Liverpool set for true test with upcoming stint that Arne Slot has warned about

While Liverpool couldn't have wished for a better start to their campaign, Arne Slot highlighted the importance of post-international break fixtures just last month.

The Reds are atop the Premier League with six victories from seven matches, have been soaring in European competitions with a perfect start, and have smoothly progressed in the Carabao Cup as well. Slot's enjoying what might be described as an extended honeymoon period.

But he understands that things are about to get tougher. "I know how good they are," he said back in September.

"But we still have to prove things when the fixtures are coming. We all know after the international break then we go into tougher fixtures than we have now."

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While the Reds have secured impressive wins over giants like Manchester United and AC Milan this season, those victories perhaps don't reflect the current form of those clubs, with Milan placed sixth in Serie A and United surprisingly languishing at 14th in the Premier League. Their track record also includes triumphs against teams such as Ipswich, Brentford, Bournemouth, West Ham, Bologna, Wolves, and Crystal Palace.

As we look ahead, Liverpool's upcoming schedule is packed with high-profile clashes. They face Chelsea on Sunday, followed by a string of pivotal matches against RB Leipzig, Arsenal, and Brighton – both in the league and the Carabao Cup – Bayer Leverkusen, Aston Villa, Southampton, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Newcastle, and Everton.

By the time we get to the festive period and those Christmas decorations are out, we'll have a much clearer picture of just how formidable Slot's side really is.

Liverpool have already secured three points against one of the Big Six in United, but it's their performance against these top-tier teams that will determine if they can challenge City and Arsenal. Under Jurgen Klopp last season, the Reds only managed to secure 12 points against the top six teams and 15 the season before.

This isn't quite enough if they want to keep pace with the top teams and also land some blows against them. The Bix Six is evolving, with Aston Villa and Newcastle emerging as contenders, both of whom Liverpool will face before December 7.

The final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park promises to be an emotional game for the hosts and a challenging one for Liverpool. Defeats or draws against Leverkusen and Real wouldn't be catastrophic for their Champions League progression, but the emotional and physical toll from these games could impact their league performance.

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So far, the signs are promising for the Reds under Slot. They've only conceded two goals in the league and have been prolific at the other end, scoring 23 in all competitions.

Points earned now against so-called easier sides will count just as much in May. Slot has been anticipating this run of games - it's when he'll truly discover the calibre of his Liverpool side.