Liverpool's next 5 games compared to Chelsea and Man Utd after FA Cup exit

Liverpool was beaten 4-0 by Manchester City in the FA Cup quarterfinals, and Arne Slot's players now face a crucial period in their bid for Champions League qualification

Liverpool lost again on Saturday

Liverpool lost again on Saturday

Manchester City's 4-0 triumph over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarterfinal delivered a significant setback for Arne Slot.

Erling Haaland's hat-trick and Antoine Semenyo's chipped goal denied the Reds a place at Wembley. A forgettable day for Liverpool was epitomized by Mohamed Salah squandering a second-half penalty, having already missed two other clear-cut chances.

The Reds have little time to regroup as the first leg of their Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain looms. Beyond the European contest, Liverpool is also embroiled in a tight battle for the top four positions alongside Manchester United, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Brentford and Everton. Here are Liverpool's next five games compared to some of its fellow Champions League contenders...

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Liverpool

Paris Saint-Germain (A) — Champions League, April 8

Fulham (H) — Premier League, April 11

Paris Saint-Germain (H) — Champions League, April 14

Everton (A) — Premier League, April 19

Crystal Palace (H) — Premier League, April 25

Liverpool.com says: These next five fixtures could prove decisive for Slot. The Reds have already watched one chance at silverware slip away and must overcome PSG across two legs simply to reach the Champions League semifinals.

Arne Slot's players are struggling

Arne Slot's players are struggling

Yet Fulham remains a tricky proposition for Liverpool, having drawn twice and beaten the Reds in their last three Premier League meetings at Craven Cottage. There is also the small matter of the first-ever Merseyside Derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Everton certain to be looking to derail Liverpool's top-four ambitions.

The fixtures are undoubtedly becoming more challenging for the Reds, who cannot afford any further lackluster displays.

Manchester United

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

Liverpool.com says: United currently sits third in the Premier League and — given its recent form and its singular focus on the top four race — is best placed to secure Champions League soccer. Nevertheless, Michael Carrick's players also face a treacherous run-in.

The Red Devils will be strong favorites to overcome Leeds at Old Trafford, though Chelsea has proven unpredictable under Liam Rosenior and could spring a surprise. Brentford is also an outside contender for the top four, having comfortably dispatched United earlier in the campaign.

The showdown between United and Liverpool at Old Trafford could prove decisive for both sides, while a trip to Sunderland represents a stern test for any Premier League outfit.

Aston Villa

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

Liverpool.com says: Aston Villa's players will be practically living out of their suitcases over the coming weeks. Their 2026 form has dipped, but they'll draw encouragement from their clinical 2-0 win over West Ham.

It's worth noting that Unai Emery has a particular affinity for the Europa League and, given he's yet to win silverware at Villa Park, he might even prioritize the competition. That said, Villa goes into matches against Nottingham Forest, Sunderland, and Fulham as the favorite, so it would be foolish to write it off in those encounters.

Chelsea

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