Arsenal is facing a crucial period in their Premier League campaign, as they look to mount a serious challenge to Liverpool's lead. After scraping through with a tight 1-0 win against Chelsea, Mikel Arteta’s side must brace themselves for five key fixtures that could either bolster their title hopes or see them fall short.
Arsenal’s Upcoming Challenges
The Gunners will first square off against Fulham on April 1. Fulham’s competitive edge can’t be underestimated, but Arsenal hopes the potential comeback of Bukayo Saka will invigorate their attack. On April 5, Arsenal travels to Goodison Park to face Everton. This fixture could be particularly tricky, considering they couldn't find the net against Everton last time. Sean Dyche’s tactical setup poses a challenging puzzle for Arsenal.
Brentford awaits them next on April 12, carrying a reputation for upsetting teams on their turf. The Gunners must then prepare for Ipswich and Crystal Palace on April 19 and 26 respectively. Ipswich will be scrambling to escape the relegation zone, while Crystal Palace aims for consistency, serving up two potential stumbling blocks for Arteta's men.
Liverpool's Path to the Title
Meanwhile, Liverpool sits comfortably with a 12-point lead. Their journey ahead seems manageable, giving them a clear path to potentially seal the title. Their next fixture is a high-stakes Merseyside Derby against Everton on April 2, always a fierce contest, especially with local bragging rights at stake.
Following this, Liverpool faces Fulham on April 5, a team that previously held them to a stalemate, and then West Ham and Leicester on April 12 and 19 respectively. With momentum on their side, the Reds look to bag pivotal points. However, their clash with Tottenham on April 26 could be a defining game. Spurs have a knack for performing in big matches, representing a real threat. Should Liverpool maintain their winning ways, this match could practically confirm their crown.
The intense run of fixtures for both Arsenal and Liverpool suggests the title race is far from over. Arsenal needs to deliver near-flawless performances to make up points, while Liverpool cannot afford any slips if they want to clinch the title before their showdown at Anfield on May 10.