Liverpool have an action-packed fixture list ahead of them when they return from the international break.
The Reds are striving to finish in the Premier League’s top four in order to qualify for next season’s Champions League. Liverpool are currently in sixth place and are seven points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur with two games in hand.
When Jurgen Klopp’s side return to action after the international break, they will have 12 fixtures remaining until the end of the campaign. All 12 of those are in the Premier League, and each one will present challenges to Liverpool.
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However, there are some fixtures which, on the face of it, may present a tougher challenge for the Reds. Here, the ECHO takes a look at the five hardest matches that they still have to play.
5 - Leicester City (A) - May 13
One of Liverpool’s final Premier League fixtures sees them travel to the King Power Stadium to face Leicester City.
This has been a tough fixture for the Reds down the years, unless you include the famous 4-0 win from Boxing Day 2019.
In current times, this fixture could present a difficult challenge for Jurgen Klopp’s side for a number of reasons.
Liverpool’s away form has not been great, plus Leicester could be fighting for their Premier League survival come the middle of May.
Should their future be uncertain, then the Foxes may well present a tough day at the office for the Reds.
4 - Tottenham (H) - April 30
One of Liverpool’s rivals for a top-four finish are Tottenham Hotspur. They come to Anfield in the final match of April.
Facing Spurs has often been a difficult fixture for Liverpool, and this time it’s likely to be the same again.
An away win in the reserve fixture back in November, plus Tottenham’s recent struggles, could give the Reds confidence of getting a result against the London club.
It’s also uncertain if Antonio Conte will still be Spurs' manager when that fixture rolls around, which would also be a factor on the task facing Liverpool.
3 - Chelsea (A) - April 4
One of Liverpool’s rearranged fixtures sees them travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea.
The Reds were held to a goalless draw in the reverse fixture at Anfield back in January, and you expect another close contest when they meet in London.
A trip to Stamford Bridge has almost always presented a difficult test for Liverpool, and this time feels no different.
With the added unpredictability of Chelsea and their array of new signings, coupled with the Reds' away form, this could be one of the toughest matches in the run-in.
2 - Arsenal (H) - April 9
Any time Liverpool have faced Arsenal at home in the recent past, there has often been a sense of confidence that three points will follow.
This season it’s different. Liverpool not being at the level they set in recent seasons, combined with rise this season, means this is one of the Reds’ hardest remaining matches.
Liverpool were beaten 3-2 in the reverse fixture back in October, in a game that also saw Luis Diaz suffer a serious knee injury which he still has not returned fully from.
Last season the Reds won 4-0 in this fixture, but prior to the opening goal, the contest was very tight until Mikel Arteta livened up the Anfield crowd when he argued with his opposite number Jurgen Klopp on the touchline.
A tough day awaits Liverpool when they face the potential Premier League champions next month.
1 - Manchester City (A) - April 1
Many would agree that Liverpool’s next match, the away trip to Manchester CIty, is the toughest fixture remaining this season.
The Reds have not been in great form away from home, while City are strong on their home turf.
Of course, playing their rivals has brought out the best in Liverpool this season, namely recent wins over Manchester United and Newcastle United.
The reverse fixture went Liverpool’s way, too, with a decisive strike from Mohamed Salah, while Alisson Becker did well to keep Erling Haaland quiet.
You feel that something similar would need to happen again for Liverpool to leave the Etihad Stadium with the three points.
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