After losing 3-0 at Manchester City, Liverpool’s title odds took a major hit, moving from 11/2 to 10/1. The change reflects not only how much ground they’ve lost on Arsenal, but also the poor level of football they’ve shown in recent weeks.
Liverpool began the season as favourites on online gambling sites to defend their title, and early results backed that up. They won their first five league games, which saw their odds shorten further as punters continued to back them. However, even during that run, performances were unconvincing. Four of those victories came thanks to late winners, and there was always a feeling that something had to change – either the displays would improve, or the results would tail off.
It’s the latter that has happened. Liverpool have now lost five of their last six league matches, a run that has completely derailed their title defence. They were also beaten away at Galatasaray in the Champions League, and suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup.
There were brief signs of recovery, with home wins over Aston Villa and Real Madrid suggesting they might have turned a corner. But after the display at the Etihad, it’s clear that was a false dawn. City dominated from start to finish, and Liverpool looked short of confidence, ideas, and defensive organisation.
If there’s any consolation for Liverpool, their upcoming schedule does ease up slightly after a difficult run of fixtures.
They return to action on November 22nd with a home match against Nottingham Forest, which looks a good chance to steady things. Forest have struggled badly away from home, and anything less than three points would only deepen the pressure on Arne Slot’s side.
Four days later, the Reds host PSV in the Champions League. That fixture could prove crucial in their bid to reach the knockout phase, and it also offers another opportunity to rebuild confidence in front of their own fans.
They then head to the capital to face West Ham, a side who have been inconsistent but can be dangerous at home. Liverpool will need a marked improvement in defensive organisation if they’re to take anything from that trip.
December begins with a home game against Sunderland, another match that should be winnable on paper. Given their recent form, though, there are no guarantees.
Then they travel to Leeds on 6 December, a fixture that has often produced goals and open football. It’s the kind of game Liverpool would normally expect to control, but recent weeks have shown how far off their usual level they’ve been.
Overall, it’s a run of matches that gives Liverpool a genuine chance to respond. The opposition is less demanding than what they’ve faced recently, but if the underlying issues remain, there’s every possibility those odds could drift even further.
The Reds are interestingly still the favourites for the FA Cup, which indicates that there is still belief that they can iron out their issues by the New Year.
