Arsenal’s upcoming Champions League encounter against Bayern Munich could inadvertently sway the Premier League title race, potentially favoring Liverpool. Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool’s manager, may find himself hopeful as Arsenal prepares for this pivotal match.
Klopp’s previous frustrations with early Saturday kick-off slots have been evident, citing concerns about player recovery and sleep. Despite his protests, Liverpool has frequently found itself scheduled for early matches, a trend likely to continue in April.
Liverpool faces a grueling sequence of away fixtures against Fulham, Everton, and West Ham United within six days. Of particular concern is the West Ham game, slated for the early Saturday slot following a midweek clash at Goodison Park.
Traditionally, teams competing in midweek Champions League matches are exempt from early Saturday kick-offs. However, this exemption doesn’t extend to Premier League midweek fixtures, potentially leaving Liverpool vulnerable to another early start.
The scenario could change if Arsenal secures victory against Bayern Munich, advancing to the Champions League semi-finals. This outcome would necessitate Arsenal’s participation in a Saturday fixture, altering the scheduling dynamics.
The implications for Liverpool are significant, as every advantage is crucial in the tightly contested Premier League title race against Arsenal and Manchester City. While Arsenal faces Bayern Munich and City tackles Real Madrid, Liverpool’s Europa League tie with Atalanta appears comparatively favorable.
The outcome of these European fixtures could not only influence the direct competition for the league title but also indirectly affect matchups between title contenders. With Manchester City hosting Arsenal shortly after Liverpool’s clash with Brighton, the impact of Arsenal’s Champions League fate on the title race looms large.
