Why Liverpool Will Leave Man Utd and Chelsea in The Dust For The Premier League

It's easy enough to back Liverpool for the title when they are sitting pretty at the summit of the table, but some detractors would have you believe that they will capitulate under the charge from more experienced rivals. But there are plenty of reasons why this year the Reds have a better chance than any of the last 19 years.

1. Torres and Skrtel are back

Arguably Liverpool's two best performers at the back end of last season, the centre back and centre forward have missed the best part of the current campaign with niggling injuries. The second half of the season, though, will see the lanky Slovakian and the European Championship winning forward return to first team action.

Extra security at the back and a greater cutting edge up top can only help the title charge.

2. United's strikers are misfiring

As was so pertinently picked up by the BBC this week, Manchester United's strikers have been struggling to hit the back of the net in recent times. Having gone past the half-way stage in the league campaign, the men up the M62 have scored 29 goals. The treble-winning side of '99 struck 83 times in the league that season.

The Beeb argue that Berbatov has unbalanced the side, which is definitely a case that could be argued for given Ronaldo and Tevez' prolific strike rate last term. Fergie also seems to have something of an aversion to resting the notoriously stroppy Bulgarian, which has upset some sections of the United fanbase and a certain Argentine striker.

3. Chelsea's home form is woeful

Having not lost at home since the Great Fire of London took out their West Stand in 1666, Big Phil has seen his side turned over twice this season, notably to two of their title rivals. They have also dropped an unprecedented 14 points at home this year.

The hoodoo is over. The armour is pierced. Chelsea can be beaten at Stamford Bridge.

4. Arsenal are struggling for fourth with Aston Villa

Having lost to the likes of Stoke and Fulham in 2008, Arsenal have got enough problems on their hands just to stay in the Champions League spots.

Add to that their first captain throwing a wobbler and their second facing weeks on the sidelines, the Gunners will do well to overhaul a young and plucky Villa side.

5. Liverpool's fans, and players, are finally believing

When the Scouse population have said that this year is their year for the last 10, it's easy to just pass this off as another false dawn. But this year feels like the one.

Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher are even risking it all by talking up the team's chances. King Kenny's jumped on the bandwagon. It seems that the English footballing world is finally taking Liverpool seriously as genuine title contenders.

Sure, write Liverpool off and say that the pressure is getting to Benitez and the side will crumble having not fought for a League title in March and April. But remember that under the current manager, Liverpool have faced real pressure in major cup finals and come out on top.

I fully expect to see them still on the summit on the 24th of May.