The Premier League title race is heading into the final stretch, and Liverpool could be just a few games away from becoming champions.
With their Champions League hopes over and the Carabao Cup final not going their way, Reds fans will be desperate to get the title done and dusted as quickly as possible to avoid any late nerves. Unfortunately for them, they’ll have to wait a little while longer before Arne Slot’s side returns to action after the international break.
When they do, it seems it’ll just be a matter of time before they’re confirmed as champions. Although Arsenal managed to cut the gap down slightly before the break, Mikel Arteta’s side still sits 12 points off the pace, and the Gunners boss already seems to have admitted defeat.
If – and it’s a big if – Arsenal wins all of its remaining games, then Liverpool would need to claim 16 points from its remaining nine games to secure the title. As we’ve seen from the Gunners this season though, they are unlikely to go on a perfect run to the end of the season, meaning the Reds may not need that many points after all.
One study has found the most likely date Liverpool will win the title is on matchday 36 when, ironically, Arsenal will visit Anfield. But could the big day arrive earlier, and will the Gunners be forced into giving the Reds a humiliating guard of honor?
We’ve taken a look at both sides’ remaining fixtures and predicted their outcomes to see when Liverpool will win the Premier League title…
April 1 & 2
- Arsenal vs Fulham
- Liverpool vs Everton
Another chance for Arsenal to make up some ground – albeit for just around 24 hours. Fulham has been impressive this season, but with the Gunners at home, three points will be expected for Arteta’s side.
Derby day on Merseyside has the potential to throw something of a spanner in the works for Liverpool. Having been just seconds away from claiming victory at Goodison Park though, we’re backing the Reds to put things right and win at Anfield.
Liverpool – 73pts (8 games to go)
Arsenal – 61pts (8 games to go, max. total of 85pts)
April 5 & 6
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Everton vs Arsenal
- Fulham vs Liverpool
A trip to Fulham represents a tricky challenge for the Reds, and we can see it being the first minor slip-up in this run as they are held to a draw. That might not be the worst point though.
Arsenal heads to Goodison Park 24 hours before that game, and it feels like the exact sort of fixture where the Gunners could come unstuck. With David Moyes breathing new life into Everton, we’re backing the Toffees for the win.
Liverpool – 74pts (7 games to go)
Arsenal – 61pts (7 games to go, max. total of 82pts)
April 12 & 13
- Arsenal vs Brentford
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Liverpool vs West Ham
West Ham have been Liverpool’s whipping boys recently, having lost 5-1 and 5-0 already to the Reds this season. With Graham Potter now in charge, we’re not expecting as big a scoreline this time, although we’re also not expecting Liverpool to slip up – home win.
The day before that, Arsenal meanwhile faces a Brentford side that could pose a few problems. We’ll give the hosts the win here, although Liverpool will now be just two wins away from wrapping up the title.
Liverpool – 77pts (6 games to go)
Arsenal – 64pts (6 games to go, max. total of 82pts)
April 20
- Ipswich vs Arsenal
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Leicester vs Liverpool
This is a prediction that could soon change. At the moment, with Ruud van Nistelrooy in charge of Leicester, we can only see a Liverpool win here, although if the Foxes change their manager, that could alter the dynamic somewhat.
A trip to Ipswich shouldn’t hold too much peril for Arsenal. By this stage, their hosts may be well on their way back to the Championship, which might make things slightly easier for the Gunners.
Liverpool – 80pts (5 games to go)
Arsenal – 67pts (5 games to go, max. total of 82pts)
April 26 & 27
- Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
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Liverpool vs Tottenham
Will this be the big day for Liverpool? Well, before we get to that, we’re backing Arsenal to keep the race going with a win over Palace.
Now to the Reds, and we’re sure there are other opponents Arsenal would prefer them to face than their North London rivals. Assuming Ange Postecoglou is still at the helm, he won’t allow his side to roll over here, although we don’t think that will help them much. Home win, and Liverpool is crowned the champion.
Liverpool – 83pts (4 games to go)
Arsenal – 70pts (4 games to go, max. total of 82pts)
That leaves Liverpool with games against Chelsea (A), Arsenal (H), Brighton (A) and Crystal Palace (H), while the Gunners have Bournemouth (H), Liverpool (A), Newcastle (H) and Southampton (A). If all goes how we’ve predicted, then Arsenal will be giving Liverpool a guar of honor on May 10.
Given that run-in, it might come as a relief if Liverpool can get things wrapped up against Tottenham, although we can also see Arsenal still dropping some points in their final few games. For now though, get the champagne in for April 26.
An original version of this article was first published on February 25. It has since been updated.
