Football
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Emre Can: Liverpool must win last four games after Crystal Palace setback

Liverpool midfielder Emre Can wants his side to take maximum points from their remaining matches in order to secure Champions League football, but says a helping hand from top-four rivals would not go amiss.

Sunday's 2-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace, which Can blamed on "stupid" defending, was a blow to Liverpool's aspirations of returning to Europe's elite club competition.

The result opened the door for Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal, with matches in hand, to overtake them.

City face United this week, while Arsenal travel to North London rivals Tottenham at the weekend, but Can said he believed four wins from the final four games would be enough for Liverpool.

"Everyone is very disappointed because we should have won this game [against Palace]. We had the chances. It was stupid from us," he said.

"We can be disappointed after the game, but from Monday we have to look forward.

"It is still in our hands. If we win the last four games, we will reach the Champions League. That has to be the target. It has to be.

"Some of the other top teams will play against each other, and we will give it our best."

Asked what result he wanted from Thursday's Manchester derby, Can added: "Is a City win the better result [for Liverpool]? Then I am for City.

"One of the top teams will drop points and that is a good thing. We have to be there, and in the next game against Watford we have to win again."

Liverpool are likely to have midfielder Adam Lallana back for the trip to Vicarage Road after a month out with a thigh injury sustained on England duty.

And Can said the return of an experienced player was a boost, adding: "We miss a lot of our players, there are a lot of injuries.

"We don't have luck with this but it is no excuse. We have to fight for our target."

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