Liverpool FC: 7 Reasons Liverpool Can Finish in the Champions League Spots

Liverpool Football Club are the joint most successful European football club, with five European titles.

However, after going to Champions League finals in 2005 and 2007, Liverpool have dropped out of Europe's elite competition. 

The emergence of Manchester City has made the top four even harder to break into, and this year the race for the covered fourth-place spot is very much a three-horse race. Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool all have European aspirations, but two teams are going to end their campaign disappointed.

Kenny Dalglish is obviously aware of this, and the Liverpool owners have stated that not finishing in the Champions League spots this year would be a "disappointment."

Since their two successive home draws, there have been many pundits slaughtering Liverpool's chances of finishing in fourth place. However, the two home draws were—as far as Liverpool are concerned—extremely unlucky, but I'm not going to go into that now.

So, here are eight reasons why Liverpool can compete among the world's elite come next season.  

Experience at the Highest Level

Liverpool are one of the few clubs in the world that can claim to have "been there, done that" on pretty much every scenario on the world football stage.

Steven Gerrard, the captain, has captained England to the World Cup and Liverpool to the Champions League.

Dirk Kuyt has been part of a World Cup and Champions League, as had Lucas Leiva, Luis Suarez, Jamie Carragher, Craig Bellamy, Daniel Agger and many more. 

This experience will prove vital in the race to finish, as all of the mentioned players—who incidentally make up most of the starting 11—know how to deal with pressure.

It sounds like I'm knocking Tottenham in particular, and I guess I am. But one Champions League cameo is not anywhere near Liverpool's experience level. 

Starting Lineup and Team Balance

Liverpool do have a lot of depth, especially compared to a couple of seasons ago.

Almost every position has a capable backup player ready to fill in the gaps if necessary, but even if you look past this, the team is incredibly well balanced. 

Assuming the starting lineup looks like this (which is my preferred lineup), the balance is perfect. 

--------------------------Reina-------------------

Kelly(R)--Carragher(R)--Agger(L)__JE(L)

----------------Lucas(R)--Adam(L)-------------

--Bellamy(R)-----Gerrard(R)-----Downing(L)

------------------------Suarez(R)-------------------

The balance there is fantastic. Using that team, the preferred foot of the players is always going to be the one used most. 

January Transfer Window

How many times have you seen that picture?

A lot. I'm sorry, I'm just not an original person. 

The fact is, Hazard will probably move in the next two transfer windows, and if that move is to Liverpool, you should run around screaming.

Hazard is one of the best options out there, as he would greatly improve our creativity and pace. 

However, should Hazard decide to move elsewhere, there are many others to go for. Marko Marin is on the shortlist, as are many other bright stars.

If Liverpool are to compete after January, one more already-gifted player must arrive at Melwood. 

Arsenal and Tottenham Do Have a Tendency to Slip Up

Though Tottenham's performances have taken a definite upturn recently, as I said before, they do not have the experience of doing well in run-ins.

The same could be said for Liverpool—but thankfully, they have a relatively easy run-in. Well, as much as run-ins are ever easy for Liverpool. 

Tottenham have a difficult run-in, as do Arsenal. If Liverpool can overtake the London clubs right at the death, qualification will be assured.

Fingers crossed. 

Will to Win

Though not all Liverpool players—or many other players—have the same passion as Luis Suarez, many can learn from his example.

Yes, he overdoes it at times, but the whole team can learn from his example of willingness to win and give everything every time. 

Sometimes, it's just the willingness to win that separates the best.

Fans, or You Lot

This one is very simple.

Liverpool fans are the best in the world and can lift the team if necessary.

"You'll Never Walk Alone," and Liverpool players won't, either. 

Our Run-in Is Great

To round things off, we'll look at how the season rounds off.

Liverpool, as I mentioned earlier, have a great run-in this year, with plenty of home games. The last couple of games—excluding Chelsea visiting Anfield—leave out the big six. 

Should Liverpool take maximum points from most of their last games, not all, then they will probably finish in that coveted fourth place. 

Thanks for reading.