Firmino urges Liverpool to cement top four berth

London (AFP) – Roberto Firmino has urged Liverpool to cement their place in the Premier League’s top four by taking advantage of Burnley’s away-day struggles on Saturday.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are right back in the hunt for Champions League qualification after last weekend’s crucial 3-1 win over Arsenal.

With fifth placed Arsenal and sixth placed Manchester United on FA Cup duty this weekend, Liverpool can open up a five-point gap on their top four rivals if they beat Burnley at Anfield.

Burnley would seem ideal opposition as Sean Dyche’s team have managed just two points from their 13 league games this season.

But although the fourth placed Reds have recorded impressive recent wins over Arsenal and Tottenham, the last month has also included chastening defeats against lowly Hull and Leicester.

Reds forward Firmino wants his team-mates to eradicate that inconsistency, starting this weekend.

“I don’t really know why we have had these difficulties but we are trying to sort it out and be more consistent overall,” Firmino said.

“It’s true that we’ve lost a few games and had a few setbacks recently but we’ve also had some wins and I believe that confidence is returning.

“We know that we have to get back on a winning streak and so we have been working harder and harder to try and do that again. We’re very motivated.”

Second bottom Hull face fellow strugglers Swansea in a crunch clash at the KCOM Stadium and Tigers defenders Andrew Robertson admits his team have no margin for error.

Marco Silva’s men are four points from safety after two defeats in their last three games and Swansea, six points ahead of Hull, will arrive in good form after four wins from their previous six matches.

“We’ve got a few huge home games coming up and we need to make sure the KCOM Stadium remains a fortress between now and the end of the season,” Robertson said.

“You have to win your home games to give yourselves a chance. If you win your home games, you stay up.” 

Fixtures (1500 GMT unless stated)

Saturday

Bournemouth v West Ham, Everton v West Brom, Hull v Swansea

Sunday

Liverpool v Burnley (1600 GMT)