Liverpool enter a pivotal two-week period as Arne Slot’s side look to tighten their grip on the Premier League title.
Liverpool are entering a crucial fortnight as they look to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League.
The Reds currently lead the table with a six-point advantage over closest challengers Arsenal, and manager Arne Slot’s side has been in exceptional form this season.
Having only suffered one league defeat – at the hands of Nottingham Forest in September – Liverpool have continued to impress.
They have also reached the final of the Carabao Cup and progressed to the last 16 of the Champions League, topping their group in the process.
However, their FA Cup campaign came to a disappointing end after a shock defeat to Championship strugglers Plymouth on Sunday.
Some have suggested that the early FA Cup exit might benefit Liverpool, providing them with more focus and energy for the second half of the season.
With the next international break not scheduled until March, the Reds will face a packed fixture list.
The first major challenge will come over the final two weeks of February, starting with a delayed Merseyside Derby at Everton on Wednesday, a fixture originally postponed due to Storm Darragh in December.
Everton, under David Moyes since his return to the club, have shown signs of improvement, but they too were eliminated from the FA Cup, losing 4-0 to Bournemouth on Saturday.
After the Derby, Liverpool will host Wolves at Anfield on Sunday.
The Midlands side are struggling, currently sitting just two points above the relegation zone.
Liverpool claimed a 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture at Molineux in September, with goals from Ibrahima Konaté and Mohamed Salah.
There is only a three-day turnaround before their next match, which will see them travel to Aston Villa.
Unai Emery’s side currently sits eighth in the Premier League and is in contention for a European qualification spot.
Liverpool defeated Villa 2-1 at Anfield in November, with Salah and Darwin Núñez finding the net.
However, the toughest test of the February run could come on February 23, when Liverpool face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Despite a difficult season for City, they remain a formidable opponent, and Slot’s side will need to be at their best.
Liverpool triumphed 2-0 in the reverse fixture at Anfield in November, with goals from Cody Gakpo and Salah.
The final game of this busy stretch will take place on February 26, when Newcastle visit Anfield.
The two sides played out an exciting 3-3 draw at St James’ Park in December. However, Newcastle’s last league victory at Anfield came back in April 1994.
With a tough run of matches ahead, Liverpool will need to continue their strong form to ensure they remain in control of the Premier League title race.
Liverpool’s next five fixtures
12 February – Everton (a)
16 February – Wolves (h)
19 February – Aston Villa (a)
23 February – Man City (a)
26 February – Newcastle (h)
Read more: Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes are stronger after FA Cup exit
Jarrad Branthwaite dismisses claims Everton are out to derail Liverpool’s title charge
