Liverpool won’t break Man City’s points record or match Arsenal’s Invincibles
Steve Nicol is shocked by how the current Liverpool side’s attack constantly tries to get behind their opposition. (1:37)
It has taken almost 30 years, but Liverpool are finally on course to become English league champions this season for the first time since 1990. Jurgen Klopp’s team go into Sunday’s clash with Manchester United at Anfield with a 14-point lead at the top of the Premier League table — and with a game in hand, no less. They have won 20 of their 21 league games so far this season. Only Manchester United, at Old Trafford in October, have been able to take points off Liverpool during the 2019-20 campaign, and nobody has been able to beat them.
This is a case of when, not if, they lift the Premier League trophy. But how many records are they capable of breaking?
Can they surpass Manchester City’s record 100-point mark and the 19-point winning margin set by Pep Guardiola’s team in 2017-18? Can they emulate Arsenal’s 2003-04 Invincibles by winning the title without suffering a defeat? Can they secure the most league wins — Man City with 32 in 2017-18 is the best — and claim the most away points by eclipsing City’s haul of 50 during the same season? And can they smash City’s record by hitting more than 106 goals in a league season?
With 17 games to play, and 51 points still available, we analysed Liverpool’s run-in to assess what Klopp’s men can achieve this season.
Sunday: Manchester United (H)
Prediction: WIN
Liverpool have gone 51 home games without defeat in the Premier League, a run stretching back to April 2017. Although clashes against United are traditionally unpredictable, Liverpool’s attacking qualities should expose the visitors’ shaky defence. United have pace and quality up front, however, so if they score first, it could lead to a shock result. But we’re not betting on it.
Jan. 23: Wolves (A)
Prediction: DRAW
Wolves have established themselves as one of the leading sides in the Premier League under coach Nuno Espirito Santo, and they have the quality to stop the Liverpool juggernaut at Molineux. With Champions League qualification still within their grasp, Wolves need the points from this game more than Liverpool, so expect a hard-fought clash that ends with a share of the points.
Jan. 29: West Ham (A)
Prediction: WIN
When the top teams visit West Ham, they usually enjoy the wide-open spaces at the London Stadium. It’s difficult to think David Moyes will devise a game plan capable of nullifying the front three of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino; after all, much better teams have tried and failed. What’s more, Moyes’ record against the big clubs is miserable enough. It’s the perfect match in which Liverpool can pad their goals tally.
Feb. 1: Southampton (H)
Prediction: WIN
Ralph Hasenhuttl has inspired a remarkable recovery at Southampton since his team suffered their humiliating 9-0 home defeat against Leicester in October. But while the man dubbed the “Alpine Klopp” has given Saints a great chance of survival, he’s unlikely to regard this trip to Anfield as anything other than a damage-limitation exercise.
Feb. 15: Norwich (A)
Prediction: WIN
Norwich stunned the football world when they beat Manchester City at Carrow Road in September, but the result proved to be an outlier. Daniel Farke’s team are rock-bottom of the Premier League and face a nasty relegation battle. Liverpool, meanwhile, have scored 16 goals in their past four visits to Norwich. This will be another messy 90 minutes for the Canaries.
Feb. 24: West Ham (H)
Prediction: WIN
Moyes has never guided a team to victory at Anfield, and few would expect him to end his dismal record against Liverpool in this game. Expect another big Liverpool victory.
Feb. 29: Watford (A)
Prediction: DRAW
Watford have begun to find form under new manager Nigel Pearson, but they will still need points in their bid to stave off relegation when Liverpool travel to Vicarage Road. On paper, this is a game Klopp & Co. will be expected to win. We’re going to play the contrarian here: Watford are a dangerous outfit good enough to snatch a draw and cause Liverpool to drop points.
March 7: Bournemouth (H)
Prediction: WIN
Bournemouth have never won at Anfield, so don’t expect Eddie Howe’s team to end that sorry record in this game despite their battle for points to avoid relegation. This will be a straightforward win for Liverpool.
Steve Nicol says Liverpool’s attack needs to pick up even as the Reds continue to dominate the Premier League.
March 14: Everton (A)
Prediction: DRAW
If results go their way and their rivals continue to drop points, there’s an outside chance Liverpool could clinch the title at Goodison Park in March. But with or without the prospect of Liverpool ending their 30-year wait in their neighbours’ backyard, Everton will be determined to halt their rivals’ march to the title. New manager Carlo Ancelotti should have imposed his methods on Everton by this stage, so expect a fierce draw.
March 21: Crystal Palace (H)
Prediction: DRAW
Some teams just have an edge on others, and in recent seasons, Crystal Palace have become something of a bogey side for Liverpool. They are the most recent team to win a league game at Anfield, when Christian Benteke scored twice in a 2-1 win in April 2017, and they famously fought back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 at Selhurst Park in a game that all but ended Liverpool’s title dream in 2014. Crystal Palace won’t end the dream this time, but they will delay the title celebrations by claiming a point in this one.
April 4: Manchester City (A)
Prediction: LOSE
A team of great champions will always want to make their challengers fight every inch of the way before surrendering their title, and City will remind the world of their quality when Liverpool visit the Etihad. This is a game Guardiola’s side will be desperate to win and, with the pressure beginning to ease on Liverpool as the title looms, City’s desire will see them put an end to hopes of an unbeaten season.
April 11: Aston Villa (H)
Prediction: WIN
After their mini-wobble (if you can call it that), Liverpool will get back to winning ways against a Villa side struggling to avoid an instant return to the Championship. A win in this one could seal the title and, although Klopp’s players will settle for winning the title anywhere, they would ideally want to wrap it up in front of their own fans at Anfield.
April 18: Brighton & Hove Albion (A)
Prediction: WIN
Graham Potter has enjoyed a successful first season in charge at Brighton, but the Seagulls are unlikely to be safe from the drop by the time Liverpool come to town. Expect a hard-fought game at the Amex Stadium. You might also want to mark your calendar: This could be the day Liverpool are crowned champions. Either way, it’s another three points for the Reds.
April 25: Burnley (H)
Prediction: WIN
If the title hasn’t been clinched by the time Sean Dyche’s team visit Anfield, Liverpool might be suffering from a case of the jitters for this one. Burnley will be in need of points to keep them clear of the drop zone, but their winless run at Anfield dates back to September 1974. Who are we kidding: Liverpool get the points. Again.
May 2: Arsenal (A)
Prediction: LOSE
Barring a calamitous loss of form, Liverpool will travel to the Emirates as Premier League champions. But if they face Arsenal with their unbeaten record still intact, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta can expect a passionate home crowd to drive his players on to the victory that will ensure that Arsenal remain the only Invincibles of the Premier League era. Despite their defensive frailties, Arsenal still have the firepower to win this one.
Stewart Robson dives into Liverpool’s aggressive style of play and how it elevates the team to a new level.
May 9: Chelsea (H)
Prediction: WIN
As the final home game of the season, this will be the day Jordan Henderson becomes the first Liverpool captain since Alan Hansen in 1990 to lead the club to the league title. It will be a party day at Anfield, with Kop unlikely to allow Liverpool to do anything but secure the win that will cap a long-awaited occasion. Chelsea will need points for a top-four finish, but Liverpool will claim all three.
May 17: Newcastle (A)
Prediction: WIN
Liverpool will travel to St. James’ Park as champions, and they might still have points and goals records to chase down against Steve Bruce’s team. Newcastle might be in need of points to avoid relegation, but the gulf in class between the two sides will see a comfortable Liverpool win.
Liverpool will win the Premier League title this season, but they will fall short of the 100-point mark. They can also forget about becoming only the third team in English football history, after Preston in 1889 and Arsenal in 2004, to become champions without losing a game.
ESPN expects Liverpool to win another 37 points this season, taking them to 98, but after waiting so long to get their hands on the Premier League trophy, they might have to wait until next year before rewriting the record books.