Does Liverpool Have What It Takes To Win The Premier League This Season?

Lady Luck was on an unconvincing and scrappy Liverpool side which won their second match of the season against Middlesbrough. Rafa Benitez's side were undoubtedly the lesser of the two teams playing on Saturday and even if he notched up a win, Benitez's side should be worried and careful.

The partnership between Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane has not really been as outstanding as it should have, and mainly because it takes time or just maybe Robbie Keane's style of play is different from Liverpool.

Rafa Benitez decision to sell John Arne Riise to AS Roma could not be that beneficial as the new left-back for Liverpool, Andrea Dossena of Italy has not yet learned to cope with the toughness of the Premier League.

Riise was an outstanding player for Liverpool and his dedication and determination shows everytime he plays. The thought of not seeing Riise play for Liverpool is a strange feeling.

The possibility of losing Xabi Alonso to either Juventus or Arsenal could dent the center midfield of Liverpool. Steven Gerrard recently is out of form and the goal he scored against Middlesbrough was a lucky one.

Xabi Alonso provides that extra pass that no one could have guessed and his awesome long-range shots are always on target. Losing him could be one of the biggest mistakes Benitez could ever make.

Xabi Alonso's current position is mainly filled by the Argentinian Javier Mascherano and though he is definitely good enough for the Premier League and for Liverpool, he has a temper and often has spats with the referees.

The defense of Liverpool have been changed almost every single match day. Benitez can't decide whether to partner Jamie Carragher with Sami Hyppia, or Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger, or even Carragher with Martin Skrtel. This tinkering by Benitez could well weaken his defense.

Benitez should sell those other players that don't provide anything to Liverpool Football Club. Players such as Jermaine Pennant and Andriy Voronin are among them.

The boardroom drama at Liverpool is another interesting topic to discuss. The clash between Rafael Benitez and the Liverpool executive director, Rick Parry has been going on since last season and all because of one player: Gareth Barry.

Gareth Barry has become Rafa Benitez's main priority in the off-season but the transfer still goes on today. The asking price of 18 million pounds by Aston Villa has become one of the main reasons for the clash between Benitez and Parry.

Buying Gareth Barry could provide another Xabi Alonso for Liverpool. He is the same type of player as Alonso and as Benitez said, Barry can play in three different positions.

Although I'm no Liverpool fan, I want to see them challenge for the title. People have gotten bored with Manchester United and Chelsea in a two-horse race and it is time for a new regime.

Liverpool has not won the Premier League title for the past 19 years, but I do see them as real contenders. This season is going to be a four-horse race all the way and the dominance of both Manchester United and Chelsea in English football will come to a halt thanks to Liverpool and Arsenal.