Liverpool edged out Swansea City in a 4-3 thriller at Anfield to keep a firm grip on a top-four place and deny the impressive Swans a vital Premier League point after a fine performance on Sunday afternoon.

Four goals in a breathless opening 27 minutes saw Daniel Sturridge put the hosts two goals up before former Reds midfielder Jonjo Shelvey and Wilfried Bony hit back to level for the Swans.

Jordan Henderson put the hosts back in front after 37 minutes, but a penalty two minutes into the second half from Bony once again levelled things up.

However, Henderson struck once again in the closing stages to give Brendan Rodgers’ side a key victory in their quest for a Champions League qualifying place.

More to follow…

Liverpool have used the 33-year-old midfielder in a withdrawn role this season, and the Juventus playmaker has backed his English counterpart to make a successful transition

EXCLUSIVE
By Thomas Unsworth

Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has backed Steven Gerrard to adapt his game and play on at the top level until his late 30s.

Pirlo, who will be 35 in May, has helped Juventus to two consecutive Serie A titles since moving to Turin on a free transfer in 2011 from AC Milan, and was a key member of the Italy squad that got to the Euro 2012 final.

Gerrard, 33, has been used in a deeper role by Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers this season, with more of a focus on dictating the play with passes from the base of midfield as opposed to a more advanced positioning.

And Pirlo, who has tailored his game since leaving Milan, believes intelligent players like the England international have the wherewithal to prolong their careers.

“As a player you get to the stage where you realise that you are not 25 any more – and can’t play the way you used to,” Pirlo told Goal.

“The intelligent players adapt – and Steven Gerrard has the ability to do that. He is an excellent passer of the ball, possesses an intelligent football brain, and has great vision. He might not be able to run around for 90 minutes any more, but he has all the qualities to play a deeper role.”

Gerrard missed the end of last season with a shoulder injury but his fitness and conditioning have been carefully managed by Liverpool in recent years, and Pirlo believes that will be vital in his remaining years as a professional.

“Top European clubs are always progressing with what they can do off the field,” he added. “Training is getting more scientific, and we are constantly getting more educated on nutrition.

“If you look after yourself and are willing to adapt – there is no reason why you can’t play at the top level until your late 30s.

“Gerrard is a top professional, it is very possible he has many top years left for Liverpool and England in a new role.”

After holding Napoli to a 0-0 draw, the Swans travel to Anfield this Sunday looking for their first league away win in seven

Liverpool and Swansea City meet in the Premier League this weekend, with both teams in contrasting form.

The Reds will be looking to maintain their top-four position after seeing their rivals play on Saturday, with the visitors looking to escape the clutches of the relegation zone, despite sitting in 10th.

The bottom of the Premier League is so tight, with four points separating Swansea from 18th. Garry Monk’s men may come into this match a little fatigued having played a Europa League match on Thursday against Napoli. Despite having the best chances, Swansea were unable to break down the Italians.

The Welsh have struggled away from home in the league, going seven matches without winning, losing four of those games. Paddy Power price them at 9/1 (10.00) to win.

Liverpool will be looking to bounce back from their FA Cup disappointment, after losing to Arsenal 2-1 last weekend. Brendan Rodgers’ side have been fantastic at home this season, winning 10 of their last 11 matches. Last time out at home the Reds stunned Arsenal by scoring four times in the first 16 minutes. Liverpool eventually ran out 5-1 winners to cement their place in the top four.

Paddy Power price them at 3/10 (1.33) to take all three points. The same firm price the draw at 9/2 (5.50).

With only one outcome seeming possible, it’s worth looking at markets that see Liverpool scoring or winning. With the outright price too short to touch, the handicap market is worth investing in. Liverpool -1 at 8/11 (1.73) is certainly worth backing when you consider it would have paid out in all of those 10 wins in their last 11 games at home. With Daniel Sturridge scoring for fun at the moment in the Premier League, expect him to lead the line and take advantage of Swansea’s poor away form.

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