We are getting to one of the notoriously hectic times of the season, the holiday fixture cluster. Now, for the purposes of this particular article, I’m going to focus solely on the next five Premier League matches. However, the winter is packed full of Europa League and League Cup action as well.
Here we go.
Liverpool away to Manchester City (Nov. 25) – This has become one of the must-see fixtures during each and every Premier League season. That is the case once again this time around.
The fact that the match is taking place as one of the first kickoffs following an international break is disappointing, but that does not sour the importance of the fixture for both.
City have looked vulnerable at times this season and Liverpool have not been invincible either. Both squads boast an insane amount of talent that could single handedly win a match. However, I think both sides cancel each other out and share the spoils to being the winter swing.
Prediction: Liverpool 1 Manchester City 1
Liverpool hosts Fulham (Dec. 3) – Following the titanic clash at the Etihad, Liverpool welcome the feisty Cottagers to Anfield.
While this is a step down in terms of opposition, Fulham have played the Reds tough in recent times so it won’t be a cruise through.
Saying that, I think the first League win of the winter comes in this one. Too much firepower up top for Fulham to handle. Prediction: Liverpool 3 Fulham 1
Liverpool away to Sheffield United (Dec. 6) – This is where the fixture list begins to really get full. A few days after hopefully dispatching Fulham, Jurgen Klopp’s men will be on the road to Sheffield.
This is a match that I expect to see a multitude of changes to the Starting XI from the Fulham game. Yet, that still should not dampen expectations. Sheffield have struggled all year and I think that continues here. Prediction: Liverpool 2 Sheffield United 0
Liverpool away to Crystal Palace (Dec. 9) – A busy week ends with the Reds in London for a tricky affair with Palace.
Crystal Palace are a club that is set firmly in midtable status and they will probably play like it when Liverpool comes calling. I expect a lot of counter attacks from both sides and a tougher fight than you might expect.
That being said, I think Palace make it difficult but the winter rolls should roll on with a narrow win for the Liverpool. Prediction: Liverpool 2 Crystal Palace 1
Liverpool hosts Manchester United (Dec. 17) – The final match in this five game stretch in the League ends with a familiar foe coming to town.
United have been an absolute mess this season and they are struggling with their identity. However, it is still one of the most intense rivalries in the sport so you can bet the Red Devils will be coming to Anfield with a mission.
But based on recent form and projecting out, I think a lot of goals will be scored in this one. However, not all will be from Liverpool. This match could be a make or break moment for United and they still boast some dangerous talents up front.
This will be a topsy-turvy affair in the heart of winter, but it just has draw written all over it in my mind. I hope I’m wrong but I’m putting it out there. Prediction: Liverpool 2 Manchester United 2