Autumn period set to be crucial for Slott and Liverpool
Trophies aren’t handed out in October and November, but, after three successive defeats and a far from convincing start to the season, Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures are set to be pivotal in whether the Reds lift any silverware come May.
Arnie Slott’s side must navigate seven games across three competitions before the next international break in mid-November and can ill afford many more slip-ups.
Let’s take a look at the key games that could make or break Liverpool’s season.
19th October – Man United (H)
Last season’s 2-2 draw with Ruben Amorim’s side served as a timely reminder that, despite their troubles, United can still pose Liverpool a problem on their day.
However, after recent defeats to Crystal Palace and then Chelsea, there’s arguably no better fixture than this one for The Reds to kick-start their season.
22nd October – Frankfurt (A)
With one win and one defeat so far in the league phase of the Champions League and more challenging ties ahead (see below), a victory in Germany is a must.
Frankfurt have been hit and miss in the Bundesliga so far, winning as many games as they’ve lost. Most notably, though, only Bayern Munich have scored more goals than Dino Toppmoller’s side, who, also rather strangely, have the worst defensive record in the league.
25th October – Brentford (A)
A reunion with ex-Reds, Henderson and Kelleher, lies ahead at the GTech.
After a summer of upheaval, Brentford were written off before a ball had even been kicked. But former Ireland international Keith Andrews is quietly going about his business and impressing in his first managerial role, much to the surprise of the top Irish betting sites back home, no doubt.
Home wins against Aston Villa and Man United, and a draw with Chelsea, suggest this game won’t be plain sailing for Liverpool, who had to rely on two injury-time goals from Darwin Nunez last season to secure all three points.
29th October – Crystal Palace (H), League Cup
Is there a new rivalry brewing between Liverpool and Palace?
Not only did Oliver Glasner’s side claim the Community Shield in August and inflict Liverpool’s first league defeat of the season, but there’s also the Marc Guehi transfer saga, which continues to rumble on.
Glasner clearly has Slott’s number, and the latter may avoid making as many changes as he usually would for a League Cup tie, given the opposition.
1st November – Aston Villa (H)
With Harvey Elliot now in their ranks, many Reds supporters will likely be keeping tabs on how Villa get on this year.
The former England Under-21 hasn’t quite made the impact he would’ve liked for his new club, although adapting to the demands of Unai Emery’s style is easier said than done.
Having made a slow start to this campaign, Villa are now beginning to click into gear and resemble the team that finished sixth and reached the Champions League Quarter Finals.
4th November – Real Madrid (H)
Although injury has put pay to an Anfield return for Trent Alexander-Arnold, there will be a reunion of sorts when Real Madrid travel to Liverpool.
The Anfield faithful will welcome back former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso, whose side will be out to avenge last season’s 2-0 defeat inflicted on them at the same stage of the Champions League almost a year ago.
If Liverpool are to record successive victories over Real, Van Dijk and co will need to keep Kylian Mbappe on a short leash. The Frenchman has been in sensational form for club and country so far and is clearly loving working under Alonso.
9th November – Manchester City (A)
Liverpool have got the better of their North West rivals in recent times, having won 5 of the past 10 meetings and losing just twice.
A repeat of last season’s brilliant performance and 2-0 scoreline at the Etihad will do nicely for Slott at the end of an intense period of games.
However, this new-look City team feels rejuvenated and hungry for another title challenge. And with Erling Haaland in blistering form, few would bet against them.
