Danny Murphy believes Liverpool already have an upper hand on Chelsea in this season’s title race.
Nine points currently separate the Reds from Antonio Conte’s table toppers as they prepare to head into tonight’s Merseyside derby clash with Everton.
But Murphy, who spent seven years at Anfield, claims that his former club have shown why they have an advantage over the Londoners despite the current gulf.
The ex-midfielder cites the ability of Jurgen Klopp’s side to cope in the absence of an injury-hit Philippe Coutinho as a cause to believe in Liverpool’s title tilt.
“If Liverpool can keep the majority of their best players fit, they are capable of winning the title this season,” he told the London Evening Standard.
“I didn’t expect them to be in this race but Jurgen Klopp has his team playing with a level of confidence, energy and fitness that is hard to achieve.
“What I like about them this season is that, while none of the players has reached the standard Luis Suarez achieved when they nearly won the title in 2014, the team does not seem to suffer too much when individuals are missing.
“Philippe Coutinho has missed the past three league games due to injury and while Liverpool have taken only five points, the performances have generally been good.
“Other players had good seasons in 2013-14 but Suarez was a class apart, winning matches virtually on his own. This season, everyone is contributing.
“Just look through the team. Adam Lallana, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Joel Matip, Jordan Henderson. All play key roles.
“Chelsea are not the same without Eden Hazard or Diego Costa. Manchester City are not as threatening without Sergio Aguero.
“While I tipped Chelsea for the title, I believe Liverpool can stay in the race until the end, especially with no European football to worry about.”