Liverpool's slim top-four chances boosted
Steven Gerrard is hopeful of being fit enough to feature for Liverpool in this weekend's reunion with Roy Hodgson at West Brom, having initially been expected to miss a further fortnight after having surgery on a groin injury earlier in the month.
It's arguable that Hodgson won't be too worried by the prospect of the Gerrard participating at The Hawthorn if he retains the disappointing form that led the Liverpool captain to admit himself last weekend that the players deserved most of the blame for the failure of the Baggies' boss at Anfield.
His displays under Hodgson's interim successor Kenny Dalglish prior to his lay-off showed little sign of improvement, however the England midfielder has previously vowed to put in performances that will help the idolised Scot land the job on a permanent basis.
The Reds have gained more points than any other Premier League side since Dalglish's return to the dugout in January, while their points average over that spell is only bettered by title-chasing Chelsea and Arsenal, prompting some to suggest that they could yet complete a remarkable climb to fourth.
Odds of [12.5] are available on the Merseyside giants battling their way back into the Champions League, whereas at one stage earlier in the campaign they were backed at [50.0] because it looked more likely that they would be relegated than it did that they would regain a top-four position.
The current price is still rather hefty but that's understandable as they have eight points to make up on Manchester City, who occupy fourth place right now, and only eight game to close that gap.
More feasible are their chances of making up the four-point deficit to Tottenham and securing a spot in next season's Europa League at [3.55], especially as the Lilywhites are yet to visit Anfield.
Where will they finish? How big a boost is Gerrard's availability? Tell us below...
Published: 30 Mar 2011
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