Are Liverpool Better than Manchester United?

Whilst it may be a little too early to determine the runaway winners of this years premiership, perhaps a debate, if you will?

Liverpool had just beaten Manchester United and Chelsea had overcome their richer counterparts, a new look Manchester City.

Whilst depleting my stores of liquid courage, a Scouse accent sang the praises of his beloved Liverpool, staking the claim: Anfield have a better squad than United’s, equal only to Chelsea‘s. Arsenal are too young he said, nor have United any strength in depth. Chelsea and Liverpool’s abundance of class mean they are the true title contenders. Two stallions in a race of ponies.

However, this is a race of endurance I add, haste is ill advised. No it's not, he replies, Liverpool have showed their calibre, over running a Ronaldo-less United made to look considerably ordinary.

What later transgressed is significantly less interesting, or worthwhile for that matter. Yet whilst the strength of a debate built upon the foundations of one result seems somewhat futile, perhaps the arguments idea is a little more intriguing. Think for a moment, teams minus their results, managers, tactically superior game plans, unfortunate injuries, questionable refereeing decisions or Lampard-esque deflected shots can only be judged on the strength of their squad.

If we allow ourselves to remove the influence of championships and chairman’s, Wipe the slate clean of any ill fitness or disastrous runs of form, who has the best squad in the premiership? Minus the disruption of players jumping ship or joining force, who are genuine title contenders based only on the strength of manpower alone. Top flight top trumps perhaps?

Personal allegiance aside, if all things equal minus teams individual respective talents, who, objectively, are the strongest? Caution into the wind, who’s your money on? Suggestions on a postcard…or perhaps, below will do fine.