Premier League title race takes recent twist as Liverpool handed Arsenal benefit

Liverpool remain on course to claim the Premier League title but the Reds have been handed a potential advantage by Arsenal’s run to the latter stages of the FA Cup

Liverpool might have already been booted out of the FA Cup, but Saturday’s quarter-final action might have made a huge impact on the Premier League title race.

Brighton’s tumble at home to Nottingham Forest means Liverpool’s upcoming matches won’t see much change.

The Reds are set to face off against the Seagulls on the second-last weekend of the Premier League season, coinciding with the FA Cup final.

However, Arsenal now have to rejig their schedule. Their match at home against Crystal Palace was slated for April 26, but will need a new date after Palace secured their spot in the FA Cup semi-finals with a 3-0 victory over Fulham.

With Arsenal lined up for three midweek matches – a clash at home against Fulham on Tuesday, followed by both legs of their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid – the earliest they can play Palace is Wednesday, April 23.

This could throw a spanner in Palace’s prep for their FA Cup semi-final, potentially giving Arsenal an edge.

Any later dates would hinge on whether Arsenal keep advancing in the Champions League, reports the Liverpool Echo.

If the match is rescheduled for a date later than the initial April 26, it could provide Liverpool with a chance to widen their lead at the top and ramp up the pressure on Arsenal when they host Tottenham Hotspur on April 27.

Currently, the Reds – who are leading by 12 points with nine games left – are set to play after Arsenal in each round of fixtures until the two teams face off on the second weekend of May.

Arne Slot’s team needs another 16 points to clinch the title. However, five victories – including one against the Gunners – would be enough to secure a record-equaling 20th title.