Liverpool - Genuine title contenders?

I will admit to being impressed by Liverpool's victory at Southampton this past weekend that has put them above Arsenal into second in the Premier League table. Do you think they are genuine title challengers?

The fact that they have Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge up front, you have to believe they are but what happens if one of them gets injured?? That's the question I believe most of us have over Liverpool between now and the run in.

Talking to a Liverpool fan yesterday, he believes that Liverpool have it all in their own hands with them still to face Manchester United, Tottenham, Manchester City and Chelsea in the coming weeks with only United being away from Anfield.

I beg to differ with him as Chelsea sitting four points clear at the top of the Premier League, We have our own fate in our hands especially if we beat them at Anfield.

Liverpool do not play in the Premier League now until the 16th March and that's away at Old Trafford. By that point, Liverpool could find themselves seven points behind Chelsea with a single game in hand. That's if Chelsea manage to beat Tottenham at Stamford Bridge this coming Saturday evening.

Of course we talk about Liverpool being genuine title contenders based on their league position at the moment and results so far. The table doesn't lie and I think anyone who follows the Premier League would be surprised at Liverpool being second at the moment based on recent seasons. Fair play to them for being where they are at the moment.

As stated, with Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge up front, on their day Liverpool can beat anyone they come up against. However, I still believe they are lacking in defence and that could prove to be their Achilles heel between now and the end of the season.

No one can deny the attacking potential Liverpool have. Just look at the Arsenal game at Anfield, the Everton game and their performance at White Hart Lane back in December. The problem is, I do not believe that Man City or Chelsea would be as open defensively as the other teams in those games.

The trip to Old Trafford and entertaining Manchester City and Chelsea at Anfield could prove to be pivotal games in both the title race and the race to finish inside the top four.

Liverpool suffered back-to-back Premier League defeats to Manchester City and then Chelsea in the Premier League on their travels in December. With the race for the Premier League title heating up next month by the time City come to Anfield on 13th April and Chelsea to Anfield on 27th April, these two games will be a huge test of character for all managers and players involved.

One thing is for sure, Liverpool vs Chelsea at Anfield could be a key moment in the destiny of the Premier League title.

Can Liverpool keep everyone fit and maintain their impressive form? Do you believe they are genuine title challengers? Or, do you believe with the fixtures they have, their league position is temporary and a top four finish is a more realistic aim this season?