Feature

How Liverpool's next six matches could define quadruple hopes

By Anish Dogra 28 Feb 2024
Klopp

Man City in the league. FA Cup and Europa League fixtures. The Reds' season is set to hinge on the next three weeks

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Liverpool have the chance of winning a quadruple this season and their next six matches could define whether they end up winning all four competitions that they are in.

The Reds secured their first piece of silverware this season when beating Chelsea 1-0 in the EFL Cup final on Sunday thanks to Virgil van Dijk's extra-time header.

And in three weeks' time, Liverpool could possibly be closer to a 20th league title, while sitting in the semi-finals of the FA Cup and the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League.

So who do they face in their quest for all four trophies?

28 Feb - Liverpool v Southampton (FA Cup)

Though Liverpool could be without 12 first-team players for their fifth-round FA Cup tie against Southampton on Wednesday, Jurgen Klopp and his side will believe that they can overcome the Championship club.

Liverpool have only lost once in their last 13 matches against Saints and are victorious in each of their last six encounters at Anfield.

Southampton come into this match in poor form after losing three of their last four matches in the Championship as they sit in fourth, five points away from second-placed Leeds United.

And Liverpool extended their excellent run over the Saints with an emphatic 3-0 win at Anfield thanks to goals from teenagers Lewis Koumas and Jayden Danns.

2 Mar - Nott'm Forest v Liverpool (Premier League)

There is another quick turnaround for Liverpool as they face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground this Saturday.

It is arguably a tougher fixture than many would think. Liverpool haven't won away at Forest in 13 league matches, with their last top-flight victory coming back in October 1984.

7 Mar - Sparta Prague v Liverpool (Europa League)

Though Liverpool will be favourites to beat Sparta Prague in the round of 16 in the Europa League, the tie could still pose some challenges for the Reds given their opponents' form.

Sparta are the league leaders in the Czech First League and have only lost once this season. They also produced a superb comeback to beat Galatasaray in the last stage of the Europa League, winning 6-4 on aggregate.

And Liverpool could have at least one eye on a huge match that comes just three days later.

10 Mar - Liverpool v Man City (Premier League)

For the final time, Klopp and Pep Guardiola will go head-to-head in a huge title encounter between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield.

Klopp will know that victory could go a long way towards securing a second Premier League Trophy.

Liverpool will go into a potentially decisive duel buoyed by the fact that they have only lost  once at home against Man City since 2003.

The title race

Position Pos Club Played Pl GD Points Pts
1 Man City MCI 38 +62 91
2 Arsenal ARS 38 +62 89
3 Liverpool LIV 38 +45 82
View More
14 Mar - Liverpool v Sparta Prague (Europa League)

Liverpool will hope that this affair won't be as tense as the last time Sparta came to Anfield in February 2011 when they needed Dirk Kuyt to strike in the 86th minute to seal a 1-0 aggregate win for the Reds.

16/17 Mar - Man Utd v Liverpool (FA Cup)

If Liverpool are to win all four trophies, then they are going to have to do it the hard way after being drawn against their biggest rivals in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

Manchester United supporters will no doubt be keen to see their team battle for a result that undermines their fierce rivals' hopes of winning the trophy in Klopp's final campaign.

And the Red Devils will certainly be tricky opponents given that they are the only team to prevent Liverpool from scoring this season when the two sides met at Anfield in December.

Can Liverpool do it?

Two seasons ago Liverpool won both domestic trophies, competed in the title race until the last match of the season and reached the UEFA Champions League final, losing to Real Madrid, so many of their players will know what it takes to go the distance in all four competitions.

And unlike in 2022, the title is in Liverpool's hands, while the opposition in the Europa League is likely to be easier than it was in the Champions League.

While there are many battles ahead, Klopp may yet get a fairytale ending beyond his wildest dreams.

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