Masch: Liverpool face 'seven finals'

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano believes that the Reds must look to win all seven of their remaining Premier League games if they are to seal a fourth-placed finish this season.

The Argentine claims that it is now up to the players to make sure that there is at least some joy to celebrate at the end of the campaign, with the team's away form a cause for concern.

"I think we will have to win all our games. We have seven finals and we have to win all of them to have hope of finishing fourth," Mascherano told the Reds' official website.

"If we can win 21 points, maybe we will be there. If not, it will be very difficult.

"I think the problem for us this season has been the away form.

"Obviously we have to keep going in the same way at home, but if we want to have hopes of finishing fourth, we have to improve away."

Liverpool welcome Sunderland to Anfield on Sunday and Mascherano knows that the fast-improving Black Cats, who held Aston Villa to a draw in Birmingham in midweek, will be no pushovers.

"It will be really difficult," the 25-year-old added.

"In their last three games against [Manchester] City, Birmingham and Aston Villa, Sunderland have played really well.

"They will come to Anfield with confidence, but if we can start with a high tempo and push them, it will be easier for us. If not, it will be difficult.

"There is always a good atmosphere at Melwood. We know we are close to the end of the season and people are expecting to see Liverpool finish in fourth place.

"If we can finish fourth and get to the final of the Europa League, maybe it will not be a fantastic season, but it will be a good season for Liverpool.

"But we have to switch on, try to win on Sunday and then we will see what happens."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.