Liverpool's next 5 games compared to Arsenal and Chelsea as Andoni Iraola target to become clear

Liverpool has been inconsistent so far in the Premier League, winning just three of seven games so far under Andoni Iraola, but its win at Brentford over the weekend was an important one.

The Reds are now sitting fifth in the standings, six points behind Arsenal and nine behind Manchester City, though the latter is still awaiting a punishment after the guilty verdict (and its appeal).

Cementing a Champions League spot is a must for Liverpool this term, though a title push, should it be able to find some consistency, should not be completely ruled out. Chelsea falls into the same category.

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Liverpool's next five Premier League games: Brighton (H), Arsenal (H), Crystal Palace (A), Manchester United (H), Everton (A).

Liverpool.com says: This is a tricky run, with plenty of European and cup games mixed in there too. There is a real opportunity to build some momentum, however, because some big wins should generate a significant boost.

Starting with Brighton next week, if Liverpool can get into some form, it will really gain confidence in its chances of going places under Andoni Iraola. For now, it is still looking over its shoulder at a couple of potential challengers.

Arsenal's next five games: Everton (H), Liverpool (A), Hull (H), Newcastle (A), Manchester City (H).

Liverpool.com says: Like the Reds, there are some tricky games here for Mikel Arteta's men.

Playing at Anfield should be a challenge, while the Gunners will experience what it is like to play Manchester City — confusing, assuming nothing drastic has changed on that front in the meantime. Liverpool will hope to position itself so that clash means something to it too.

Chelsea's next five games: Tottenham (H), Manchester United (H), Sunderland (A), Leeds (H), Nottingham Forest (A).

Liverpool.com says: With no European games to play, Xabi Alonso's side has a major advantage in the race for the Champions League spots, and maybe even the league title too.

It also has the easiest upcoming run, with some big but beatable names and then some decent-looking fixtures, on paper at least, against teams a little lower down.

For now, Brighton and Brentford are in contention for the top four or five places too, but Arsenal will finish ahead of them, and Liverpool and Chelsea should be confident of doing so too.