Liverpool’s six games that could see them top the Premier League table in January
Liverpool have defied expectations this campaign as they have emerged as genuine Premier League title contenders after an excellent run of form.
Nobody expected such a quick turnaround following their disappointing fifth-place finish last term. But massive credit goes to manager Jurgen Klopp who oversaw a huge midfield rebuild in the summer, and that has made a huge difference for them.
The Reds are currently just two points off leaders Arsenal and one ahead of Manchester City in the standings, following their thrilling 4-3 success against Fulham last weekend.
They now face a busy few weeks with Liverpool’s next six Premier League fixtures coming within a short period. They could be top of the table by the new year if they manage to do well in these matches.
Below we will discuss the teams they will face in the following weeks.
1- Sheffield United vs Liverpool (Wednesday, December 6th)
Sheffield United have sacked Paul Heckingbottom after the 5-0 thrashing against Burnley at the weekend. Chris Wilder has returned in the dugout but a positive result against the high-flying Reds seems unlikely, given their miserable form and injury problems.
2- Crystal Palace vs Liverpool (Saturday, December 9th)
Roy Hodgson’s side have won just one of their last seven top-flight matches, but still nine points are separating them from the drop zone. Palace’s record at Selhurst Park hasn’t been very good this year, and Liverpool shouldn’t have much difficulty in registering maximum points.
3- Liverpool vs Manchester United (Sunday, December 17th)
The last time these two sides met in March, Jurgen Klopp’s side emerged victorious by an incredible 7-0 scoreline. Manchester United will be looking for revenge when they visit Merseyside later this month, but their unconvincing performances this campaign doesn’t suggest they could return with a positive result from Anfield.
4- Liverpool vs Arsenal (Saturday, December 23rd)
A late collapse saw Arsenal miss out on the Premier League title last season, but they look intent on lifting the coveted trophy this time. Only a single loss from their 14 matches suggest the Merseyside giants will likely have to face a difficult test when they host the Gunners at Anfield on December 23.
5- Burnley vs Liverpool (Tuesday, December 26th)
Expectations were high for Vincent Kompany’s side after their spectacular promotion campaign saw them collecting 101 points in the Championship. But life in the Premier League has been a nightmare for Burnley so far, as they are sitting second from bottom with just seven points. It looks unlikely that Jurgen Klopp’s men would drop any points at Turf Moor.
6- Liverpool vs Newcastle United (Monday, January 1st)
The Reds boast an excellent record against Newcastle in recent years. Klopp’s men beat their rivals 2-1 in August, despite Virgil van Dijk receiving a red card in the first-half. The Magpies have seen a huge improvement in their fortunes under Eddie Howe, but an away game at Liverpool will certainly present one of the toughest tests for them.