As the Premier League season heats up in January, Liverpool and Arsenal are both on the hunt for the title, but the road ahead is set to challenge both teams in different ways. Liverpool, currently top of the table, had an unexpected draw with Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday. Despite this setback, they still lead Arsenal by six points with a game in hand. Meanwhile, Arsenal, despite their impressive unbeaten streak, have had their own challenges, with a tough draw against Brighton and an ongoing battle with injury concerns. Both clubs are also juggling their commitments in the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, and Champions League.
With both teams eyeing the Premier League title and other trophies, it’s important to consider how their upcoming fixtures might impact their season. Here, we take a closer look at Liverpool’s next five Premier League fixtures and compare them to Arsenal’s, assessing the potential challenges and opportunities for both clubs in their quest for glory.
Liverpool’s Next Five Premier League Fixtures
Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures pose a tough test, especially with several tricky away days and some potential banana skins for Jürgen Klopp’s side. With the team also involved in Carabao Cup and FA Cup action, squad rotation could play a significant role in how they manage their fixtures.
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool – 14th January 2025, 20:00 (GMT)
Liverpool’s next Premier League fixture will see them travel to the City Ground for a midweek encounter against Nottingham Forest. The Reds will face a Forest side that has been one of the most impressive teams in recent weeks, sitting third in the table after a strong end to 2024. Nuno Espírito Santo’s men are unbeaten in their last five matches, with their 1-0 victory over Liverpool earlier this season still fresh in the memory. The City Ground has always been a difficult venue for visiting teams, and this promises to be one of the toughest fixtures remaining in Liverpool’s calendar.
Brentford vs Liverpool – 18th January 2025, 14:00 (GMT)
A visit to Brentford follows just four days after the Forest match, and while the Bees have lost their last two home games against Forest and Arsenal, they have proven themselves to be formidable at the Gtech Community Stadium. Thomas Frank’s side has been one of the best-performing home teams in the league this season, and despite their recent dip in form, Brentford will be confident of taking points off one of the title contenders. Liverpool will need to be at their best to secure all three points here.
Liverpool vs Ipswich Town – 25th January 2025, 15:00 (GMT)
Next up, Liverpool will host Ipswich Town at Anfield, a team that is struggling in the relegation zone. On paper, this is one of the more straightforward fixtures for Klopp’s side. However, in a season where surprises have been plenty, no team can be taken lightly. Ipswich will come to Anfield with little to lose, and while Liverpool will be expected to win comfortably, they will need to guard against complacency.
Bournemouth vs Liverpool – 1st February 2025, 15:00 (GMT)
Bournemouth, though struggling at the wrong end of the table, have proven to be a real force at home this season. They have already beaten Manchester City, Arsenal, and Tottenham at the Vitality Stadium, making this an intimidating prospect for any visiting side. Liverpool will be aware of the Cherries’ ability to cause upsets, and while they will still be favorites to win, this is a game where Klopp’s men cannot afford to drop their level of intensity.
Liverpool vs Wolverhampton Wanderers – 16th February 2025, 14:00 (GMT)
The final fixture in Liverpool’s next five will see them return to Anfield to face Wolverhampton Wanderers. Wolves are another team that is battling against relegation, but their recent form has been inconsistent. Still, a visit to Anfield is never a straightforward affair for teams in the lower half of the table, and Liverpool will be keen to ensure they don’t slip up at home. With the race for the title heating up, every point counts for Klopp’s team, and they will be expected to take all three points from this match.
Summary of Liverpool’s Next Five Fixtures
- Nottingham Forest (A) – 14th January 2025
- Brentford (A) – 18th January 2025
- Ipswich Town (H) – 25th January 2025
- Bournemouth (A) – 1st February 2025
- Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) – 16th February 2025
Arsenal’s Next Five Premier League Fixtures
For Arsenal, the upcoming period presents a series of high-stakes fixtures, including crucial games at home and a few tough away challenges. With their title challenge already feeling the pressure, Mikel Arteta will be looking for a strong run of results to keep pace with Liverpool. However, a number of key players, such as Bukayo Saka, are dealing with injuries, and this will certainly impact the Gunners’ performances.
Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur – 15th January 2025, 20:00 (GMT)
The North London Derby always carries added significance, and Arsenal’s home fixture against Spurs will be no different. The Gunners have already triumphed 1-0 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier this season, and with Spurs’ form still unpredictable, Arsenal will be looking to extend their unbeaten run. This is a crucial match for both clubs, with Tottenham looking to close the gap on the top four, while Arsenal cannot afford to drop points if they want to stay in the title race.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa – 18th January 2025, 17:30 (GMT)
Aston Villa will travel to the Emirates just three days after the North London Derby, and despite some injury concerns, they are a dangerous team capable of springing surprises. Villa won 2-0 at Arsenal last season, a result that effectively ended the Gunners’ title hopes. Arteta’s side will need to show resilience and determination to get past Unai Emery’s men, who have proven to be tough opponents for top teams.
Arsenal vs Manchester City – 2nd February 2025, 16:30 (GMT)
Arguably the toughest fixture in Arsenal’s upcoming five will be their clash against Manchester City at the Emirates. While Arsenal secured a rare victory over City in October 2023, City has been a dominant force in recent seasons, and this match could prove to be a decisive one in the race for the title. With City’s recent slump, this could be an ideal time for Arsenal to take advantage of a team that is struggling to find its best form, but Arteta will know just how dangerous Pep Guardiola’s side can be.
Wolves vs Arsenal – 25th January 2025, 15:00 (GMT)
Arsenal’s away trip to Wolves will be their first match in nearly two weeks, but it’s one they will need to approach with caution. Wolves are fighting relegation, and while they are a much stronger side at home, they can still pose problems for any team. This match will test Arsenal’s ability to bounce back from difficult fixtures, and Arteta will need to ensure his squad remains focused and resilient.
Leicester City vs Arsenal – 15th February 2025, 12:30 (GMT)
Arsenal’s final fixture in this set will see them travel to the King Power Stadium to take on Leicester City. Though the Foxes have had an underwhelming season, they remain a tough team, especially at home. Leicester’s ability to unsettle the top teams has been a hallmark of their recent campaigns, and Arteta will be keen for his side to take all three points here to maintain pressure on Liverpool at the top of the table.
Summary of Arsenal’s Next Five Fixtures
- Tottenham Hotspur (H) – 15th January 2025
- Aston Villa (H) – 18th January 2025
- Wolves (A) – 25th January 2025
- Manchester City (H) – 2nd February 2025
- Leicester City (A) – 15th February 2025
Conclusion: Who Has the Tougher Run?
Looking at the fixtures side by side, it’s clear that both Liverpool and Arsenal face significant challenges in the coming weeks, but in different ways.
Liverpool’s tough away games against Nottingham Forest and Brentford will test their resilience, while home matches against Ipswich and Wolves should provide them with an opportunity to gather vital points. However, their trip to Bournemouth could prove tricky, given the Cherries’ surprising victories over top sides.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have a more balanced mix of home and away fixtures, with the North London Derby, Manchester City, and Aston Villa at home all looking like potential season-defining matches. Arsenal’s ability to handle the pressure of these tough fixtures, especially without the injured Bukayo Saka, will be key to their challenge.
Ultimately, while both teams have difficult periods ahead, Liverpool’s away fixtures may give them the edge if they can continue their strong form on the road. However, Arsenal’s home advantage in many of their tough fixtures, coupled with their strong record against top teams, means that they still have a strong chance to keep the pressure on the leaders.
The next few weeks could prove crucial in the Premier League title race!
