Could this finally be Liverpool’s year?

It is almost a cliché now that Liverpool fans say ‘This year will be our year to win the title’. It can get very irritating if the Reds fan in question spends most of his time talking about Everton on social media. (You know who you are!)

Sorry, I was just talking from personal experience from one of my mates, who seems to have come out of the womb despising Everton. Anyway, Liverpool are doing their best to end that search for the elusive top-flight title.

Winning games ugly

In truth, Liverpool are not playing sparkling football and beating teams by much at the minute. They went one goal behind in Wednesday’s 3-1 win at Burnley and did not take the lead until the 69^th minute.

However, again Jurgen Klopp’s team ground out a victory at Turf Moor, which moved the Reds back to within two points of leaders and champions Manchester City at the top of the table.

Last season Liverpool were better to watch and played far more attractive football. However, there is far more solidity to their team this season, with better defensive displays being at the heart of their unbeaten run in the Premier League this season.

A lot will depend on Manchester City

For me, Manchester City are the best team in the league. It could be argued that they are the best team in the history of the Premier League. They blow teams away at times and maintain control of possession for the majority of games.

City boss Pep Guardiola certainly buys into the old adage of ‘if you have the ball the other team cannot score’. At the minute, City look relentless in their search for back-to-back Premier League titles.

However, two points is not a major margin and if City do slip up somewhere along the line this season, then Liverpool have to be ready to capitalise. It seems unthinkable at this point that City will slip up, but they are only human.

Boss Guardiola does not allow consistency in his team or squad of players. The Catalan boss is the harshest critic of his players if he believes they are complacent. However, anything can happen in football.

Manchester City just too good

Liverpool are trying their best to hang on to the coattails of the Citizens at the minute. The Reds have produced a valiant effort so far to stay within two points of Guardiola’s team.

However, it is hard to see them being able to keep up with City and their incredible form. The celebrations of a late win in the derby told a story of a club and team desperate not to fall behind their title rivals.

In truth, I believe that Liverpool’s efforts to win the title will be in vain. It seems the bookmakers believe it too, as Manchester City are odds 1/5 to win the title, compared with Liverpool’s odds of 4/1 to end their league title drought.

It would be unbearable for Everton fans and many neutrals if the Reds did finally win the Premier League title, as we would never hear the last of it. The few native Liverpudlian’s I know are already hard to live with, but if they won the title, they would be even worse.

I am quietly confident that Liverpool will not win the title this season. However, football is unpredictable and I am just hoping that City maintains their current form and at some point break clear of their stalkers from Anfield.

Will this be Liverpool’s year?