"Saturday evening is huge" - Alan Shearer claims Liverpool will not be able to defend their PL title if one key thing happens against Aston Villa

Alan Shearer believes Liverpool will be out of the Premier League title race if they lose to Aston Villa. The two sides will face off at Anfield on Saturday, November 1.

The Merseysiders won the title last season, finishing 10 points above Arsenal. However, they are seventh in the standings after nine games this season, seven points behind the Gunners sitting at the top. They have lost six of their last seven games across competitions, including their last four in the league.

Premier League's all-time top scorer Alan Shearer (260 goals) believes Liverpool will be out of the title race if they lose against Aston Villa. He told Betfair (h/t Tribal Football):

“We won't know the full extent of the fallout until after Saturday evening's result. It's put more pressure on the players who'll come back in for the Villa game at Anfield. If they win, he'll say it was the right decision - but they have to win now after that selection. “If they lose on Saturday, I don't see them in the title race. If they win, build confidence, they've still got the quality to go on a big run. Saturday evening is huge - another defeat, and I think they're out of it,” he added.

Aston Villa are level on points with Liverpool, but sit eighth in the league standings due to an inferior goal difference (2-1).

---

Arne Slot opens up on his future at Liverpool

The Dutchman was appointed Liverpool's head coach in the summer of 2024 following Jurgen Klopp's departure after nine years at the club. Arne Slot made an instant impact, helping the Merseysiders win the Premier League title.

He has managed the Reds for 71 games across competitions, winning 46, losing 16, and drawing nine. His contract with the club expires in 2027. Some reports suggested that potential contract extension talks were halted due to the team's recent results.

When asked about this in his pre-match press conference, Slot answered (h/t Sky Sports):

"That was the last question I was expecting. My focus is fully back on getting Liverpool back to winning ways. That's my first answer. The second answer is: contract talks - if they are even there - we never speak about this here [in press conferences]. Let us first start to win again. That's where my main focus is on."

The Reds had already lost the FA Community Shield this season, losing against Crystal Palace on penalties. The Eagles also eliminated them from the EFL Cup Fourth Round, winning 3-0 at Anfield on October 29.

Edited by Aditya Singh