AliousIt’s been over a week since Liverpool’s last Premier League outing, a 2-2 draw with Manchester United that sparked debates around Trent Alexander-Arnold’s form, transfer links to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and two cup clashes that followed. Yet, as Jamie Carragher often emphasizes, the Reds’ primary focus remains clear: reclaiming the top-flight crown and matching Manchester United’s 20 league titles.
The brief pause gave Liverpool time to regroup, with a victory over Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup restoring some morale after a rare two-game winless streak under Arne Slot. However, Slot himself was quick to downplay the win’s significance, acknowledging the lower-tier opposition. Now, all eyes return to Liverpool’s Premier League campaign, where upcoming matches could be pivotal.
First up is Nottingham Forest, a team with echoes of Leicester City’s 2016 underdog triumph. Forest has defied expectations, bouncing back from a December defeat to Manchester City with five straight league wins. Sitting just six points behind Liverpool, a victory at the City Ground could transform Forest into genuine title contenders. Nuno Espirito Santo remains the only manager to have beaten Slot in the Premier League, and Forest will look to replicate that feat.
Liverpool, however, knows that a win against Forest would create significant breathing room in the title race, especially with a game in hand. A subsequent trip to Brentford offers another unique test, with Thomas Frank’s high-energy side known for excelling at home. But the Bees’ recent struggles, including three consecutive home losses, present an opportunity for Liverpool to cement their dominance further.
Elsewhere, Arsenal—six points adrift and reeling from injuries and back-to-back cup defeats—faces tough tests against Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa. With their form faltering, the Gunners can’t afford more dropped points if they hope to stay in the race. Outside challengers like Chelsea and Newcastle United face must-win games against Bournemouth and Wolves, respectively, knowing anything less than perfection could end their faint title dreams.
With Slot enjoying a near fully fit squad and momentum potentially swinging in their favor, Liverpool is poised to take control of the title race this week. Wins against Forest and Brentford could extend their lead to the point of no return, leaving the chasing pack with little hope as the season’s final stretch shaped. This could be the seven days that shape the Premier League’s destiny.
Alious
