After a relatively quiet Christmas period, Liverpool have a relentless January ahead, with nine games across three competitions in the space of 31 days.Arne Slot‘s side had an unusually quiet Christmas, with two games over an 18-day period. But it was the quiet before the storm, with little to no rest ahead.Liverpool will play in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup this month, with five to be played at Anfield and four on the road.There are some timely tests ahead for Slot, who will have to balance his squad’s minutes and ensure he picks up victories to move up the table and progress in cup competitions. January 1 – Leeds (H)The start of 2026 sees Leeds make the journey across the M62, not long after the two teams last met – and perhaps the less said about that game the better!Liverpool had the better of Leeds in that match, but shot themselves in the foot to walk away with only a point after twice giving up their lead.Safe to say, the Reds cannot be starting the new year in a similar fashion. This is an opportunity to set the tone for what is ahead, and a win is crucial to that. January 4 – Fulham (A)The first away trip of the year is to the capital to face Marco Silva’s Fulham, a team that has its threats but has been inconsistent so far.Ex-Red Harry Wilson has become a key route to goal for them, but at the other end, they have struggled to keep out the opposition – meaning there will be chances Liverpool must take.They have a similar schedule to Liverpool in the lead up to this fixture and thus will not have the advantage of rest, though they will not have left London since pre-Christmas. January 8 – Arsenal (A)Four days later and the Reds are back in London, this time at the Emirates.Liverpool already have one win over Mikel Arteta’s side and another one would be quite the belated Christmas present, though that would require a much-improved performance from Slot’s men.This will be a timely test to see where Liverpool are at, and their first-choice XI will get the chance at more than a week’s rest after the full-time whistle, so there can be no excuses. January 12 – Barnsley (H)It is then back to Anfield for the first FA Cup fixture of the season, with League One’s Barnsley making the trip – the last time they faced each other was in 2008!Slot will be expected to rotate his side for this fixture – which will depend heavily on the injury situation – though a better result than the one served up in the last League Cup match will be expected!A timely fixture to hopefully rest a few players before a busy conclusion to the month. January 17 – Burnley (H)Premier League action then resumes with the visit of Burnley, who find themselves entrenched in the relegation battle in their first season back in the top flight.A last-gasp penalty secured all three points in the reverse fixture and the hope will be that it is a little more comfortable at Anfield, especially with Burnley having one of the worst away records.A 3pm kickoff which comes nine days after the match against Arsenal. January 21 – Marseille (A)If Egypt were to make it to the AFCON final, this would be the first game Mo Salah would be back for, under the proviso that he returns injury-free.The Champions League trip will not be an easy one for Liverpool, or our supporters, but a win could help Slot’s side secure a place in the last 16, bypassing the play-off round.Another fixture that was last played in 2008. January 24 – Bournemouth (A)A long trip south awaits merely a couple of days after being on the road in the Champions League, with Bournemouth next up in the league – but at least it’s a 5.30pm start and not 12.30pm!Liverpool have been strongly linked with Antoine Semenyo, as have others, and it remains to be seen if he will be in a Bournemouth shirt by the time this fixture comes around.It was a high-scoring affair in the first game of the season, so perhaps a little less drama this time (please). January 28 – Qarabag (H)The Champions League league phase then concludes against Qarabag, who play their football in Azerbaijan.Thankfully, Liverpool are hosts in a match that could decide if they finish in the top eight and qualify for the last 16, or have to play a two-legged playoff in February.The visitors are in contention to reach the next round, and thus this fixture will have meaning for them as a loss would likely mean elimination. January 31 – Newcastle (H)Alexander Isak would have been expected to be in the headlines as Newcastle come to Anfield to close out the busy month, but the Swede will play no part after his leg break.It was a physical contest at St James’ Park, but it was a tactic that blew up in Newcastle‘s faces, and Liverpool will hope it is more of the same.Another evening kickoff (8pm) – that’s the fifth one of the month. Liverpool FC in JanuaryFirst team• Leeds (H) – Premier League – Thurs, Jan 1, 5.30pm• Fulham (A) – Premier League – Sun, Jan 4, 3pm• Arsenal (A) – Premier League – Thurs, Jan 8, 8pm• Barnsley (H) – FA Cup – Mon, Jan 12, 7.45pm• Burnley (H) – Premier League – Sat, Jan 17, 3pm• Marseille (A) – Champions League – Wed, Jan 21, 8pm• Bournemouth (A) – Premier League – Sat, Jan 24, 5.30pm• Qarabag (H) – Champions League – Wed, Jan 28, 8pm• Newcastle (H) – Premier League – Sat, Jan 31, 8pmLFC Women• London City (H) – WSL – Sun, Jan 11, 2.30pm• London Bees (A) – FA Cup – TBC• Tottenham (H) – WSL – Sun, Jan 25, 11.55amU21s• Norwich (A) – Premier League 2 – Fri, Jan 9, 7pm• Arsenal (H) – Premier League 2 – Sun, Jan 18, 2pm• Leeds (H) – Premier League 2 – Sun, Jan 25, 2pmU18s• Stoke (H) – U18 Premier League – Sat, Jan 10, 11am• Newcastle (A) – U18 Premier League – Sat, Jan 17, 11am• Burnley (H) – U18 Premier League – Sat, Jan 24, 11am