Liverpool next five fixtures compared to Chelsea, Arsenal and Man City after Girona win

Liverpool have overcome another major hurdle by beating Girona, becoming the first team this year to secure automatic Champions League knock-out qualification. This might give them an extra advantage they want over Chelsea, Arsenal and Man City in the ensuing Premier League title battle.

Heading to Catalonia on Tuesday night, the Reds held a 100 per cent winning record in European competition this season. A second-half penalty from Mohamed Salah, won after Luis Diaz was fouled by ex-Manchester United and Everton midfielder Donny van de Beek, was enough to ensure a sixth successive win.

Reward was, also, near-automatic qualification for the last-16. As per the Champions League's format changes for 2024/25 onwards, the top eight - which Liverpool should now pretty much guarantee to be a part of - of the new league phase's Swiss model will make the knock-outs.

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This is, critically, without having to take part in a two-legged play-off round in February, which the sides that finish between ninth and 24th will have to do so. Two less fixtures to play compared to their rivals can always be seen as a bonus, given Arsenal and City have been left scrambling to finish as high as possible.

With two more league phase matches against Lille and PSV Eindhoven to go in January - a month the Reds might end up playing eight times - it also presents the possibility for Arne Slot to rotate his squad. With these numerous positive notes in mind, the ECHO take a look at Liverpool's upcoming fixtures in all competitions compared to their closest challengers;

December 14 vs Fulham (H) at 3pm - Premier League

Next up, Liverpool have a first Premier League assignment in 10 days after the Merseyside derby was postponed last weekend. Fulham are the visitors to Anfield - six days after they managed to hold Arsenal at Craven Cottage, and these two teams produced some cracking matches last season.

December 18 vs Southampton (A) at 8pm - Carabao Cup

Another midweek match and another trip to Southampton, the Reds must win at St. Mary's if they wish to proceed to the Carabao Cup semi-finals and continue their defence of this trophy. Slot's side came from behind to win 3-2 in the league here on November 24.

December 22 vs Tottenham (A) at 4.30pm - Premier League

A last game before Christmas Day sees the Reds on the road, yet again, this time in the Premier league against Tottenham Hotspur. Ange Postecoglou's side are currently struggling and the visitors might be up for a slice of revenge after that memorable match - for all the wrong reasons - they played here in north London last season.

December 26 vs Leicester City (H) at 8pm - Premier League

Boxing Day football at Anfield is always a welcome treat and this season the visitors are Leicester City for an 8pm kick-off. Recently taken over by former Man United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, the Foxes looked to have turned a corner in some ways.

December 29 vs West Ham (A) at 5.15pm - Premier League

Had the Goodison Park derby taken place as planned, Liverpool would have officially hit the halfway point of the Premier League season at West Ham. As long as Salah scored in all league fixtures leading up to and including this one, he will equal the record of 11 consecutive top-flight matches scored in by a single player.

Chelsea's next five fixtures in all competitions

December 12 vs Astana (A) at 3.30pm - Conference League

December 15 vs Brentford (H) at 7pm - Premier League

December 19 vs Shamrock Rovers (H) at 8pm - Conference League

December 22 vs Everton (A) at 2pm - Premier League

December 26 vs Fulham (H) at 3pm - Premier League

Arsenal's next five fixtures in all competitions

December 11 vs AS Monaco (H) at 8pm - Champions League

December 14 vs Everton (H) at 3pm - Premier League

December 18 vs Crystal Palace (H) at 7:30pm - Carabao Cup

December 21 vs Crystal Palace (A) at 5:30pm - Premier League

December 27 vs Ipswich Town (H) at 8:15pm - Premier League

Man City's next five fixtures in all competitions

December 11 vs Juventus (A) at 8pm - Champions League

December 15 vs Manchester United (H) at 4:30pm - Premier League

December 21 vs Aston Villa (A) at 12:30pm - Premier League

December 26 vs Everton (H) at 12:30pm - Premier League

December 29 vs Leicester City (A) at 2:30pm - Premier League