Reds Set for Season-Defining Fixtures

“Which big teams does Jurgen Klopp still have to pit his wits against?” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by cchana

In every season, there are certain key games that take on extra significance.

With Liverpool once again in the thick of the Premier League title race and seeking to go one better in the Champions League than last term, there are important fixtures both domestically and in Europe coming up. Bearing that in mind, let’s take a look ahead to the key games the Reds have on the horizon.

Bayern Munich (H)

The Champions League resumes after its winter break, and Jurgen Klopp faces a tough two-legged last-16 tie with old foes and German heavyweights Bayern Munich. Liverpool host the reigning Bundesliga champions and their leading scorer Robert Lewandowski at Anfield on Tuesday, 19 February.

Virgil van Dijk and the rest of the Reds rear-guard won’t find keeping the prolific Polish poacher out easy, who has previously scored on English soil against both Arsenal and Manchester City. Liverpool are available at a general 9/1 in the outright Champions League betting this season after finishing runners-up to Real Madrid last term.

Man Utd (A)

Old Trafford now looks a tough place to go the Sunday after the first leg against Bayern since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revived the Reds’ bitter North West rivals. The Norwegian caretaker coach just isn’t Jose Mourinho, which seems to have been enough to transform their fortunes.

United’s Special One lost his job after the reverse fixture saw Liverpool triumph 3-1 on Merseyside, so Klopp and co are seeking to complete a Premier League double over the Red Devils. An away win is a best-price 29/20 chance with BetVictor, and this is one fixture where bookmakers look sure to offer a free bet or two.

Everton (A)

“Liverpool still have to go to Goodison Park this season” (CC BY 2.0) by Radarsmum67

March starts with the Merseyside derby, and Klopp’s crew again seek to complete a league double. Everton have a really poor record in the big game of late, even across Stanley Park with the home advantage as they last bested the Reds way back in October 2010.

Liverpool haven’t lost for 18 derby days across all competitions since, winning nine and drawing as many. Goodison Park on Sunday, 3 March should hold no fears for the visitors who won on their penultimate trip there, and they’re a top price of 6/5 with bookmakers to win their first Premier League title this season.

Tottenham (H)

Following a trip to the Allianz Arena in Munich and the international break, Spurs come to Anfield. Whether they will still be in the title race by then remains to be seen, but Mauricio Pochettino’s team still look solid top-four material.

While Tottenham are likely to have Harry Kane back after injury, the Reds haven’t lost at home to the North London club since May 2011. This is yet another team against which Liverpool could complete a league double after winning 2-1 at Wembley back in September.

Chelsea (H)

Irrespective of whether the Reds progress in Europe, the last top Premier League side to visit Anfield and come away with a win was Chelsea on the weekend before Easter. An April encounter with the Blues comes with Liverpool yet to beat them in the League or Cup this season.

Chelsea knocked the Reds out of the EFL Cup at Merseyside at the end of September, while their Premier League meeting at Stamford Bridge three days later finished 1-1. Klopp may need to get one over Maurizio Sarri if Liverpool are to end that near 30-year wait for the title.

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Source: anfieldhq.com