Arne Slot set for first REAL test as Liverpool boss says Opta analysts

Arne Slot is walking into his first real test as Liverpool head coach - or at least, that’s what the data says.

Opta analysts understand that Arne Slot is about to have his first real test as Liverpool's head coach. They've analysed the fixture list of every Premier League club and believe that the Reds actually had the easiest start to the season.

That start saw Liverpool take on newly-promoted Ipswich Town in their opener, before taking on Brentford, Manchester United, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth. United are the strongest team there, of course, but not one that's expected to challenge - the Reds swept the floor with them, in fact.

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Their next, five, though, are above average in difficulty. Wolves and Crystal Palace are up next, both away from home. Then comes Chelsea at Anfield - a team with only one defeat this year - and then Arsenal away. That's one of the toughest games all season, of course.

After that? Brighton at home. Not one that will be a routine three points.

So while Arne Slot has enjoyed a wonderful start to Premier League life, the feeling is that the real test is the next five fixtures. If Liverpool are still in contention after these, everyone can start feeling very excited.

Arne Slot's start to life

Of course, Slot has also coached Liverpool to wins in both the UEFA Champions League and the Carabao Cup. Impressive wins, too.

So we wouldn't for a second say he hasn't been challenged, and the fact he's only dropped points in one fixture should be commended. But things are about to get very tough.

The Chelsea and Arsenal Premier League games back-to-back are an incredible challenge. These five will also draw Liverpool very close to the biggest game of the entire season - Manchester City at Anfield.

Slot already faces a massive decision in that fixture. It will take on even more meaning if the next five results go the right way.