Liverpool face at least 10 matches before the season ends — and as many as 15 if they reach the FA Cup and Champions League finals — a run that will largely determine whether this campaign is a success and influence Arne Slot’s future at Anfield.
Club sources suggest Slot’s job is currently safe despite some German reports to the contrary, but missing out on the Champions League would increase pressure on the head coach and test the patience of owners Fenway Sports Group. England’s domestic results mean there is an extra Champions League spot available this season, giving fifth-placed Liverpool slightly more breathing room; Opta currently rate their chances of qualifying via the league at 22.82 per cent. With seven Premier League games left, and teams as close as sixth-placed Chelsea and 11th-placed Sunderland only six points adrift, there is little margin for error.
Squad issues have compounded the challenge. Liverpool invested a record-breaking £446m in the squad last summer, yet depth has been exposed at times this season. Key injuries to Alisson Becker and Mohamed Salah before the international break, and Jeremie Frimpong’s absence while on duty, stretch resources further. British-record signing Alexander Isak is close to returning after four months out, which could provide a timely boost. Salah’s announcement that he will leave at the end of the season also complicates selection; Slot is likely to feel obliged to pick him for remaining matches regardless of form.
Progress in the cup competitions would ease mounting pressure and lift the mood at Anfield. Victory in the Champions League final in Budapest at the end of May would guarantee European qualification regardless of league position — a reminder that cup runs can salvage a stalled domestic campaign. Nearly 25 years ago Gerard Houllier tried to galvanise Liverpool by saying they were “10 games from greatness”; Slot will hope for a different outcome this time.
Key upcoming tests
FA Cup quarter-final — Man City (a), April 4
A trip to the Etihad is a tough draw. City’s Champions League exit gives Pep Guardiola scope to field a full-strength XI, while Slot will likely manage minutes with PSG and Fulham fixtures close by. How many starters Slot risks, including the fitness of Salah and Alisson and whether Isak is ready, will reveal how highly he values the FA Cup this season.
Champions League quarter-final — PSG, April 8 (a) and April 14 (h)
Liverpool meet Paris Saint-Germain in the last eight for the second consecutive season. PSG knocked Liverpool out on penalties last year en route to the trophy; this edition finds Luis Enrique’s side more settled and with clearer preparation time between legs. Progressing to the semi-finals would be a major achievement for this Liverpool side given current inconsistencies.
Home run against London clubs — Fulham (h) April 11; Crystal Palace (h) April 25; Chelsea (h) May 9; Brentford (h) TBC
A quirk of the schedule sees Liverpool’s final four home games all versus London opponents. Fulham arrive between the PSG legs; Slot is yet to get the better of them since taking charge. Crystal Palace have also troubled Liverpool — the Eagles beat the Reds late last September. Chelsea and Brentford, late in the season, could effectively act as Champions League play-offs; previous meetings this term ended in defeats for Liverpool.
Tough away fixtures — Everton (a) April 19; Man United (a) and Aston Villa (a) TBC
Away form has been a weakness this season, and Liverpool’s final three road visits are daunting. The first Merseyside derby at Everton’s new stadium comes with the Toffees close in the table. Old Trafford has not been a happy hunting ground historically for Liverpool managers, and Villa Park has recently been a difficult place to pick up points. These trips could further dent Liverpool’s chances of salvaging a top-four finish.
What it all means
Slot must balance rotation and risk across cup and league fixtures, with injuries and Salah’s impending exit complicating decisions. Cup progress could buy time and reshape the season, while failure to secure Champions League football via league position would increase scrutiny. The next 10–15 games will not only decide Liverpool’s final standings this season but also play a large part in determining whether Arne Slot remains the right man to lead the club forward.