Liverpool next five fixtures compared to Man City and Arsenal in Premier League title race

Liverpool lead the way in both the Premier League and revamped Champions League heading towards the festive period of the season. It will, naturally, be Arne Slot's hope that his side can turn their great start into a great season, perhaps even widening the gap to their rivals in the coming weeks.

A 2-0 win over Aston Villa last weekend brought about triumphant Liverpool celebrations heading into their latest pause. Top of the Premier League with a five-point cushion to Man City and a nine-point gap on Arsenal, top of the Champions League's new league table and still in the Carabao Cup - it marks an unbelievable start.

But now their reality has changed. As star man Mohamed Salah has alluded to recently, the mindset must now shift from underdogs to deserved contenders and things will start to ramp up from this point.

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As players get ready to return to Liverpool next week, matches come thick and fast in several competitions. Here, the Liverpool ECHO taken a closer look at the next five games - in all competitions - compared to those putting up a fight for the Premier League title so far;

Southampton (A) - Premier League - Sunday, November 24

Probably the easiest fixture, on paper, arrives first. The Saints picked up their first win since gaining promotion in the 10th round of the campaign yet still occupy 20th place with four points in total. Liverpool will hope to pile on the misery, although must also be wary of an upset similar to when the played Nottingham Forest.

Real Madrid (H) - Champions League - Wednesday, November 27

A quick turnaround sees the Reds presented with, perhaps, their most complicated challenge of the entire Champions League's revamped league phase. Jurgen Klopp was never able to get the better of the 15-time European champions - including in two finals - and now the task falls to Slot.

Not all's pretty in the Spanish capital right now, so maybe it is ideal timing. Kylian Mbappe hasn't made the desired impact since his arrival, Vinicius Jr is still reeling from his Ballon d'Or snub and Los Blancos are suffering from several key injuries, which could impact their options vs Liverpool.

Manchester City (H) - Premier League - Sunday, December 1

No matter what happens against Madrid, this fixture is truly the big one coming up. Liverpool's treat for peeling back the first door of their advent calendar this year is a visit from the reigning English champions.

Similarly, Pep Guardiola has been suffering with injuries. It remains to be seen how many points ahead the hosts could move with a win, but they will need to be at their best regardless to ensure they do capitalise.

Newcastle United (A) - Premier League - Wednesday, December 4

There is no time for rest - nor does the ease of this run-in get better heading into December as a midweek trip to St. James' Park follows City. This ground was the setting for one of the Reds' best results early on last season - and once again Newcastle United can hardly be written off when they are the home side.

Everton (A) - Premier League - Saturday, December 7

Once again, the shortest possible rest period is granted to Liverpool as they will take part in their third match in just six days. This one has the added weight of being an away Merseyside derby against Everton - and a meeting such as that quite simply needs no introduction.

Man City next five games (all competitions)

November 23 vs Tottenham (H) at 5.30pm - Premier League

November 26 vs Feyenoord (H) at 8pm - Champions League

December 1 vs Liverpool (A) at 4pm - Premier League

December 4 vs Nott'm Forest (H) at 7.30pm - Premier League

December 7 vs Crystal Palace (A) at 3pm - Premier League

Chelsea next five games (all competitions)

November 23 vs Leicester City (A) at 12.30pm - Premier League

November 28 vs Heidenheim (A) at 5.45pm - Conference League

December 1 vs Aston Villa (H) at 1.30pm - Premier League

December 4 vs Southampton (A) at 7.30pm - Premier League

December 8 vs Tottenham (A) at 4.30pm - Premier League

Arsenal next five games (all competitions)

November 23 vs Nott'm Forest (H) at 3pm - Premier League

November 26 vs Sporting CP (A) at 8pm - Champions League

November 30 vs West Ham (A) at 5.30pm - Premier League

December 4 vs Manchester United (H) at 8.15pm - Premier League

December 8 vs Fulham (A) at 2pm - Premier League