Brendan Rodgers this week took a leaf out of his old mentor Jose Mourinho's book by claiming his side was not a contender for the title, yet if Liverpool can beat Arsenal this Saturday lunchtime they will be at most only six points off the top spot. What's more, they will have home advantage against the other two title challengers before the season is out. Could Rogers be indulging in a touch of false modesty? The answer to that will be clear after Arsenal's visit. Arsene Wenger's outfit have surprised many with their staying power - the 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace kept them top of the league, and glossed over their slightly shambolic January transfer window. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain proved Arsenal still possess decent strength in depth, but this will be a true test of their durability at the top of the table. Liverpool delivered a relatively tame display in letting West Brom steal a 1-1 draw last weekend, and Rogers will secretly be telling his players that this is their last chance to really lay a marker down and prove that they can be talked about as potential title winners this season. With Luis Suarez in the side, they can cause Arsenal some problems, and this is the time for the likes of Jordan Henderson to really take a big game by the scruff of the neck, with Arsenal somewhat lacking in midfield physicality in the absence of Mathieu Flamini. Prediction - 2-1 Liverpool win.
I am from Bangor, aged 24, and possess an MA in Journalism from The University Of Ulster. I have had work published in the Belfast Telegraph and interviewed several local footballers and Olympic athletes. I also run my own sports blog, 'Sporting Thought' in addition to contributing to What Culture.
