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Paul Merson has pinpointed Liverpool's imminent clashes with Aston Villa and Manchester City as pivotal moments that could "define" the Premier League title race.

Despite Liverpool sitting comfortably seven points ahead of its nearest competitors Arsenal, Merson sensed a touch of anxiety in the narrow 2-1 victory over Wolves, not to mention the points that the Reds let slip in the prior match against Everton.

Arne Slot's team is bracing for a challenging week with two significant away fixtures within five days—facing Villa on Wednesday before heading to City on Sunday.

Liverpool started really, really well against Wolves but I thought this was going to be a difficult game.

The game against Aston Villa is a big game.

It's the first of a couple of big games for Arne Slot and his side.

"For me, the Premier League title race will be defined in the next two games for Liverpool

When questioned about the significance of this week for Liverpool's title aspirations, Arne Slot commented: "I see it as 13 games to be played and the next game to be the most important one, starting with Villa away – which is, like Wolves at home, again a difficult game for us but for everyone.

"Villa has a great home record, maybe even more if they play in the evening, so we know that it is going to be a challenge
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