Liverpool are 10 points behind current Premier League leaders Manchester City – who have a game in hand – following a dismal run that has seen them win just twice in their last nine games.

The Reds lost four of those clashes, drawing the other three, and they could even finish outside the top four if things do not change quickly.

Only a point separates fourth-placed Liverpool from Chelsea and West Ham United, while seventh-placed Everton could leapfrog them in the standings if they win their two outstanding games.

Former Reds centre-back Dejan Lovren is not optimistic about his former side’s chances of retaining the title as a result of their injury crisis in the heart of the defence, and he is hoping that they do not miss out on a top four finish.