Theo Walcott has pinpointed four critical matches that may determine Liverpool’s fate in the tight Premier League title race against Arsenal and Manchester City.
Liverpool has ascended to the league summit after defeating Sheffield United 3-1 at Anfield on Thursday.
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With a mere three-point gap among the top contenders, the upcoming fixtures could significantly alter the standings. Liverpool is poised to face Manchester United away, recalling their recent 4-3 defeat in the FA Cup at the same venue.
Additionally, Liverpool will host Tottenham in May, a team that has managed to best them in league play this year.
However, Walcott, an Arsenal legend, suggests that Liverpool will face an even more daunting challenge soon, one that could be crucial for their aspirations of clinching the title.
‘One thing about Liverpool is they have four away games after facing Atlanta [in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final] – it could be their downfall,’ the former forward said on BBC Radio 5 Live.
‘Four away games is not nice. There are other things that can effect you such as being away from home.
‘Liverpool will also not like going to Goodison Park.’
The quartet of away games highlighted by Walcott includes consecutive encounters at Fulham, Everton, and West Ham, culminating in a visit to Aston Villa, who are vying for a Champions League spot, in the season’s second-to-last match.
Among these fixtures is the Merseyside derby, where Liverpool boasts an impressive track record, having been defeated by their neighbors only once in the past 13 years.
However, outings to Goodison Park are not certain victories, as evidenced by Everton securing draws in eight of the previous 11 home matches against Liverpool.
