Analysis: Breaking Down Liverpool’s ‘Gruelling’ Festive Schedule | OneFootball

Liverpool’s December and January Schedule: A Relentless Gauntlet

I was probably happier when they delayed the confirmation for tv games in one way. Liverpool’s gruelling schedule just doesn’t let up, does it? After an unpredictable and chaotic November, December and January are shaping up to be equally unforgiving. For the Reds, it’s a demanding test of endurance, strength, and depth. From Manchester City at Anfield to a relentless festive fixture congestion, Liverpool face a series of challenges that could define their season.

December Begins With A Brutal Trio

The opening week of December is far from a perfect storm. Starting with a colossal clash against Manchester City on Sunday, 1st December, 16:00 KO at Anfield, it already feels like a defining moment in the Premier League title race. And it doesn’t stop there. Just three days later, Newcastle United welcomes Liverpool to St. James’ Park, with a Wednesday, 4th December, 19:30 KO, providing little time for recovery.

Photo: IMAGO

What makes it even more gruelling? The Merseyside Derby. On Saturday, 7th December at 12:30 KO, Liverpool crosses Stanley Park to take on Everton at Goodison Park. Three games in just six days is a brutal proposition, but there’s some silver lining—it’s only a short trip across the park for that final clash. Still, the sheer intensity of facing such fierce competition in quick succession will push Liverpool’s squad to its limits.

Christmas Chaos

Christmas is meant to be a time of joy and relaxation for most, but not for Liverpool. The Reds face yet another insane stretch over the festive period. Tottenham Hotspur host Liverpool on Sunday, 22nd December at 16:30 KO at Spurs Stadium, a crucial fixture against a Spurs side never short of ambition.

Photo: IMAGO

As if that weren’t enough, Liverpool then have the small matter of Leicester City on Thursday, 26th December at 20:00 KO at Anfield, an evening kick-off on Boxing Day. While many are unwinding from holiday festivities, Slot’s men will be locked in a fierce battle on the pitch. To cap off the week, West Ham United await them at the London Stadium on Sunday, 29th December, 17:15 KO. That’s three high-stakes matches in just seven days again—a stretch that could make or break the title ambitions of any team.

January: A Crucial Turning Point?

Once January rolls around, Liverpool may well have a different look. The first month of the year kicks off with a monumental showdown. Manchester United comes to Anfield on Sunday, 5th January, 16:30 KO, a match that always feels bigger than just the three points. The rivalry, the history, the atmosphere—it all adds an extra layer of drama. Oh yeah and that transfer window we don’t really use is open too.

Photo: IMAGO

Shortly after, on Tuesday, 14th January at 20:00 KO, Liverpool will face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, before heading to Gtech Stadium to take on Brentford on Saturday, 18th January, 15:00 KO. It’s relentless, but by this stage, the team might just be finding its rhythm.

The month wraps up with crucial home ties and away fixtures. Lille OSC visits Anfield on Tuesday, 21st January, 20:00 KO, followed by Ipswich Town on Saturday, 25th January, 15:00 KO. Finally, Liverpool travels to the Philips Stadium to face PSV on Wednesday, 29th January, 20:00 KO. January maybe tough and not as difficult as December on paper, but it could prove pivotal—by then, the landscape of the season may have shifted.

Can Liverpool Survive the Storm?

November is hard enough, yet December and January form an intense crucible for Liverpool. With key matches against top Premier League contenders, fierce European ties, and local rivalries, the next two months are poised to challenge the Reds in every way. Squad depth will be critical, and the team’s performance during this time may very well determine their standing in the league and their chances in Europe. One thing’s for sure: it won’t be an easy ride. Fans, brace yourselves—this is going to be one relentless, high-octane period of football.