Man United and Liverpool's next 10 fixtures compared in Premier League title race

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford, left, celebrates with Paul Pogba after scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester Utd and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020. (Michael Regan, Pool via AP)

After romping to their first Premier League title in 30 years, Liverpool look set for a much tougher task when it comes to retaining it.

The Reds finished 18 points ahead of second-placed City last term, with Manchester United another 15 off the pace.

But almost halfway into this most unusual of seasons, it has all the hallmarks of a dramatic title race.

Jurgen Klopp’s men have set the pace for much of the campaign so far and were once again top at Christmas.

However, after dropping 11 points from a possible 24, the battle at the top of the division has become a great deal closer.

While Liverpool have been slipping up, United have been relentless – winning eight of their last ten matches in a season-changing run of unbeaten form.

A win over Burnley on Tuesday would see the Red Devils go to the top of the Premier League for the first time since Ole Gunnar Solskajer’s appointment.

Ahead of the trip to Turf Moor, the United boss said: “I would like to think that we go into this game not thinking about where we’ll end up tomorrow night in the table but where we can end up in the table in May. That’s what matters.

Soccer Football - Premier League - Southampton v Liverpool - St Mary's Stadium, Southampton, Britain - January 4, 2021, Southampton's Daniel N'Lundulu in action with Liverpool's Fabinho [Reuters, Michael Steele]

Solskjaer has continually claimed that he won’t check the table until the spring, when the contenders hit the final straight.

And looking at their next ten, United have a good chance of realising that ambition. Next week’s trip to Anfield is of course the standout, while visits to Arsenal, Everton and Chelsea will also provide stern tests.

Elsewhere though, United face a number of teams in the lower half, in games they will expect to pick up maximum points.

Liverpool meanwhile, have a slightly tricker run of fixtures after the showdown with their old rivals on Sunday.

After facing Burnley at home, Klopp’s men travel to Tottenham, who still hold some title ambitions of their own. Then there’s games against Leicester, Manchester City and a Merseyside derby to navigate.

Klopp has recently claimed that the race for the 2020/21 title could go down to the wire, the next 10 will make the picture become even clearer.

MAN UNITED FIXTURES

Jan 12: Burnley (A)

Jan 17: Liverpool (A)

Jan 20 Fulham (A)

Jan 27: Sheffied United (A)

Jan 30: Arsenal (A)

Feb 02: Southampton (H)

Feb 06: Everton (A)

Feb 13: West Brom (A)

Feb 20: Newcastle United (H)

Feb 27: Chelsea (A)

LIVERPOOL FIXTURES

Jan 17: Man Utd (H)

Jan 21: Burnley (H)

Jan 28: Spurs (A)

Jan 31: West Ham (A)

Feb 03: Brighton (H)

Feb 06: Man City (H)

Feb 13: Leicester City (A)

Feb 20: Everton (H)

Feb 27: Sheffield United (A)

March 6: Fulham (H)