Jamie Carragher has questioned whether Liverpool can challenge Arsenal for the Premier League title ahead of Sunday’s crucial clash at Anfield.
Andoni Iraola’s side sit fourth, six points behind league leaders Arsenal, but a victory would cut the gap to three points.
Liverpool have lost just once this season, although three draws in their opening eight games have prevented them from making a stronger start.
Arsenal have shown vulnerabilities of their own, including a 3-0 defeat to Brighton and a shock cup exit against Fleetwood Town.
A Liverpool win could therefore intensify the title race, prompting former Reds defender Carragher to consider whether his old club can emerge as genuine contenders.
Writing for The Telegraph, he said: “Here is a question I did not think I would be asking at any stage this season: will Liverpool win the Premier League?
“It would be premature to describe this Sunday’s Anfield fixture as a title duel. Arsenal are better equipped to defend their crown, while Liverpool are a work in progress.
“Whatever the outcome this weekend, Arsenal will leave Merseyside as the overwhelming favorites to claim back-to-back titles.
“They have a six-point lead over Liverpool. Should that extend to nine, Andoni Iraola’s primary objective coming into this season will remain unchanged; qualifying for the Champions League will represent a promising start to his reign.
“What makes this weekend more significant is the champions will find a different Anfield to that which ended last season in such a downbeat mood, and came into this one uncertain of what was in store.
“The discussion about what is achievable for Liverpool in the coming months is evolving by the week, the team bubbling along slightly under the radar.”
Jamie Carragher continued: “Such optimism also demands realism. The answer to my opening question about whether Liverpool will win the title this season remains a no.
“Unlike several weeks ago, it is not such an emphatic one. Should Liverpool claim a statement victory over the champions on Sunday, mine will not be the only stance softening.”
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