KOP SO CLOSE TO CL DREAM

YOU only have to look at Liverpool’s home form to realise why Joey Barton lost money betting.

It’s no laughing matter, though (even if I know Joey won’t mind me having a joke), largely because the unpredictability of the Premier League makes it a mug’s game – and Liverpool’s change of fortunes sums it up.

If you had told me, before Christmas, they would only need to win their final two home games to be pretty sure of qualifying for the Champions League, I’d have snapped your hand off. So would they.

In their first nine home league matches they dropped four points. Under Jurgen Klopp (below), Anfield was a virtual guarantee of points. It was the away form which made you break out in cold sweats. Their last eight home games, they’ve dropped 10 points. So what the hell has happened?

The good news is, they have sorted out a way of playing away from home.

The performance at Watford shows they can grind out results and, at this stage, that’s all they need to get over the line. I think that was massive win and I know Emre Can’s goal will make him feel 12ft tall.

Today, they just need the crowd to be patient against Southampton. If it’s tight, don’t be worried, because Liverpool have more matchwinners than Saints.

That’s what is required against Southampton and I know Liverpool have it in them. And a win today may be enough for the top four, with Boro to come on the final day.