BBC pundit Alan Shearer claims Liverpool are title contenders as long as they can “stay clear of injuries”.

The Reds are top of the table after seven games and, asked by Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker whether Arne Slot’s men can mount a challenge, Shearer replied:

“They certainly can, absolutely. They need to stay clear of injuries, you see a couple that they’ve had today, but I think we’ve seen enough already in the first few games to say that they’ll be strong, it’s a really good start.”

Both Alisson Becker and Alexis Mac Allister went off with injuries during the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at the weekend. The former picked up a hamstring tear in the second half, with Slot confirming after the game that the club’s No.1 could be sidelined until late November.

The prognosis for Mac Allister is not as bad. He was replaced by Dominik Szoboszlai at half-time due to a groin problem.

What are the bookies saying about Liverpool’s title chances?

The Reds remain third favourites to win the Premier League behind Arsenal and Manchester City, but their odds have shortened after winning against Palace.

Heading into the weekend, bookmakers had priced them at 4/1 to win the title. Some now have them as short as 10/3.

Slot’s side have some difficult fixtures after the international break

The Merseysiders have some massive games at the end of this month. Following the internationals, they host Chelsea at home before travelling to the Emirates after a midweek Champions League clash against RB Leipzig.

They then have a doubleheader versus Brighton. The first is a Carabao Cup tie at the Amex, with the second being at Anfield in the league. Before the November break, they also host Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen and Aston Villa.

Find out who is in Liverpool’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here