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The remaining fixtures that hold the key to Liverpool's fading title chances

The remaining fixtures that hold the key to Liverpool's fading title chances

Daryl Finch 14 Apr 2024, 19:15 Last modified: 14 Apr 2024

Following Liverpool's crushing 1-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace, the Reds' title ambitions were left hanging by a thread. However, on the back of Arsenal's shock 2-0 loss at home to Aston Villa, things are not perhaps as bad as they may seem.

With six match days left to go, just two points separate the Reds, the Gunners and Manchester City after this weekend's surprise results.

The fixture list for each side, therefore, is going to be crucial for the run-in.

So, do Jurgen Klopp's side still stand a chance? What do they need to happen elsewhere?

Four away games in a row

After a terrible week in which they drew 2-2 with Manchester United, then followed up a 3-0 home defeat to Atalanta with another loss against Palace, the remaining fixtures don't look kind to Liverpool.

The Reds are now set to conclude the month with four consecutive away games in 10 days, spanning from 18 to 27 April.

In the unlikely event that they progress to the Europa League semi-finals by overturning the three-goal deficit against Atalanta on Thursday, this stretch will extend to five successive away matches within 15 days, culminating on 2 May.

While, in isolation, Liverpool's opponents aren't the strongest when compared to the other two, the run of away games (and the travel that goes with it) is what will test their physical and mental resilience to the limit.

Now, let's not forget, they will likely have to win every single game to stand any chance.

Liverpool's remaining fixtures:

Atalanta (A) - 18 April - Europa League
Fulham (A) – 21 April - Premier League
Everton (A) – 24 April - Premier League
West Ham (A) – 27 April - Premier League
**Benfica / Marseille (A) - 2 May - Europa League
Tottenham Hotspur (H) – 5 May - Premier League

**Benfica / Marseille (H) - 9 May - Europa League
Aston Villa (A) – 13 May - Premier League

Wolves (H) – 19 May - Premier League

**Final (N) - 22 May - Europa League

The most difficult run-in?

For Arsenal, the picture isn't much better: on paper, Mikel Arteta's side face the most difficult opponents in their remaining game.

After their loss to Villa, they must win in Munich against German champions Bayern if they're to progress to the Champions League semi-finals.

If they do get through, that would mean their derby with Spurs, due to kick-off at 2pm on Sunday 28 April would be moved to 12.30pm a day earlier.

Besides this derby, the Gunners have difficult away days pencilled in at Wolves and Manchester United (the penultimate game of the season), and have to face London rivals Chelsea, the in-form Bournemouth and relegation-threatened Everton (on the final day).

Having lost to Unai Emery's side, Liverpool remain level on points with the Gunners albeit with a far inferior goal difference (-8). Therefore, they would likely need Arsenal to drop points somewhere to bring them back into contention.

Arsenal's remaining fixtures:

Bayern Munich (A) - 17 April - Champions League
Wolves (A) - 20 April - Premier League
Chelsea (H) - 23 April - Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur (A) - 28 April - Premier League
**Semi-final - 30 April/1 May - Champions League
Bournemouth (H) - 4 May - Premier League
**Semi-final - 7/8 May - Champions League
Manchester United (A) - 12 May - Premier League
Everton (H) - 19 May - Premier League
**Final - 1 June - Champions League

City, the favourites?

Now, with a two-point lead and, on paper, at least, the easiest Premier League fixtures left to play, Manchester City must be the favourites to win the title.

However, given that, out of the three sides, City are the only ones still in the FA Cup, this means they will have a game in hand as the title race goes into the final weeks.

That rearranged fixture against Spurs could be vital and give them an advantage right at the death - if they win it, of course.

As things stand, a City draw in any of their remaining fixtures could let either Liverpool or Arsenal back in. However, in Liverpool's case, they would have to improve their goal difference (currently City lead by three goals).

That game at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium seems the most likely place where Pep Guardiola's team could drop points. Otherwise, you'd expect them to win every game.

Manchester City's remaining fixtures: