Danny Murphy says "evidence" points to Liverpool beating rivals Manchester City to the Premier League title this season.
The former Reds midfielder adds that Frank Lampard's new-look Chelsea will likely secure third place while Manchester United will beat Arsenal to fourth.
Liverpool won a first title in 30 years last season, preventing Man City from making it three championships on the trot.
City have strengthened both their defence and attack this summer ahead of trying to win back their crown, and were recently linked with the world's best player, Lionel Messi.
Had they signed the Argentina international, Murphy reckons they would have been strong favourites going into the new campaign.
But the transfer is now dead in the water and Murphy believes Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are firmly back in the driving seat.
"I think either Jurgen Klopp or Pep Guardiola will be champions again in May but I believe the latest twist in Lionel Messi's on-off move to Manchester City swings the advantage back to Anfield," Murphy told the Daily Mail.
"As it stands, the evidence points to Liverpool.
"Everything about the team works, everyone understands their jobs from full-backs to up front. To use a car analogy, you know they’ll pass the MOT before going into the garage.
"Some will question the lack of transfer activity but I'm sure Klopp believes the old saying: 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it'."
Murphy went on to say that Chelsea, who have brought in a staggering six players already this summer, while likely finish third.
While Manchester United, who have strengthened their midfield with the signing of Donny van de Beek, will more than likely beat Mikel Arteta's Arsenal to fourth.
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