It has been a rollercoaster three months into the 2025-26 Premier League season in the title defense for Liverpool. A sensational start with five straight wins promised dominance, only to be followed by four successive losses that jolted confidence.
A 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League briefly lifted spirits, but it was quickly dampened by a 3-0 defeat at Manchester City. Manager Arne Slot now faces a crucial period, with an eight-point gap to league leaders Arsenal, although the title race is far from over.
Benign Fixture Run: Liverpool’s Golden Opportunity
That is where Liverpool’s schedule offers a rare chance to regain momentum. On Saturday, the Reds welcome Nottingham Forest to Anfield for the start of a relatively kind run of fixtures against West Ham, Sunderland, Leeds, Brighton, Tottenham, Wolves, and Leeds once again up to January 1.
With six weeks remaining in the English Premier League season, if Liverpool can string together consistent results, the gap is close enough to leave their title hopes alive.
Arsenal and Man City Road Ahead
Where Arsenal’s 10-game winning run, featuring eight consecutive clean sheets, was finally brought to its conclusion with a 2-2 draw at Sunderland before the international break.
This Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham could prove decisive in keeping Arsenal’s momentum. On the same day, Manchester City visits Newcastle while Erling Haaland continues his prolific run with 32 goals in 20 games this season across club and country. A win would cut the gap to Liverpool to just a point.
Liverpool Injury Updates: Alisson’s Return & Defensive Concerns
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker is expected to return from his six weeks of hamstring injury, displacing Giorgi Mamardashvili. His return will add strength to the leaky Liverpool defense, which has conceded 17 goals in 11 games.
Arsenal, however, will be without defender Gabriel Magalhaes, who picked up a thigh problem when with Brazil. The Gunners will look to summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie to fill the gap.
Manchester United and Wolves: Challenges Loom Large
Manchester United faces a striker crisis; with Benjamin Sesko out and Rasmus Hojlund loaned out, manager Ruben Amorim may have to use attacking midfield players such as Mason Mount, Matheus Cunha, or Bryan Mbeumo in forward positions.
New boss Rob Edwards, appointed this week, inherits a team that has not won in 15 league matches and lies eight points adrift of safety. Edwards, sacked from Middlesbrough but experienced with promotions from England’s second-tier with Luton Town, starts on Saturday against Crystal Palace.
Liverpool’s Title Hopes Hang in the Balance
With Liverpool’s upcoming schedule offering a golden opportunity to regain form, the next six weeks could define the Premier League title race.
A blend of returning players, an easier fixture list, and resilience in the bigger matches will determine whether Liverpool can defend their crown for the first time since 1984. With Arsenal, Man City, and other contenders hot on their heels, the pressure mounts to keep up consistency in a highly competitive league.
