Liverpool next 5 games compared to Chelsea and Man Utd as Reds miss chance

Liverpool missed another chance to extend its advantage over Chelsea and Manchester United in the race for the Premier League's top four after late drama at Fulham

Liverpool's players look dejected after Fulham's late equalizer(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool is still waiting for its first win of 2026 after being denied in dramatic fashion by Fulham on Sunday.

The Reds had looked to have been on course for victory when Cody Gakpo struck deep into stoppage time, after Florian Wirtz’s controversial equalizer was awarded by VAR following Harry Wilson’s first-half opener. Harrison Reed’s spectacular goal rescued a point for the hosts at Craven Cottage though, and left more questions for Liverpool boss Arne Slot.

Although his side is now unbeaten in its last nine games across all competitions, it was once again an opportunity missed. With Manchester United drawing at Leeds earlier in the day and Chelsea going on to get a draw at Manchester City, Liverpool could have extended its advantage in the race for the Premier League’s top four to five points.

As it stands though, the Reds remain just three ahead of their rivals, and with another big game on the horizon, the failure to beat Fulham or Leeds a few days earlier might prove costly.

Liverpool next five Premier League games

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

With a trip to the league leaders up next, Liverpool could really have done with beating both Leeds and Fulham. Instead of going into that game against Arsenal with a seven-point advantage over its nearest rivals, it'll head to the Emirates Stadium knowing a defeat could see it drop out of the top four.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot during the draw with Fulham(Image: Getty Images)

Reds fans might well be hoping Mikel Arteta's side is a little complacent after going six points clear at the top of the table - if the visitors can get a result in north London on Thursday, that would be a major bonus.

It's imperative though that they make the most of the following three games, especially with Manchester City lying in wait thereafter. You wouldn't want to face Pep Guardiola's side with ground to make up in the race for the top four.

Chelsea next five Premier League games

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

After a dramatic few days for Chelsea with the firing of Enzo Maresca, getting a point at City on Sunday will feel like a huge result.

The Blues arguably have the easiest run-in of the three sides here, at least on paper, but while a new permanent manager isn't in place, there will always be a degree of uncertainty surrounding Stamford Bridge.

There's a Carabao Cup semifinal against Arsenal and Champions League commitments to juggle as well, meaning securing a top-four spot will be much easier said than done for whoever's in charge.

Man Utd next five Premier League games

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

Ruben Amorim remains under pressure after his side dropped more points at Leeds, and the United boss does seem to be growing increasingly agitated.

Still, the Red Devils are level on points with Chelsea, and just three behind Liverpool, so they are still in the hunt, although their bid for a Champions League spot could quite easily crumble very soon.

Burnley surely has to be a win for them. If not, Amorim is going to face some very serious questions about his future, especially with City and Arsenal coming up back-to-back.