Kenny Dalglish believes Sunday's opponents Tottenham have been a victim of their own success this season, having missed out on UEFA Champions League qualification.
Spurs embarked on an adventurous run in their debut season in Europe's premier club competition after finishing in fourth place in the Premier League last term.
Poor league form has coincided with the continental exploits, with Spurs surrendering their top-four status to Manchester City this time around.
Harry Redknapp's men most overhaul Dalglish's fifth-placed Liverpool if they are to qualify for the Europa League and face the Reds at Anfield on Sunday.
Dalglish reckons the increased number of games that comes with Champions League football took its toll on Spurs, but expects a tough game in Liverpool's last home game of the season.
"They have been punished for their success this year: too many games, competing in too many competitions, maybe," he said.
"It is unfortunate for them but it is a level of success that they got so close.
"It is a huge test against Spurs. It would have been difficult game whether it was the second last or second game of the season.
"But our boys won't be judged on what they do on Sunday. They will be judged on what they have done since January.
"I don't think anyone would have anticipated that (fifth place) in January when we started but we have to be realistic and not get carried away.
"They have been fantastic and to get us this close is a great credit to them.
"For us, we know what we are up against. They (Spurs) have the same target as us - to get a victory.
Dalglish, who this week penned a new three-year deal to become permanent manager of Liverpool for the second time, has transformed the club's fortunes since taking over in January.
The club legend insists his players deserve credit for their strong finish to the season, regardless of the result against Tottenham or away to Aston Villa on the final day of the season.
He said: "If we get a victory I'll be delighted but I don't think - irrespective of the result on Sunday or Villa the next week - what the players have done should be undermined.
"The next game is the most important and we will just take it on," he added.
"That has stood me in good stead throughout my playing and managerial career and I'm not going to change my beliefs.
"They have not done me too badly in the past. All the supporters care about is the people wearing our shirt giving everything they have got to get what they want.
"We will aim for three points on Sunday and then we will take it from there."
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