It’s been a successful start to the 2023/24 season as Jurgen Klopp’s Reds look to dethrone Manchester City for the second time. The festive period is always a football fan’s dream, with plenty of action across December. This year is no different, and it is a month that could be season-defining for Klopp.
Boss ???? pic.twitter.com/z6pLI077Cp
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 3, 2023
Run of Winnable Fixtures
After an impressive start to the campaign, Liverpool will be eying up a 20th first-division title. They are currently third favourites to lift the highly sought-after trophy, and those looking to place outright Premier League bets will find the Reds at 11/2 to do so, trailing only Arsenal (4/1) and Manchester City (4/9).
These odds could fluctuate toward the back end of 2023, especially given Liverpool’s early December fixtures. Klopp’s side welcome Fulham to Anfield in their first December outing, followed by an away day at Bramall Lane against Sheffield United – the side currently favourite to go down in the Premier League relegation odds at 1/6 – and a trip south to take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Pre-Christmas Crunch Time
Things start to heat up as we approach Christmas. The stage is set for Anfield to host one of the biggest fixtures in world football just over a week before Christmas Day. They welcome a Manchester United side that they have had plenty of joy against on home soil in recent years, including a 7-0 drubbing in March.
In fact, Klopp’s side have been utterly dominant on Merseyside, winning four of their last five meetings with old rivals United, scoring 16 and conceding just once in the process. Erik ten Hag’s side arrive having not won at Anfield since 2016 when Wayne Rooney scored the only goal in a 1-0 win.
Just six days after they lock horns with United, Liverpool host last season’s runners-up Arsenal in what could be a season-defining fixture at the top of the table. Mikel Arteta’s Gunners have been firing on all cylinders this campaign as they go in search of a first league title since 2004. The points were shared the last time these two met, with Mo Salah’s missed penalty eventually costing Liverpool all three points in a 2-2 draw. Both will be hoping to bolster their title hopes with a mammoth victory in the northwest.
Cup Competition Progression
Although it will be all eyes on the Premier League, Liverpool also have tricky Europa League and EFL Cup fixtures to navigate. They take on Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise mid-way through the month. The Reds were 2-0 victors in the reverse fixture, but you can never write this Union side off in front of their adoring home fans.
Klopp will also be hoping his side can cruise through their EFL Cup quarter-final against West Ham. Liverpool will be firm favourites at Anfield, especially given their dominant 3-1 victory over the Hammers earlier this season, but David Moyes’ side are always a tough prospect. With reigning champions Manchester City already out, Liverpool fans will be confident they can triumph in the competition for the second time in three seasons.
???????? Carabao Cup quarter finals draw:
◉ Everton vs. Fulham
◉ Chelsea vs. Newcastle
◉ Port Vale vs. Middlesbrough
◉ Liverpool vs. West Ham pic.twitter.com/7HzaLQZST7— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 1, 2023
With eight fixtures across three competitions, December will undoubtedly be a testing month for the Reds, and one that could define their season.
