“Arsenal warned as Liverpool gain fixture ‘advantage’ that could disrupt their Premier League campaign.”

Liverpool may have dropped points in their last two away games, but they still hold an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League table. Arne Slot’s side extended their advantage over second-placed Arsenal with a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa on Wednesday night.

However, Arsenal have a game in hand and will aim to narrow the gap this weekend. Mikel Arteta’s team hosts West Ham on Saturday, while Liverpool face reigning champions Manchester City at the Etihad.

The Reds’ clash with City marks their fourth tough fixture in a packed run of five league games over just 15 days. This stretch included a 2-1 win over Wolves, sandwiched between draws against Everton and Villa. After visiting City, Liverpool return to Anfield next Wednesday to host Newcastle, followed by a home match against Southampton on March 8. After that, they won’t play another league game until facing Everton at Anfield on April 2.

In contrast, Arsenal’s schedule includes away games against Nottingham Forest and Manchester United, followed by home fixtures against Chelsea and Fulham, before they also travel to Everton on April 5.

With four of their next six league games at home, former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy and ex-Spurs player Tim Sherwood believe the Reds have a more favorable run-in compared to Arsenal.

“If you look at it, Liverpool have four home games in their next six. And Anfield is a fortress,” Murphy told the Premier League. “I’d prefer that over Arsenal’s three home and three away fixtures. Plus, Arsenal’s away games include trips to Forest and Man United—United may have struggled recently, but they’ve shown they can rise to big occasions.”

Meanwhile, Sherwood cautioned Arsenal that teams will be eager to disrupt their title challenge, particularly with multiple London derbies ahead.

“Arsenal’s home games are London derbies, and those are never easy,” he said. “Even if it’s not a main rival, there’s always extra intensity. Chelsea, for instance, can hurt anyone on their day.

“When you’re a mid-table team with little left to play for, sometimes the biggest motivation is spoiling someone else’s season. That’s the reality Arsenal will have to deal with.”