It would be fair to say that Liverpool’s record against the rest of their traditional ‘Big Six’ rivals during the 2025/26 season has been a little underwhelming.
The Reds had the best record in these games last season, which played a key role in them winning the Premier League title for the second time.
However, a tally of just seven points from their six meetings with ‘Big Six’ teams has played a significant role in Liverpool’s stuttering title defence this term.
Research from Best Betting Bonuses has delved deeper into the top six battles this season and the mini league table generated paints a troubling picture.
| P | W | D | L | GF | GA | PTS | GD | PPG | |
| MUN | 7 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 11 | 10 | 13 | +1 | 1.86 |
| CHE | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 8 | +1 | 1.60 |
| MCI | 7 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 10 | 8 | 9 | +2 | 1.28 |
| ARS | 7 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 9 | 7 | 9 | +2 | 1.28 |
| LIV | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 7 | -3 | 1.17 |
| TOT | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 11 | 5 | -3 | 0.83 |
Read on as we take a closer look at the sextet are stacking up against each other, before assessing how one of the Reds’ key players could change the narrative on the run-in.
Early victory over Arsenal was a false dawn
Liverpool’s run of five consecutive victories at the start of the season should have laid the foundations for a sustained title challenge.
Those results included a 1-0 win against Arsenal, but their form subsequently tailed off. Defeats in clashes with Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City were hugely damaging.
They have since taken four points off Tottenham Hotspur (W2-1) and Arsenal (D0-0) to give a more respectable look to their record against ‘Big Six’ teams.
Intriguingly, while Arsenal have established a healthy lead at the top of the Premier League, their record against the other top teams is not much to write home about.
It has been a similar story for Manchester City, with their record of two victories in seven fixtures matching what the Gunners have recorded this season.
By contrast, Manchester United have collected 13 points from seven outings against ‘Big Six’ teams. Their record includes victories over Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal.
That is a big improvement on last season, when the Red Devils posted the worst record in the ‘Big Six’ mini league with just one won in ten fixtures.
While Liverpool will be unhappy with their current status in the pecking order, they still have another four games to improve their record in big games.
Liverpool striker could be the difference maker on the run-in
The composition of Liverpool’s final four games against ‘Big Six’ teams gives them every chance of ending the campaign with a positive record.
Man City, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea still have to visit Anfield this term. The Reds also have a trip to Man United on the agenda.
Although a 12-point return is the ideal scenario, two wins and two draws would be a solid enough return given their record up to this point.
Liverpool will undoubtedly need their top players to produce consistent performances, a factor that has not always been prevalent this season.
That accusation cannot be levelled at striker Hugo Ekitike, who has been a breath of fresh air since joining the club from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer.
While big-money signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have struggled to produce their best form, the Frenchman has been a standout performer for Liverpool.
His tally of 10 goals in 21 league appearances is respectable enough, but delving deeper into the statistics unveils a more impressive picture (h/t FBRef).
The former Frankfurt star has featured for 1,337 minutes this season, which effectively equates to just under 15 full 90-minute matches.
When considering that Man City’s Erling Braut Haaland has bagged 20 goals in 2,008 minutes, the Liverpool striker looks a slightly different proposition.
Ekitike had previously been labelled a poor finisher, yet his recent double against Newcastle United made a mockery of that description.
More importantly, the French international is willing to put in a defensive shift for his team, which Haaland does not tend to do beyond defending set-pieces.
Ekitike is also an excellent footballer – one who bears more than a passing resemblance to former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry.
Having quickly adapted to English football, he’s already featuring on lists of the best players in Europe this season – and fitness permitting should end the season giving Haaland a run for the Premier League Golden Boot.
If he does, improving their record against ‘Big Six’ teams and securing Champions League qualification is a distinct possibility for Liverpool.
