Liverpool returns to Europa League action against Atalanta on Thursday night as the quarter-finals get underway. Jürgen Klopp will have had one eye on the Champions League on Tuesday though as Liverpool’s title rivals were in action.
Arsenal hosted Bayern Munich at the Emirates with the match ending 2-2 while Manchester City and Real Madrid played out a six-goal thriller at the Bernabeu, with all to play for in the second legs next week.
Back to domestic matters and there is just one point separating the top three in the Premier League right now, with seven games to go. Arsenal currently leads Liverpool on goal difference after the Reds could only pick up a draw at Old Trafford last weekend.
Klopp was left ruing his side’s wastefulness in front of goal after having 28 shots on André Onana’s goal in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United. City showed no such thing against Crystal Palace, scoring four times at Selhurst Park.
Palace visits Anfield on Sunday and Liverpool knows a win is a must if it is to continue its title push. Speaking after the United draw, Klopp refused to accept that his side had dropped points in the race against Arsenal and City.
He said: “I know how people will see it – two points lost but we have a point more than we had before the game in an away game at Manchester United. These games are more special for us than other teams. They put an extra shift it.
“I know the outside world will get nervous but we have to be calm – it’s going to be full of life, excitement and desire. The goals we have scored have got us where we are. We need to build on that. We’re deal with that in the right way.” Here is the remaining fixtures of the three title contenders with a dramatic finale now seeming inevitable.
Liverpool’s next five Premier League fixtures: Crystal Palace (H), Fulham (A), Everton (A), West Ham (A), Spurs (H).
The visit of Palace is followed by a run of four away matches for Liverpool, in the Premier League and Europa League, with Klopp’s men facing some tough trips. The Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on April 24 is the standout fixture but the visit of Tottenham will be tricky, with Ange Postecoglou’s side fighting for the top four.
Arsenal’s next five Premier League fixtures: Aston Villa (H), Wolves (A), Chelsea (H), Spurs (A), Bournemouth (H).
The Gunners have the lead right now but have arguably the toughest run-in on paper. Like Everton with Liverpool, Tottenham will be desperate to put an end to Arsenal’s title charge. The home fixtures aren’t going to be easy either with Villa and Chelsea capable of picking up points.
Manchester City’s next five Premier League fixtures: Luton (H), Brighton (A), Nottingham Forest (A), Wolves (H), Fulham (A).
You would expect City to go on another winning run in its next five matches. Luton and Forest are fighting for their lives at the bottom of the table though and will be out to cause upsets. Brighton can beat anyone on its day too so cannot be underestimated.
