Liverpool's next 5 games compared to Man Utd, Chelsea and Aston Villa

Arne Slot and Liverpool are battling for a top-four finish in the Premier League season - but the Reds face tough competition from Manchester United, Aston Villa and Chelsea

Arne Slot is trying to secure a top-four finish(Image: Getty Images)

Manchester United and Michael Carrick can now focus their efforts on their forthcoming five Premier League encounters after clinching victory against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The Eagles grabbed the lead after just four minutes when Maxence Lacroix headed home from a corner, with Oliver Glasner's players worthy of their advantage heading into the interval. However, Lacroix went from hero to villain when the Palace defender brought down Matheus Cunha inside the area shortly before the hour mark and was shown a straight red card.

Bruno Fernandes came forward to convert from the penalty spot to bring United level. Carrick's players completed the comeback with Fernandes turning provider for Benjamin Sesko, delivering a magnificent cross for the Slovenian, who smashed the ball into the back of the net with a brilliant header.

United succeeded in holding on for victory and prolonging its unbeaten run under interim head coach Carrick, rising to third on goal difference.

It's close at the top of the Premier League. Arsenal is first in the standings, five points clear of Manchester City in second, having played a game more.

They are the only two teams that have a realistic chance of winning the title.

Benjamin Sesko scored Manchester United's winner on Sunday(Image: Getty Images)

United is eight points behind City on 51 points, with Aston Villa boasting the same number of points in fourth.

Liverpool, meanwhile, is fifth in the standings, just three points behind United and Villa.

Chelsea is sixth in the table on 45 points.

Here, Liverpool.com examines the Reds' next five games compared to their Premier League rivals...

Manchester United

• Newcastle (A) - March 4
• Aston Villa (H) - March 15
• Bournemouth (A) - March 20
• Leeds (H) - April 11
• Chelsea (A) - April 18

Aston Villa

• Chelsea (H) - March 4
• Manchester United (A) - March 15
• West Ham (H) - March 22
• Nottingham Forest (A) - April 11
• Sunderland (H) - April 18

Liverpool

• Wolves (A) - March 3
• Tottenham (H) - March 15
• Brighton - March 21
• Fulham (H) - April 12
• Everton (A) - April 18

Chelsea

• Aston Villa (A) - March 4
• Newcastle (H) - March 14
• Everton (A) - March 21
• Manchester City (H) - April 11
• Manchester United (H) - April 18