After Liverpool were knocked out of the FA Cup, the Echo takes a look at the Reds' next five fixtures, compared to their fellow top four challengers
Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool reacts after Erling Haaland of Manchester City scored for 4-0 during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Manchester City and Liverpool on April 4, 2026 in Manchester, England
Liverpool were knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester City(Image: 2026 CameraSport)
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Manchester City's 4-0 victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final was a major blow for Arne Slot. Erling Haaland's hat-trick and Antoine Semenyo's chipped finish prevented the Reds from reaching Wembley.
A day to forget for Liverpool was summed up by Mohamed Salah missing a second half penalty, after seeing two other presentable opportunities go begging. The Reds have little time to lick their wounds as the first-leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain is up next.
As well as the European battle, Liverpool are also in a tense race for the top four spots with Manchester United, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Brentford and even Everton, who, like the Bees, are only three points away from the Reds. Here is Liverpool's next five fixtures compared to their fellow Champions League chasers.
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Liverpool's next five fixtures
Paris Saint-Germain (A) - Champions League, April 8
Fulham (H) - Premier League, April 11
Paris Saint-Germain (H0 - Premier League, April 14
Everton (A) - Premier League, April 19
Crystal Palace (H) - Premier League, April 25
Verdict: These next five fixtures may be make or break for Slot. The Reds saw one opportunity to win a trophy pass them by and they must beat PSG over two legs, just to reach the last four of the Champions League.
Yet, Fulham are awkward opponents for Liverpool, drawing two and beating the Reds in their last three Premier League visits. There is also the small matter of the first ever Merseyside Derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium and Everton will certainly be looking to crash the Reds' top four hopes.
The games are certainly not getting any easier for Liverpool, who cannot afford any more slack performances.
Manchester United's next five fixtures
Leeds United (H) - Premier League, April 13
Chelsea (A) - Premier League, April 18
Brentford (H) - Premier League, April 27
Liverpool (H) - Premier League, May 3
Sunderland (A) - Premier League, May 9
Verdict: Manchester United are third in the Premier League and given their recent form and the fact they only have the race for the top four to focus on, are in the strongest position to qualify for the Champions League. However, the run-in for Michael Carrick's side is also perilous.
United will be heavy favourites to beat Leeds at Old Trafford, but Chelsea have been unpredictable under Liam Rosenior, and may cause a shock against the Reds. Brentford are also top four outsiders and beat United comfortably earlier in the season.
The battle between United and Liverpool at Old Trafford could decide both team's fates, while Sunderland away is a dangerous game for any side in the Premier League.
Aston Villa's next five fixtures
Bologna (A) - Europa League, April 9
Nottingham Forest (A) - Premier League, April 12
Bologna (H) - Europa League, April 16
Sunderland (H) - Premier League, April 19
Fulham (A) - Premier League, April 25
Verdict: Aston Villa players will be living out of their suitcases for the next few weeks. Their form in 2026 has tailed off, but they will take confidence from their efficient 2-0 victory against West Ham.
It must also be remembered Unai Emery loves the Europa League and considering he has not won a trophy at Villa Park, he may even pay greater focus to the competition. However, they will be favourites against Nottingham Forest, Sunderland and Fulham, so it may be unwise to count them out in those fixtures.
Chelsea's next five fixtures
Manchester City (H), Premier League, April 12
Manchester United (H), Premier League, April 18
Brighton and Hove Albion (A), Premier League, April 26
Nottingham Forest (H), Premier League, May 4
Liverpool (A), Premier League, May 9
Verdict: Once again, it feels like the walls are caving in at Chelsea. Liam Rosenior is under huge pressure, having lost his last four matches - if that wasn't stressful enough, his international break was filled with the sagas around Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez's interviews.
However, if Rosenior can amass the support of his players and develop a siege mentality, getting results against City and United may be possible. Brighton and Hove Albion away looks like an arduous contest and having lost their last three matches to the Seagulls, do not be surprised if Fabian Hurzeler's side is listed as the favourites.
Nottingham Forest at home will especially be seen as a must-win match, particularly with the visit to Anfield on the horizon. If Chelsea come out of that run without many positive results, the Blues may be out of the top four race.
Brentford's next five matches
Everton (H), Premier League, April 11
Fulham (H), Premier League, April 18
Manchester United (A), Premier League, April 27
West Ham (H), Premier League, May 2
Man City (A), Premier League, May 9
Verdict: The Bees have been busy, proving their critics, so many of whom tipped them for relegation this season. wrong. Keith Andrews side are enjoying an exceptional campaign, but they are only three points of fifth placed Liverpool.
With a fifth Champions League spot looking likely to be awarded to the Premier League, Andrews' side are well in this race. Given their recent form, the fact their next two matches are at home and the troubling matches of the team's above them, they may even be in the top five by the end of the month.
Everton's next five matches
Brentford (A), Premier League, April 11
Liverpool (H), Premier League, April 19
West Ham (A), Premier League, April 25
Man City (H), Premier League, May 4
Crystal Palace (A), Premier League, May 9
Verdict: Everton's statement 3-0 victory over Chelsea has shot them into the conversation for the top four. Like Brentford, they too are only three points away from Liverpool.
With a first Merseyside Derby at the Hill Dickinson on the horizon, that fierce battle could be a top five six-pointer. Brentford away looks like a well matches game, but David Moyes would back his side to overcome his former side West Ham United in the capital.
Moyes' side, just like his Everton teams in the 2000s, are capable of beating any team on their day. Now they are so close to the Champions League places, a European adventure is not out of the question for his team.