Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen says that three teams can challenge Jurgen Klopp's men for the Premier League title this season, with Chelsea forward Olivier Giroud put forward as a reason why.
Owen told BT Sport: "If ever there was a season where you think a team could win it who you didn’t fancy at the start, it’s this one. It’s wide open right now.
"But I still narrow it down to four teams: Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea and Tottenham.
"Chelsea have a great shout. They are looking very good. Frank Lampard has got them playing really well.
"They’re obviously doing well in the Premier League, but they’re flying in Europe. They made nine changes against Sevilla and were still brilliant.
"Olivier Giroud is probably the third choice striker at Chelsea and that shows their strength in depth.
"He has much better movement than he’s given credit for."
With so matches to be played over the next few months, including December and January fixtures, which are congested even in a normal season, having a deep squad will be crucial.
Having suffered so many injuries already, though, Liverpool know that all too well.
Klopp and his players will be hoping that their fortune in that regard improves in the second half of the season, by which time they will hope to have the likes of Thiago Alcantara and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain available on a regular basis.
Liverpool are currently joint-top of the standings with Jose Mourinho's Tottenham, two points ahead of Chelsea and six ahead of Pep Guardiola's Man City.
