Former Liverpool star and pundit Michael Owen says Sunday's clash with Chelsea could be an 'eliminator' in the title race.
The London club currently sit eight points behind leaders Manchester City, while Liverpool are in third a point behind Chelsea.
Liverpool do, however, have a game in hand after their Boxing Day clash with Leeds United was postponed due to the number of Covid cases in the Leeds squad.
After Jurgen Klopp's side lost 1-0 to Leicester on Tuesday night, Chelsea only managed a 1-1 draw against Brighton, allowing City to move further ahead in the title race as they extended their run of consecutive league wins to 10..
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Speaking about the title race, Owen says Sunday's meeting between Liverpool and Chelsea could be an 'eliminator' for Thomas Tuchel's side.
“You’d have to think they have to get four points out of those two, otherwise they could be the first team out of the big three to drop out of contention,” he told Premier League Productions.
“Liverpool are sat there, a point behind, but they have got a game in-hand. That game at Stamford Bridge – wow. That could be almost an eliminator.
“Even if Liverpool lose that one, I think they’re capable of going on a run like Man City are right now, but I don’t think Chelsea can afford any more slip-ups now.
"I think they need four points out of the next two.”
Chelsea will be without a number of key players after Reece James and Andreas Christensen were potentially added to their extensive injury list after Wednesday night's draw with Brighton.
Despite rivals dropping points, City boss Pep Guardiola refuses to admit the title is theirs this early in the campaign.
“There are many games to go,” he said after their 1-0 win over Brentford.
“We are eight points in front but there are 54 still to play for and many tough games still to play.
“I’m not going to believe anyone who says it’s already done. The teams we have with Chelsea and Liverpool are more than exceptional. One is a European champion and Liverpool have been our big rival in the last three or four years.”
