The Next Five Matches - UCL On The Line

By Sneha Santra

The next five fixtures for the Reds could define the trajectory of their campaign. With the table tightening and the margin shrinking, consistency is no longer optional but essential. Currently, Liverpool sits in the 6th position with 42 points after 26 games. Liverpool are tantalisingly close to the top four, and one mistake in the next five fixtures could cost them. 

Manchester United (4th, 45 points), Chelsea (5th, 44 points), and Liverpool (6th, 42 points) are locked in a fierce battle for the fourth spot as the Premier League heads into Gameweek 27. Manchester United and Chelsea both navigated recent managerial shifts. United parted ways with Ruben Amorim in January, and Chelsea transitioned from Enzo Maresca to Liam Rosenior. These sudden changes intensified the spectacle further.

The next five fixtures could define the Reds' season.

Gameweek 27: Nottingham Forest (A)

Credit: Evening Standard

 Forest are in 17th position, with 27 points, showing much inconsistency with occasional solidity at home against mid-table opposition, but struggles for consistency.

The previous meeting this season was a shock 3-0 Forest win at Anfield on November 22, 2025, highlighting Liverpool's transitional vulnerabilities and Forest's counter-attacking prowess. Liverpool's superior quality should prevail through possession control, but Forest's organised setup and home counters point to a narrow victory, very likely 1-2 or 0-1. Any mistakes on the ground can lead to widening the gap further. 

However, there are a few challenges, particularly for the Reds, with Jeremie Frimpong sidelined for the week for severe hamstring issues. Conor Bradley is out for the season with knee issues, and Alexander Isak remains long-term, whilst Stefan Bajcetic continues recovery. Joe Gomez is back available after a recent knock.

For Forest, Chris Wood, Murillo and Goalkeeper Martz Sels are going to miss the match day due to injury issues.

Chelsea face Burnley on the 21st of February as Rosenior's men look to bounce back from a shock 2-2 draw with Leeds United. Not only that, Manchester United will face Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Both Manchester United and Chelsea consistently performed well in their last 5 matches.

Predictions: 

Liverpool 2-1 Forest, Chelsea 3-0 Burnley, Everton 1-2 Manchester United. 

As it (would) stand:

Liverpool (45 points), Chelsea (47 points), Manchester United (48 points)

Gameweek 28: West Ham (H)

Credit: Premier League

The Reds return to their home ground, Anfield, on Sunday, 28th February 2026, facing West Ham. Earlier in this season,  Liverpool swept West Ham aside in a 2-0 win, on GW13. The Hammers currently sit in 18th place, struggling for consistency despite occasional combative displays.

Given the home advantage of Liverpool at Anfield and good squad depth, chances are Liverpool should overshadow The Hammers. West Ham are facing injuries and suspension issues themselves. Freddie Potts remains suspended following his red card against Burton Albion in the Emirates FA Cup. Hammer’s manager, Nuno Espirito, has confirmed that Pablo Felipe is "going to be out for a while – we don’t know for how long at the moment, but we’ll assess it day-by-day.”  With Jean Claire Todibo (3-match suspension ended), he is expected to play after the dismissal against Chelsea on 31st January. 

Talking about the Blues, on Sunday, 1st March, they are going to face off against the Gunners. Arsenal being top of the table is surely going to create pressure on Chelsea to seal 3 crucial points from them. The stats are favouring the Gunners, as historically they defeated Chelsea a record 77 times as they close in on their first Premier League title under Mikel Arteta. 

Manchester United on the other hand, will face off with Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. The Red Devils holds a historical advantage over Crystal palace with 17 wins on the record. 

Predictions:

Liverpool 2-1 West Ham, Chelsea 1-3 Arsenal, Manchester United 2-1 Crystal Palace.

As it (would) stand:

Liverpool (48 points), Chelsea (47 points), Manchester United (51 points)

Gameweek 29: Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)

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Wolverhampton faces Arsenal tomorrow, which could subtly shape up conditions ahead of the GW29 trip to Molineux.  With Hwang sidelined for the injury and expecting to return in late February, chances of his presence are slim. 

Wolves enter this period on an uneven run of form, with two resilient draws against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest offset by defeats to Manchester City, Bournemouth and Chelsea. While they pushed Arsenal closely in the reverse fixture, requiring two own goals to secure a narrow 2-1 win, consistency remains a concern. Their attacking approach has largely relied on the physical presence of Tolu Arokodare and the movement of Adam Armstrong in advanced areas.

For Liverpool, this presents both opportunity and risk. Wolves’ inconsistency suggests vulnerability. However, a disciplined and direct approach at Molineux can still disrupt rhythm. Liverpool will need controlled possession and defensive concentration to avoid allowing transitional moments to dictate the contest. If the Reds plays well, a 2-1 victory should be expected. 

If Chelsea and Manchester United hold the momentum, then this fixture is poised to be a turning point. Manchester United  head north to take on Newcastle at St. James on 5th March. The Blues, will face off Aston Villa on 5th March at Villa Park. Both fixtures incredibly difficult for these sides, and a chance for Liverpool to make up some further ground.

Predictions:

Liverpool 2-1 Wolverhampton, Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa, Manchester United 2-2 Newcastle

As it (would) stand:

Liverpool (51 points), Chelsea (50 points), Manchester United (52 points)

GW30: Tottenham Hotspur (H)

Credit: The Liverpool Offside - SB Nation

Liverpool face Tottenham Hotspur in Gameweek 30. Tottenham currently (as of writing) sit 16th in the table with 29 points; their season was marked by inconsistency and managerial change. Despite their league position, Tottenham retain individual quality capable of influencing high-tempo encounters, particularly in transition.

There are key availability updates for the visitors. Wilson Odobert has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering an ACL tear in February, reducing Tottenham’s attacking width adding to an already piled injury list for the Europa League Winners. Cristian Romero, however, completes his four-match suspension and is eligible to return for this fixture, strengthening their defensive structure. This is going to be a critical match for both teams. With that being said, Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham, slight edge to Liverpool due to home advantage and squad depth.

Chelsea and Manchester United face a reversal of GW29's fixtures with Chelsea taking on Newcastle whilst . With Chelsea’s strong attack, there is a fair chance for Chelsea to out-score Newcastle. The Red Devils, is expected to give a tough competition to Aston Villa on 15th March.

Predictions:

Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham, Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle, Man United 3-2 Aston Villa

As it (would) stand:

Liverpool (54 points), Chelsea (53 points), Manchester United (55 points)

GW31: Brighton & Hove Albion (A)

Credit: Sky Sports

Liverpool face Brighton at the American Express Stadium, with the hosts currently 14th in the table. The earlier fixture was competitive before Liverpool ultimately secured a 2-0 victory, defeating Brighton. Brighton’s structured approach at home presents a disciplined challenge. For Liverpool, composure and efficiency will be crucial. If Liverpool manages to strategize well then they can easily beat Brighton with 2-0.

Chelsea will be giving tough competition to Everton on the same week, eyeing a definitive win after beating The Toffees 2-0 at home back in December. The Red devils will face Bournemouth, with the reverse fixture ending in a thrilling 4-4 draw at Old Trafford.

Predictions:

Liverpool 2-0 Brighton, Chelsea 3-1 Everton, Manchester United 2-0 Bournemouth

As it (would) stand:

Liverpool (57 points), Chelsea (56 points), Manchester United (58 points)

Final Thoughts: