2nd place is still better as there will be no qualifying games for the CL.
If Liverpool finished third, they will have to play in the qualifying round. Given Liverpool may meet some minnows from Cyprus, but these games are normally played early in the season, or worse, BEFORE the Premiership season even starts. As the players are still in pre-season mode, they are already starting to get involved competitively and this actually lengthens the season for them.
Liverpool will possibly win these games, but then again, you never know. Look at Celtic this season. They were Scottish Champions last season, yet due to the poor standard of the league they were required to play in the qualifiers... and got knocked out! The Scottish Champions then went on the play in the UEFA Cup, while 2nd-placed Rangers won their qualifying games and went on to their best ever performance in Europe, sick isn't it? I certianly won't want to see Liverpool lose out in these meaningless qualifiers.
The conclusion is that second place is a must, not a choice.
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Lestor Wong
http://lfc-net.com