As Jurgen Klopp has made an indifferent start to his first full season with Liverpool, it remains to be seen if the campaign will improve for the Reds. He will have to go a long way before satisfying the owners who recently gave him a new six-year contract. A lot will depend on the fixture list, which throws up some defining moments in the rest of the campaign.
Klopp against Mourinho in October
Jurgen Klopp and Jose Mourinho will be coming up against each other for the first time in this age of old derby in October. After having seen Mourinho make a perfect start to the campaign, pressure will be on Klopp to match the results of the Portuguese. Liverpool may have not spent as much as United, but results are what counts in the derby.
Merseyside Derby and Manchester City to Complete 2016
Liverpool potentially have one of the toughest ends to the calendar year as they are up against their local rivals Everton just before the Boxing Day fixture and soon after that, an invitation for Manchester City on the new year’s eve has been scheduled. The very little recovery time during this period makes these games tougher.
A Visit to Old Trafford at the Start of 2017
The club will welcome 2017 with a visit to Old Trafford to face their old nemesis. The second match of 2017 could see Liverpool rejuvenated from the hectic Christmas fixture list. However, will there be any new signings to take on an expensively assembled Manchester United, who will have the means to strengthen again in January if necessary?
Chelsea at the Start of February
Games against Chelsea are likely to remain cagey affairs. This game also occurs at the time when clubs start to think about the title. A good result could go a long way into providing confidence for the rest of the season.
Tottenham Towards the End of February
Liverpool’s recent encounters against Tottenham have all been very closely fought with a very little to separate the two teams. However, the Reds are up against the champions,Leicester City, before welcoming the Lilly-Whites at Anfield, and soon after that, the runners-up from last season, Arsenal, will be making their way to the Anfield to make their lives more miserable.
A Repeat of 2016’s End
Liverpool are up against Manchester City and Everton in the space of a fortnight once again towards the end of March. They are a mirror image of Liverpool’s end to 2016. The game against City on March 18 could potentially determine the title chances.
