OPINION
Paul Merson shoots from the hip and his outspokenness divides many football followers.
But many Liverpool fans will love his latest verdict on their club’s title chances as they look to end their near-three decade search for the holy grail.
The Merseysiders headed to their winter training camp in Dubai this week four points clear at the title summit after emerging victorious in a 4-3 thriller against Crystal Palace last weekend.
Manchester City chalked up another convincing win, but still have it all to do to narrow the deficit on a Liverpool side who are coping brilliantly with the pressure of staying ahead of one of the greatest teams in Premier League history.
“I think Liverpool’s result was massive against Palace,” Merson told Sky Sports. “They’re a dangerous animal as they showed against Manchester City, it was a hard game, it was a struggle and there was a goalkeeping error but you’ve got to ride your luck. The one worry would be shipping three goals because they’ve been solid.
“I’m just going to plump for Liverpool, four points is a lot of points. I don’t think they can even afford to draw a game at the moment. If you look at Man City, they play Newcastle away which will be 10 behind the ball, then they’ve got Chelsea and Arsenal at home.”
Jurgen Klopp’s side are not in action again until Wednesday of next week, when they host Leicester City in the Premier League.
By that time, Man City will have played two more fixtures, last night’s 1-0 League Cup semi-final triumph at Burton Albion and Saturday’s more testing FA Cup home clash against Burnley.
The 10 days’ rest can only benefit Liverpool and their key players such as Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Alisson, Andy Robertson, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, who have started virtually every game in every competition this season.
The Anfield faithful won’t be getting carried away by Merson’ verdict that they are in the driving seat, but will instead regard it as further vindication of their team’s remarkable campaign to date.