Liverpool returned to winning ways in a narrow Merseyside derby victory at Anfield. Any worries that the Reds were suffering a hangover following defeats in the Champions League and Carabao Cup were eased on Wednesday night thanks to Diogo Jota’s strike.
The path to being named Premier League champions continues for the Reds. Arne Slot’s side remain 12 points clear with eight games remaining after Arsenal also claimed three points on their return from the international break.
That sees Liverpool require 13 more points to guarantee the title regardless of other results. Any slip-ups could see the trophy lofted earlier however, if the 85 points Arsenal can reach drops.
The top two clubs swap opponents this weekend and Arsenal go first when they make the trip to Merseyside to face Everton. Defensive injuries and a looming Champions League clash against Real Madrid will up the difficulty of their task but Bukayo Saka has already hit the ground running on his return and could prove the difference.
Liverpool make the trip to west London the following day to take on Fulham. The Cottagers held the Reds to a 2-2 draw at Anfield earlier this season and will hope to go one better at home.
Defeats to Crystal Palace and Arsenal leave Marco Silva’s side needing to bounce back but Liverpool are not the team to do it against.
April 12: Arsenal vs Brentford, April 13: Liverpool vs West Ham
Liverpool thrashed West Ham 5-0 in December in one of their best performances of the season(Image: AP)
Arsenal again have the opportunity narrow the gap as they play first. Brentford make the trip across London between the Gunners’ clashes with Real Madrid.
The Bees have the attacking talent to test Mikel Arteta’s injury-plagued backline and could find their way to a point if they can deny Arsenal’s own attacking quality.
April 20: Ipswich vs Arsenal, Leicester vs Liverpool
Just a couple of hours separate the fixtures but Arsenal once again play first. It’s difficult to foresee too many problems for either side against two teams likely to be heading down come the end of 2024/25, though the north Londoners face the more difficult test.
April 26: Arsenal vs Crystal Palace (postponed), April 27: Liverpool vs Tottenham
Arsenal were scheduled to play first once again, but their opponent’s winning a place in the FA Cup semi-finals sees their game postponed. The earliest opportunity they could face off is the midweek ahead of their scheduled bout and the midweek following is only available if the Gunners exit the Champions League to Real Madrid.
Regardless, Arsenal have found success against Palace before, and if the game takes please either side of their scheduled meeting, Arteta’s men should come away with three points.
Should results pan out this way, Liverpool will host Tottenham at Anfield knowing they can be named champions if they earn three points. Slot’s men have smashed 10 past Spurs already this season, even if the Lilywhites have also claimed a 1-0 win. With nothing but Ange Postecoglou’s future to play for in the league, Liverpool will want it more however.
Predictions: Arsenal 2 Crystal Palace 0, Liverpool 3 Tottenham 1
Points: Liverpool 85, Arsenal 71/68 depending if they play (max 83). Liverpool named champions
May 3: Arsenal vs Bournemouth, May 4: Chelsea vs Liverpool
We’ve included another week, in case Arsenal keep a perfect record and do not drop points as we’ve predicted. It would see Liverpool on 85 points and needing to not claim another while the Gunners won every game and eventually better Liverpool’s goal difference, to earn the title.
But they could do what they can in an attempt to hold up the title party against Bournemouth. The Cherries have already tasted victory over Arsenal in the Premier League this term however.
A trip to Stamford Bridge could see Liverpool raise the Premier League trophy aloft having earned their last title at the stadium too. Chelsea earned a draw at Anfield in October and that’s all Liverpool will need on this occasion to secure glory.
