How history is on Liverpool’s side in their push for Champions League football

With Liverpool picking up 63 points from 32 games in the Premier League, history suggests Jurgen Klopp‘s side will seal a top-four finish.

The Reds sealed their 18th league win of the season away to Stoke City on Saturday afternoon, by virtue of some Brazilian magic from Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino.

With Simon Mignolet aiding the cause with two phenomenal saves to ensure a 2-1 victory, Liverpool extended their unbeaten run to six games.

This is the level of form that Klopp’s side will require if they are to achieve their target of Champions League football for next season, with serious competition around them.

While Chelsea look to have sealed the Premier League with seven games left to play, and Tottenham are a near certainty for a top-four finish, three other sides could still rivals the Reds.

But while Man City, Arsenal and Man United will fight it out until the end for the final two spots, Liverpool’s record when taking at least 60 points at this stage is encouraging.

As statistics from Andrew Beasley (@BassTunedToRed) prove, history favours Merseyside in this season’s run-in:

Liverpool after 32 games in the PL era. Based on history, top four finish looking likely. pic.twitter.com/Imk6iJ9XTe

— Andrew Beasley (@BassTunedToRed) April 9, 2017

Liverpool have never finished outside the top four when facing the final six games of the season with 60 points or more, the closest being in 2014/15, coming sixth after taking 57 from 32 games.

Since the Premier League‘s inception in 1992, the Reds have had at least 60 points at this stage on nine previous occasions, ending the season with over 70 points in six of those.

Four times they ended the season with over 80 points, with 2005/06’s step from 64 to 82 in six games the challenge for Klopp’s side this time around.

City, Arsenal and United have all suffered blows to their chances of late, and with Liverpool fighting back for all three points at the Britannia Stadium, the pressure is on their rivals.

And judging by their record since the Premier League began, they can be hopeful of turning out in the Champions League in 2017/18.

As the German put it on Saturday: “Job done, nice weather, 63 points. I couldn’t feel much better in this moment.”