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Liverpool Down To One - Trophyless Campaign Turns to a Top 4 Battle for Arne Slot's Side

eddy-tora
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Last updated: Wed 15 Apr 2026 10:19
The 2025/26 season has been challenging for Liverpool, plagued by inconsistency, injuries, and high expectations. Following a quarter-final exit from the UEFA Champions League against PSG, Liverpool's focus shifts to securing a Top 5 spot in the Premier League, crucial for future Champions League participation and Arne Slot's job security. Despite injuries and tough remaining fixtures, bookmakers still favor Liverpool's chances. However, potential losses against rivals like Everton could impact odds significantly. Xabi Alonso is the favorite to replace Slot, highlighting uncertainty in Liverpool's managerial future.
Eddy Tora 15 Apr 2026
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  • Liverpool's focus shifts to the Premier League after Champions League exit
  • Bookmakers favor the Reds to stay in the Top 5 despite recent challenges
  • Xabi Alonso is set to replace Arne Slot if Liverpool's form fails to improve
slot liverpool
Liverpool manager Arne Slot is under pressure after a trophyless season in 2025/26 (Getty)

The 2025/26 season has been a whirlwind for Liverpool, struggling with consistency, injuries, and the weight of expectation.

Following the quarter-final exit to PSG in the UEFA Champions League, the Reds now turn all their attention to securing a Top 5 spot in the Premier League.

A return to Europe's elite competition is mandatory for Arne Slot's side. Failure to hang onto the final qualification spot could spell the end of the Dutch manager who has seen his side regress this season.

As we enter the final stretch of the season, we take a look at Liverpool's performances in all four competitions and the odds on Slot staying in charge next season.

League Cup


Liverpool snuck past Southampton 2-1 at Anfield but their campaign ended in the fourth round. Home advantage did little against Crystal Palace, going down 3-0 as Arne Slot opted for a mix of youth and experience.

FA Cup


The Reds enjoyed home advantage again in the FA Cup, cruising past Barnsley (4-1) and Brighton & Hove Albion (3-0) to reach the fifth round.

A comfortable 3-0 win against Wolverhampton at Molineux raised hopes of a deep run. Those hopes were crushed at the Etihad, Liverpool suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat against Manchester City in what was a sobering afternoon.

This exit highlighted a defensive vulnerability that has plagued them against elite opposition this season.

UEFA Champions League


Arne Slot's side finished third in the league phase, defeating Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid at Anfield alongside victories at Inter Milan and Marseille.

A 1-0 defeat at Galatasaray in the round of 16 first leg was followed by another Anfield masterclass. Liverpool won 4-0 in the second leg, ending with 32-4 shots including 16-1 on target.

The European journey ended in heartbreak at the quarter-final stage against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain. After a comprehensive 2-0 defeat in Paris, Liverpool failed to produce another miracle at Anfield.

Liverpool had chances and saw a second half penalty overturned, the decisions by Arne Slot to bench Mohamed Salah and start Alexander Isak sparking some controversy and criticism.

English Premier League


Liverpool currently sit 5th on the Premier League table with 52 points after 32 games. The season got off to a rocky start following the British-record £125 million signing of Alexander Isak and the tragic loss of Diogo Jota.

Isak has hardly featured following a disruptive preseason with Andy Robertson and Jeremie Frimpong underwhelming in the fullback positions.

A number of players have regressed under Slot, including Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah. The manager has not got the best from Florian Wirtz following his big money move from Bayer Leverkusen.

Liverpool's Remaining Premier League Fixtures


Liverpool's first match after the Champions League exit comes in the Merseyside derby against local rivals Everton. A tough trip to Old Trafford is followed by a crunch clash against Chelsea.

Sun 19 April Premier League Everton Hill Dickinson Stadium 14:00
Sat 25 April Premier League Crystal Palace Anfield 15:00
Sun 03 May Premier League Manchester United Old Trafford 15:30
Sat 09 May Premier League Chelsea Anfield 12:30
Sun 17 May Premier League Aston Villa Villa Park 15:00
Sun 24 May Premier League Brentford Anfield 16:00

Premier League Top 5 Finish Betting Odds - Will Liverpool Hold On?


With the Premier League recently receiving a fifth Champions League spot based on coefficient rankings, staying in the Top 5 is now the primary focus for Liverpool.

The Reds currently trail Aston Villa and Manchester United by three points but have a host of clubs waiting to pounce, the contingent led by Chelsea.

TeamOdds
Arsenal 1.01
Man City
1.01
Man Utd
1.06
Aston Villa
1.08
Liverpool
1.33
Chelsea
2.75
Brighton
17.00
Everton
17.00
Brentford
21.00
Bournemouth
41.00
Sunderland
51.00
Crystal Palace
401.00
Newcastle
501.00
Source: Stake.com and correct on 15 April 2026

Despite poor form, bookmakers expect Liverpool to hang on and return to the Champions League. Losing to Everton this weekend could dramatically alter those expectations.

Hugo Ekitiké's season ending injury places further doubt on the Reds' ability to score goals but with Alisson Becker and Alexander Isak close to full recovery, there are some positives before the run in.

Next Liverpool Manager Betting Odds: Arne Slot’s Future


The next Liverpool manager market has become increasingly active due to intense scrutiny surrounding Arne Slot’s future. His position is widely reported to be contingent on Champions League qualification.

ManagerOdds
Xabi Alonso
1.30
Luis Enrique
7.00
Andoni Iraola
8.00
Julian Nagelsmann
9.00
Jurgen Klopp
11.00
Francesco Farioli
17.00
Simone Inzaghi
17.00
Unai Emery
17.00
Steven Gerrard
17.00
Oliver Glasner
17.00
Sebastian Hoeness
17.00
Thomas Frank
17.00
Marco Silva
17.00
Source: Stake.com and correct on 15 April 2026

Xabi Alonso is the overwhelming favorite. Having left Real Madrid less than a season in charge, his availability and Anfield history make him the primary target.

Luis Enrique, Andoni Iraola and Julian Nagelsmann all feature prominently in the betting market with Jurgen Klopp continually linked to return to his former club.

Verdict


It's not inconceivable that Liverpool could lose at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday and fail to beat a rejuvenated Crystal Palace side.

The Top 5 market could alter significantly before the Reds take on Manchester United, Chelsea and Aston Villa. Therefore, taking the 1.33 on offer for Liverpool to stay in the Top 5 has no value at all.

It seems certain that Xabi Alonso is being lined up to replace Slot in the dugout. The only question seems to be when, but the 1.30 odds are not appealing.

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