MANCHESTER, AP:

The reversal in fortunes of England's two most successful clubs could be underlined this weekend as Manchester United look to secure a return to the Champions League and end Liverpool's brief stay in Europe's top competition.

A turbulent first season at United for Louis van Gaal is ending with a late-season wobble, with the team losing three straight league games for the first time in 14 years. Beating Crystal Palace today could still seal a top-four finish for United, if Liverpool lose at newly crowned champion Chelsea tomorrow.

Regaining their Champions League status is crucial for United, both financially and in terms of the prestige it brings to the club. A year out of Europe's elite hasn't harmed its pulling power - United still managed to lure Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao last summer - but a continued exile may start making the world's biggest stars think twice about moving to Old Trafford.

Liverpool, though, haven't the same revenues and may find it harder to quickly bounce back. Dropping out of the Champions League will be a major blow to manager Brendan Rodgers' hopes of building a team capable to challenging for a first English league title since 1990. Keeping hold of their top names, like Raheem Sterling, may also prove difficult without the attraction of the Champions League.

Much depends on this weekend's games as United then finish with a tough home match against Arsenal and a trip to a Hull side that is fighting for survival. Liverpool are four points behind fourth-place United.

Liverpool will give Chelsea's players a guard of honour before the match, a week after Jose Mourinho's team clinched the title with three games to spare.