Liverpool's result against Paris Saint-Germain will have huge ramifications - win or lose

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Liverpool will turn to their focus on the Champions League on Tuesday and it will remain there for the rest of the Premier League seasonFor the most part, it had offered Liverpool and Arne Slot rare solace during the dismal autumn months. Now, with mere weeks remaining of the season, there is only one priority for the Reds.Whether it is staying in this season's competition or ensuring they maintain their place for next term, the Champions League now commands the complete attention of everyone at Anfield.After Saturday's 2-0 home Premier League win over Fulham offered some much-needed relief from the pressure that had been building on the strength of three successive defeats, the most immediate concentration will be on attempting to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit when they entertain Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday.Few doubt the task will be anything but difficult, especially given the manner in which Liverpool were routinely undressed by PSG's rapier-like attacks during a tortuous 90 minutes at the Parc des Princes.The weekend win, while hardly stellar, will at least give the Reds some confidence and self-belief going into the game, although it must be said the only home loss Liverpool have suffered in 14 such games since the 4-1 shocker against PSV Eindhoven in November was the late, late reverse to Manchester City in February.Perception, though, suggests that record is a lot worse given it contains lamentable draws against Sunderland, Leeds United, Burnley and Tottenham Hotspur.In some ways, the lack of expectation could work in Liverpool's favour with PSG massively odds-on to complete the job with the bookmakers and having benefited from the controversial decision of the French authorities to postpone their title showdown with Lens at the weekend to give them time to rest between the two legs.The Reds, similar to every other Premier League team in Europe, were afforded no such assistance.Tuesday's game will be important in several respects.

This has been a season all about momentum for Liverpool in both directions. After the Community Shield, the Reds won seven games in a row, then lost nine out of 12, then were beaten only twice in 21 and have now claimed just a third win in a spell of nine matches in which they have lost a further five.It's why, even if Liverpool fall short in their effort to reach another Champions League semi-final, a positive result - whether a win or draw - could be key going into the final six Premier League games of the season.

This is a team that clearly operates to a rhythm of results, whether good or bad.And the Reds' remaining fixtures in the Premier League are not straightforward, having to travel to the two teams immediately above them - Manchester United and Aston Villa - while entertaining two loitering with intent just below in Chelsea and Brentford.Factor in a first trip to Hill Dickinson Stadium to take on Everton next Sunday and an Anfield showdown with a Crystal Palace side that have already beaten them three times this season, Liverpool have as tough a run-in as any.While Villa and Palace could be distracted by European commitments, none of those six opponents are likely to be taking their foot off the gas.What, though, of Liverpool's chief rivals? Chelsea also have a game at Brighton, and Villa must travel to Fulham and finish the season at Manchester City, where Brentford also have to visit.Everton, meanwhile, host Manchester City in May and will have a big say in the relegation battle by travelling to West Ham United and, on the final day, Tottenham Hotspur.With so many of the involved teams facing each other, they can't all win, meaning a run of consecutive victories will make a huge difference over the coming weeks.The average points total for fifth place over the past decade has been 68 points, although in four of the last six seasons 66 points has been enough.With Liverpool standing on 52, it's likely the required tally will be lower than normally expected, highlighting what has been a deeply below-par Premier League competition in general this campaign.What's certain, though, is Tuesday will have ramifications for the Reds beyond this season's Champions League.