Five games that could dictate title race

As the Premier League heads into another international break., Liverpool have stolen a march on the opposition to open up a five-point lead at the top of the table.

With defending champions Manchester City beset by injuries and Chelsea, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and sixth-placed Brighton all nine points behind the Reds, Arne Slot’s side look like they will already take some catching.

Liverpool have made their second-best start to a Premier League season, only behind the 31 points they took from their first 11 games when they finally won the title in 2019-20.

But which could be the big games to decide this season’s title? Let’s take a look…

Liverpool v Man City – 1 December

Half of the key clash of the season and it’s coming up fast.

A City win at Anfield would cut the gap significantly but a home win would be the ultimate six-point swing in their favour.

Who knows how Pep Guardiola’s injury list will look by the time the sides meet at Anfield – although key midfielder Rodri will definitely be missing still.

City drew the corresponding fixture 1-1 last season thanks to another big goal from John Stones and last won at Anfirld back in 2021.

Liverpool v Man Utd – 5 January

Ruben Amorim showed the Premier League what he could be all about by steering Sporting to a famous 4-1 win over Manchester City just last week – and he will have had six weeks or so in charge at Old Trafford when he makes the short trip down the M62.

United have not won at Anfield since Wayne Rooney’s winner in 2016 but would love to win this one…

Arsenal v Man City – 1 February

Days after both sides are in Champions League action these two sides are scheduled to meet as the winter fixture list just piles up.

Arsenal have been runners up in the last two years and will surely have to win games like this to make up the deficit they already face.

A draw would also likely be good news for Liverpool.

Who will win the Premier League? 🏆 pic.twitter.com/dmsrIJz1gm

— Premier League (@premierleague) November 11, 2024

Man City v Liverpool – 22 February

The big games just keep on coming.

We all know how Pep’s teams tend to kick on after Christmas and this could be a massive hurdle between Slot’s side and any potential title win.

Liverpool last won at City nearly 10 years ago, when Philippe Coutinho ran the show in a 4-1 win in 2015.

Liverpool v Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal – April & May

Arne Slot’s side may well need as big a cushion as they have now coming into the home straight – where the fixtures have not been kind.

The Reds are due to face Spurs, Chelsea and Arsenal back to back in the last few weeks of the season – though only the Chelsea match is away.

A chance for glory or a chance to let it slip. Which shall it be?