Even Joe Royle concedes says title should be Liverpool’s

As an ex-Everton and Manchester City manager, it pains Joe Royle to say it, but Liverpool are heading for their first title for 24 years.

Royle, who also played at Goodison and Maine Road, has been blown away by Liverpool’s form and believes this will be their year.

“The prospect of them winning it is very real,” he says. “It’s right to say they are favourites. The bookmakers agree and they seldom get it wrong.

“They’re playing a brand of exciting, attacking football and deserve to be where they are.

“They have been on a magnificent recent run but they’ve been thereabouts all season.

“It’s hard to explain the science behind it but once you get into that winning groove you win games you’re not supposed to. Liverpool are in that groove.

“In Luis Suarez they have a striker playing as well as anyone. He should be a shoo-in for both Player of the Year awards.

“It’s a shame when some of his less-acceptable characteristics still come to the surface but he’s a magnificent player and he’s up there competing with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for best in the world.

“People go on about their defence but they’re not leaking goals. There were worries about Pepe Reina going but he’s not been missed because Simon Mignolet has had a great season.

“Brendan Rodgers has done terrifically well because he’s found a system that suits his players. He’s brought on youngsters like Raheem Sterling, he’s got Steven Gerrard excelling in his more-restrained role and right throughout they’re looking great.”

Royle doesn’t believe that the Reds will buckle under the pressure of suddenly becoming favourites with four games to go.

“Brendan has done a great job keeping a lid on expectations and that huddle Gerrard called at the end of the City game was a great piece of captaincy,” says Joe.

“He was telling them not to get carried away. There are no party hats and streamers yet.

“He said they’ve got to treat Norwich this afternoon like they treated AC Milan in Istanbul and they will.

“It won’t be easy. Norwich are fighting for their lives and we’ve seen this week with Sunderland at City what can happen against teams battling relegation.

“That unexpected slip makes it hard for City now, but it’s still not impossible.

“Liverpool will not even be mentioning next week’s game against Chelsea in the dressing-room but it’s likely that will be the title decider.

“Chelsea won’t do what City did and leave themselves open to that blistering start Liverpool tend to have. They’ll swarm all over them. Jose Mourinho won’t allow Liverpool to play.

“I’ve heard Chelsea being described as grinders but that’s harsh. Jose will always play with two holding midfield players and a solid back-four, but in front of that they have freedom.

“They are not as free-flowing as Liverpool but they’re better defensively. They aren’t as good as City at their best but they’re more consistent.

“Their advantage is that they have senior players who have been in this position before. In John Terry, Frank Lampard and Petr Cech, they have that experience right down their spine.

“And Jose might have just found a striker this late in the season. Demba Ba has been frozen out but has suddenly come in and scored crucial goals.

“But you have to back the team with the points and that’s Liverpool.

“I just wish Everton were in there, or that City had a better chance.”