Liverpool handed quiet Premier League title hope thanks to European coefficient change

Ever since Liverpool saw their hopes of Champions League qualification ended last season, supporters instead dreamt of a Europa League final appearance in Dublin.

When Jurgen Klopp announced his decision to step down as Reds manager at the end of the campaign back in January, the desire for a farewell party to end all parties in the Emerald Isle grew even more.

However, such fantasies were brutally ended prematurely after Liverpool suffered a shock Europa League quarter-final exit to Atalanta. The season-long favourites to win the tournament, a 3-0 first leg loss at Anfield ultimately sealed their fate and ensured they wouldn’t even compete for a place in the final.

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Inevitably, it is a disappointing blow for the Reds. However, those with their glasses half-full will have been able to find small positives.

After all, having seen Premier League title-rivals Man City and Arsenal also both surprisingly exit the Champions League at the quarter-final stage earlier this week, Liverpool’s elimination ensures none of the trio can enjoy any advantage over their foes when it comes to navigating a reduced schedule during the final month of the campaign.

Both the Gunners and the Reds, who currently sit two points behind league-leaders City, have just six league matches left that they can focus on and prepare for fully. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s men will also be looking to defend the FA Cup ahead of taking on Chelsea at Wembley in this weekend’s semi-final.

Whether extra time on the training pitch and less minutes in legs at the business end of the campaign outweighs the potential