Tuesday, January 21, 8pm
– Matchday 8: PSV (Away) – Wednesday, January 29, 8pm
Liverpool has a challenging schedule ahead, but with their strong team and the right strategy, they have a great chance of securing the necessary points to finish in the top eight.
### The Importance of Goal Difference
In this new format of the Champions League, goal difference may play a crucial role in determining who finishes in or out of the top eight, as well as the top 24. As seen in a tweet by Football Meets Data, 15 points are the most likely outcome for both eighth and ninth place, while 9 points are the most likely outcome for teams finishing in 24th and 25th place. This emphasizes the significance of each goal scored and conceded, highlighting the need for Liverpool to maintain a strong defensive record while being clinical in front of goal.
### Conclusion
Liverpool’s strong start in the Champions League has put them in a favorable position to avoid the knockout round play-off. By aiming for a top-eight finish, the Reds can bypass this additional hurdle and focus on their domestic campaign. With 15 points as the target, Liverpool needs to secure 12 points from their remaining seven matches. While this task may seem challenging, Liverpool has the talent and determination to achieve their goal. As the competition unfolds, fans eagerly await Liverpool’s journey in the Champions League and hope for a successful campaign.