Liverpool next 5 fixtures compared to Man Utd and Chelsea as more teams enter top four race

Liverpool remains fourth after claiming a goalless draw at Arsenal, but the race for the Champions League places is getting tighter with two new challengers just behind the Reds

Dominik Szoboszlai and Arne Slot react after Liverpool's goalless draw with Arsenal(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool remains in pole position for a spot in the top four in the Premier League, although the race is getting a lot tighter after another manic week.

The Reds claimed a point from their travels to north London yesterday after playing out a goalless draw with Arsenal. Arne Slot’s side can be more than happy with their efforts on a dramatic night at the Emirates Stadium, with the visitors extending their recent unbeaten run to 10 games across all competitions.

Another draw though means the Reds are still looking over their shoulders, with their advantage in the race for the top four now cut down to two points.

The Premier League takes a break this weekend as the FA Cup takes center-stage, with Liverpool among the clubs entering at the third-round stage. The top four race will recommence next weekend though, and it looks to be heating up.

While Chelsea and Manchester United have been Liverpool's closest challengers in recent games, Brentford and Newcastle have now climbed into the mix, sitting fifth and sixth respectively after the latest round of fixtures, with some big games set to come.

Liverpool next five Premier League games

• Burnley (H) - January 17
• Bournemouth (A) - January 24
• Newcastle (H) - January 31
• Man City (H) - February 8
• Sunderland (A) - February 11

Liverpool will rightfully be happy with its display at Arsenal, but the Reds will be hoping to put together some wins now after three straight draws.

A home game against Burnley seems like the ideal opportunity to do just that, and they'll hope that two-point advantage can grow before they host Manchester City at the start of next month.

Brentford next five Premier League games

• Chelsea (A) - January 17
• Nottingham Forest (H) - January 25
• Aston Villa (A) - February 1
• Newcastle (A) - February 7
• Arsenal (H) - February 12

The surprise package in the Premier League at the moment, Brentford have gone from being tipped by some for relegation at the start of the season to being Liverpool's closest challenger for the top four.

The fixture list doesn't look too kind for the Bees now though, although if they are to make a genuine play for a European spot, then these next few games will determine how big a threat they will be.

Newcastle next five Premier League games

• Wolves (A) - January 18
• Aston Villa (H) - January 25
• Liverpool (A) - January 31
• Brentford (H) - February 7
• Tottenham (A) - February 10

Newcastle will likely be a bigger threat than Brentford in the long run, and Eddie Howe's side does have a chance to stake its claim for a spot in the Champions League again.

The Magpies do have a Carabao Cup semi-final and Champions League commitments to deal with though, which could prove to be a distraction.

Man Utd next five Premier League games

• Man City (H) - January 17
• Arsenal (A) - January 25
• Fulham (H) - February 1
• Tottenham (H) - February 7
• West Ham (A) - February 10

We'll likely find out soon who will be in charge of Manchester United for the remainder of the season - and whoever it is has quite the job on their hands.

They could be faced with games against Manchester City and Arsenal as their first two assignments, so staying in the race for the top four might prove a tall order off the bat.

Chelsea next five Premier League games

• Brentford (H) - January 17
• Crystal Palace (A) - January 25
• West Ham (H) - January 31
• Wolves (A) - February 7
• Leeds (H) - February 10

Liam Rosenior will need to try and arrest Chelsea's slump upon his arrival as the Blues' new boss. Just one win in the last nine league games has seen them drop down into eighth, although they are still within touching distance of the top four.

Their fixture list certainly looks kinder than their rivals', but like Newcastle, they also have a Carabao Cup semi-final and European commitments to deal with along the way.