My verdict on how tightest of title races will play out

Hwith

just five points separating the top six, this is the most open Premier League title race this century. We have been here before, but it was in 1996-97 that sixth-placed Aston Villa were similarly just five points off the top. That was after 20 games, a couple more than this time, and ended with Manchester United lifting the crown with just 75 points – which remains the lowest total to win the Premier League. So, it appears likely that a similar tally will take the title this season. But how will it end?

Here are my predictions.

When Liverpool blew away Crystal Palace 7-0 on Dec 19, it felt like it was the signal for them to push on. Festive fixtures against West Brom, Newcastle and Southampton were favourable. They were five points clear and should have built on their lead. Instead, they won none of those games and drew with Manchester United, claiming just three points.

Before that, it felt like they were the team to beat but the signs of public frustration from Jurgen Klopp (left) – who has appeared tetchy – have been telling. Maybe it betrays the realisation that they made a strategic error in not recruiting another central defender last summer and relying on the injury-prone Joel Matip as back-up to Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez? Hindsight is a wonderful thing but it felt a gamble and Liverpool are paying the price, while the absence of Diogo Jota has also been felt, with the famous front three not quite firing, especially Roberto Firmino (above). Liverpool must be tempted to sign a central defender this month and – with the right recruit – it could well make the difference.

Otherwise, they are taking another gamble. They are having their blip now and remain in contention but it is a risk that may leave them short.