‘I believe’: Paul Merson makes controversial claim about Liverpool

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Liverpool are “already out of the Premier League title race”, according to Paul Merson.

The Reds had a tough season last time out amid a spate of injuries to key players.

This season, Liverpool have been much better with many of those players now back in action.

However, Jurgen Klopp’s charges have stumbled in the league on a few occasions.

Liverpool played out a 2-2 draw against Tottenham on 19 December before losing to Leicester last time out.

The Reds are currently nine points behind table-topping Manchester City, albeit with a game in hand.

Admittedly, City have been in great form this term, winning 16 of their 20 league games so far.

However, Liverpool have lost the same amount of league games (2) as Pep Guardiola’s side.

With 18 games left of the season, anything could happen.

But Merson believes both Liverpool and Chelsea are no longer in the title race.

The Reds and the Blues lock horns in the league on Sunday afternoon.

And Merson reckons defeat for either Liverpool or Chelsea at Stamford Bridge would be the “final nail in the coffin” of their title hopes.

“If I’m going purely based on what I saw of Chelsea against Brighton, I can’t see anything but a Liverpool win,” Merson wrote on Sportskeeda.

“I believe both teams are already out of the Premier League title race, but it could be the final nail in the coffin for whoever loses this one.

“There’s really no point in a draw, as they need to close the gap at the top to stay in contention.”