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Brendan Rodgers is targeting 74 points, the tally which he believes will give Liverpool Champions League qualification.

The Reds had not even hit 24 points at Christmas – the draw at Arsenal made their total 22 from 17 games – which emphasises the turnaround the club have had in recent months. Somehow, they target the top four; somehow, they find themselves in touching distance of completing a remarkable turnaround.

Speaking before the Swansea game, Rodgers said: “We have 30 points to play for so I am guessing it will be another 23 points.”

Three down, 20 to go. If the Ulsterman’s calculations are to be proved true, the Reds need to average 2.2 points per game. Seventy-four points wouldn’t have been enough last season, but it could prove to be enough this year.

Here’s how Liverpool’s final nine games shape up – and how the Reds could fare in their quest for 74 points.

Things, of course, can change in the coming weeks and months. But as things stand, here's how the race could be run.

March 22, Liverpool v Man Utd – WIN

The incentive of moving above United should be enough motivation for the Reds. The worry is if the United which beat Spurs turns up – but Liverpool, looking solid all over the pitch, can gain revenge for December defeat.

Points: 57

April 4, Arsenal v Liverpool – DRAW

A really tough fixture for the Reds against the only side as in-form as themselves. The run of six consecutive clean sheets is likely to come to an end against a side who have won their past eight at home in the league. A draw at the Emirates would be considered an excellent result. It will be difficult but the Gunners will leave space to counter.

Points: 58

April 13, Liverpool v Newcastle – WIN

Swansea showed how folly it would be to expect an easy game against a side with ‘nothing to play for’, but Newcastle under interim boss John Carver have been a side struggling for any sort of direction. With just one home win under him – at home to Aston Villa – the Reds should take the three points.

Points: 61

April 18, Hull v Liverpool – DRAW

Going away to a Steve Bruce side likely to be in a relegation battle does not make for a pleasant afternoon. The Reds will have nightmares over their performance in the 3-1 defeat last season and this game could be one of the more frustrating in the run-in.

Points: 62

April 25, West Brom v Liverpool – WIN

A trip to a small, noisy stadium with Tony Pulis in the dugout near the season’s end will bring back some horrific memories for the Reds, but this could end in a much happier result. Emre Can, Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho have highlighted their capability of dealing with aerial bombardment, and Rodgers can lead his side to a hard-fought win.

Points: 65

May 2, Liverpool v QPR – WIN

Will QPR already be down at this point? They have won just one game in 12 and new boss Chris Ramsey hasn’t given them the desired boost after the departure of Harry Redknapp. With just one win in 14 games at the time of writing, the Reds should be taking three points.

Points: 68

May 9, Chelsea v Liverpool – WIN

The big one, and one which could only be called at the time. Chelsea could be champions at this point, or on the verge of becoming so; likewise, this could be a must-win game for Chelsea, who, desperately out of form, need something to reignite their title challenge. With the Reds so good there in the cup semi-final, and with revenge for last season on their mind, let’s give this to Liverpool with a Steven Gerrard winner.

Points: 71

May 16, Liverpool v Crystal Palace – WIN

Liverpool will be hoping for a different result when facing Palace in the penultimate game of the season. Despite the Eagles’ recent renaissance under Alan Pardew, the Reds should find Palace’s expansive 4-3-3 a good formation to play against. The cup game at Selhurst Park also augurs well.

Points: 74

May 23, Stoke v Liverpool – DRAW

Even in May, Stoke is no place to go – they took four points from Arsenal and Manchester United at home earlier in the season. Mark Hughes has successfully implemented a more attacking style of play at the Britannia and they’re set for a top-half finish. A draw, as always, would be a decent result there.

Points: 75