The biggest dangers to Liverpool's Premier League title bid analysed

As and when football returns, Liverpool will be continuing their Premier League title charge behind closed doors

The biggest dangers to Liverpool's Premier League title bid analysed

The Premier League is hoping to resume in mid-June and, following the successful return of the Bundesliga, will be keen to take strides in their ‘Project Restart’ discussions in the coming weeks.

The current situation suggests that Liverpool, like every Premier League club, will have to play nine games in around five or six weeks and play exclusively behind closed doors.

This could dramatically affect the look and feel of the Premier League, but not all the changes will necessarily prove to be a disadvantage.

Playing without supporters will remove a lot of the emotion from clubs’ performances, as infectious anxiety - and infectious optimism - no longer rain down from the stands to the players.

This impact was evident in the Bundesliga last weekend when Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich both carefully and methodically played their way to victory. In the absence of the emotional and psychological variables of home advantage or crowd influence, the technically and tactically superior teams comfortably won out.

Of course, that does not automatically mean Liverpool will find the situation advantageous. The Anfield noise has played a huge role in getting the players over the line in tight games, while the intimidating atmosphere fans create has helped Jurgen Klopp’s side rack up 55 home league games without defeat.

It is possible that without the fear of travelling to Anfield, Liverpool’s upcoming opponents will present a more difficult challenge, while those with particularly complex tactics may benefit from the calm and quiet of the empty stadia.

Here’s a rundown of Liverpool’s remaining Premier League fixtures, with their original locations included:

Everton (a) : It can only help Liverpool that the derby won’t be in front of a Goodison Park crowd baying for blood. Carlo Ancelotti’s side have relied on their home form to overcome some tactical deficiencies in central midfield, and so Liverpool should be able to grind them into submission.

Crystal Palace (h) : This one will be mildly more difficult without the Anfield supporters to pen the Crystal Palace side deep into their own half, although Roy Hodgson’s tactical blueprint is consistent home and away.

Man City (a) : Travelling to the Etihad is traditionally Liverpool’s hardest game of the season, which means Klopp’s side stand to benefit behind closed doors. What’s more, Man City have little to play for: without fans demanding a response, and with fear of injury increased, they might not give 100%.

Aston Villa (h) : Villa will likely be emboldened by the lack of crowd into playing the expansive possession game Dean Smith’s side favours, particularly with John McGinn returning from injury during the suspension. Consequently, Liverpool can easily tear through the relegation candidates, who generally lose heavily to the ‘Big Six’.

Brighton (a) : Graham Potter’s team rely on home form more than most. They are without a win on their travels in seven, suggesting Liverpool will be given an advantage by playing without fans.

Burnley (h) : It is hard to judge whether Burnley will benefit the lack of fans, given their form is erratic both at Turf Moor and away. What’s more, Liverpool’s disadvantage of losing a full Anfield for this game is counterbalanced by Sean Dyche’s side realistically having nothing to play for.

Arsenal (a) : A trip to the Emirates has recently become a daunting prospect again for opposition clubs following Mikel Arteta’s appointment. Nevertheless Liverpool remain at a disadvantage for this one, because Arteta’s ruthlessly organised tactics are historically undermined by emotional performances from the players. Empty grounds can focus Arsenal minds.

Chelsea (h) : Frank Lampard’s side have been better on the road this season than at Stamford Bridge, reflecting the difficulties for young players when asked to perform under pressure. Consequently Chelsea will benefit from facing Liverpool away from the glare of supporters.

Newcastle (a) : With little to play for and Steve Bruce edging closer to a departure, the only real threat to Liverpool was facing that harsh St James Park crowd. In theory, this game should be simple enough for Klopp’s team to sign off the season.