Ex-Liverpool man Ray Houghton outlines season objectives

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Top four the aim, claims former utility man…

Former midfielder Ray Houghton reckons the Premier League title is probably out of our grasp already, but that the team must strive for a top four finish, reports Goal.

With Chelsea beating almost all before them, and our current inability to keep clean sheets or finish chances; sadly, the former Ireland international is probably right.

“There will be many twists and turns before the end of the season, and Liverpool can be thankful that Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United all have their own problems, with only Chelsea showing any consistency,” Houghton, who made 153 Liverpool league appearances, said.

“The title might already be beyond Liverpool, but the objective is to be in the top four and progression in the Champions League, and the return of Sturridge will give them hope of achieving that.”

Sturridge has been our for two months due to a calf strain picked up while on international duty , but is expected to be fit for the Crystal Palace match which follows the international break.

While few of us are genuinely expecting his return to stimulate a title challenge, he will at least bolster a currently struggling frontline.

Neither Rickie Lambert, Mario Balotelli or Fabio Borini have so far bagged a Premier League goal this term, whereas Sturridge notched 21 last campaign.

His return may also directly improve Balotelli – who enjoyed arguably his best game for us during his debut against Spurs alongside Sturridge.

 

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