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Pre-match information
The race for Champions League tickets in the Premier League was once very tense just a few weeks ago with the competition of Manchester United, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Chelsea. However, the current situation is almost decided.
Man United has officially won tickets to the Champions League next season with Arsenal and Manchester City. Meanwhile, Chelsea is almost hopeless after a series of serious declines in form. Liverpool and Aston Villa are currently the two teams with the biggest advantage for the remaining positions in the top 5.
However, Liverpool entered a decisive stage with a lot of pressure after the 2-3 defeat to Man United in the most recent round. This defeat also ended Arne Slot's three-match winning streak in the Premier League.
This season is a difficult journey for Liverpool in the task of defending the championship. The Anfield home team has lost 11 matches in the Premier League, the worst record since the 2014-2015 season under Brendan Rodgers.
Liverpool's biggest weakness lies in their unstable defense system. They have conceded 2 or more goals in 16 Premier League matches this season, only less than in the 2012-2013 season when that number was 17 matches.
While Liverpool still maintains a competitive position, Chelsea continues to sink deeper into crisis. The London team has lost all 6 recent matches in the Premier League and is facing the risk of repeating the seven consecutive defeats that occurred in 1952.
The Blues also faced serious problems in attack when they did not score in 5 of their last 6 defeats, before Joao Pedro scored a "reverse-leg bicycle" super goal in the 1-3 defeat to Nottingham Forest.
The appearance of interim coach Calum McFarlane after Liam Rosenior was sacked has not yet brought positive signs. Chelsea is currently only ranked ninth, 4 points behind the Europa League group and almost has no chance to compete for a Champions League spot.
