Yet, in an unbelievable turn of events, a particular set of results from the final five games concerning those teams could see them level on points, goal difference and goals scored.
The five-match unbeaten run which steered them clear of relegation trouble came unceremoniously to an end and a "lap of appreciation" by the players was conducted in front of virtually empty stands.
With Champions League qualification in their grasp, Craig Burley says Liverpool need to seal the deal against Boro.
A win will guarantee that the Reds beat Arsenal to the fourth and final spot and Klopp is banking on the Brazilian to make the game. Liverpool moved back one point above Manchester City into third place in the Premier League.
Anything other than a victory at West Ham's London Stadium would have left Liverpool relying on other results going their way but once Daniel Sturridge put them ahead in the 35th minute they were relatively comfortable.
While Coutinho's future continues to be called into question, so does that of Daniel Sturridge.
"If we win we deserve to be in the Champions League".
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Philippe was the expected choice for PM, though he was not well known in France until last week, according to The New York Times . He won his campaign as an independent, with the backing of a fledgling political party he founded less than a year ago.
Coutinho split open the West Ham defence with a majestic long pass and Sturridge strode through, rounded Adrian and slotted home his first goal since January 2.
Consistency was lacking once Coutinho returned to full fitness, but he has played his way back into form and starred again for the Reds as they eased past West Ham in their latest outing.
The former Red said on BBC Radio 5 live: "If they were to lose him, who would they bring in to replace him".
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was pleased with the way his side controlled the game.
"We will stay focused 100 per cent, we know about the difficulty of the next game, nobody will go into this game and underestimate it one per cent". You only have to look at the teamsheet and it had goals, creative players, it had everything really, and I felt we trusted that, we trusted our ability. That's how it is, part of this life is to handle pressure.
"We just have to continue playing our game and I think if we show the same attitude as at West Ham we have a big chance of doing this".
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