BBC presenter Gary Lineker says he would be “very surprised” if Liverpool are not crowned Premier League champions this season.

After drawing against Aston Villa midweek, the Reds have given title rivals Arsenal the chance to close the gap at the top of the table but Lineker says Arne Slot’s side are not experiencing a wobble, having dropped points in some difficult fixtures:

“I’d still be very surprised if it’s not Liverpool’s title at the end of the season. But, you know, they have had two draws in the last three games, but they’re tough away games.”

“There was a day when you’d go: ‘That’s a good point. We went to Goodison, our local rivals, and got a point. We went to Villa, who are flying, they’re in the last 16 of the Champions League. It’s a decent result.’ But now it’s like: ‘Oh, they’ve dropped two points’. All gets a bit of a panic.”

The game against Manchester City is a test of character

If, as expected, Arsenal do win versus West Ham on Saturday afternoon, the pressure will be on Liverpool to respond.

The Etihad has not been a happy hunting ground for the Merseysiders over the last decade but this City team is not performing to the same level as others who have put them to the sword in recent years. There is a good chance of getting the three points and if Slot’s men manage to come away with a win, it would be a massive boost.

Liverpool’s next five fixtures in all competitions

After taking on City, the Reds will play Newcastle at Anfield a few days later. There is then a tricky trip to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League prior to the home game versus Southampton.

The Reds will host PSG in the second leg following the Saints fixture. It has the potential to be a season-defining couple of weeks, especially with the Carabao Cup final to come soon afterwards.