Liverpool’s Clash At Swansea Will Determine If They Are Genuine Title Contenders

As Liverpool gear up for their game with Swansea on Monday night looking to move three points clear at the top of the table, writer Rayyan Dabbous looks at why this is a vital match in determining what the Reds aim will be this season.

In the wake of the international break, Liverpool are joint top of the Barclays Premier League table along with Arsenal and Tottenham – who have both played a game more. The Reds have won their first three games and they are now looking to contest a fourth one at the Liberty Stadium on Monday night.

All the pressure will be on Liverpool this Monday as their current winning streak will be put to the test once again. No one expects this game to be a season decider. It is only the fourth game of the year and there is still a long road ahead for all 20 clubs. However, I for one think Liverpool should put everything on the table this Monday and try to win the game.

It is evident that there is a thin line between two objectives that are turning at the back of Brendan Rodgers’ mind. Liverpool can either fight for a place in the top four, or they can look to finally get their hands on the prestigious Premiership title. There is a thin line between these two and it is going to be this Monday that Liverpool will come to know about their real aim this year.

Before the season kicked off in August, Liverpool were looking for a fresh start and they seemed motivated. After finishing behind their Merseyside rivals Everton at 7^th place last year, Liverpool wanted to prove to the world that they are still worthy to carry the name of a club that won 18 league titles.

They improved their team by acquiring prominent key figures like Simon Mignolet, Iago Aspas and Kolo Toure and they endured Suarez’s controversial transfer saga to keep hold of the Uruguayan striker. They were raring to go, and Liverpool were certain that they have a chance of making the top 4.

Then, when the season kicked off, Liverpool were shocked to find themselves at a pole position. With 9 points in three games, Liverpool forgot a certain ambition they once had – finishing in the top four – and they looked to raise the bar even more and contest for the title.

The defeats of Stoke, Aston Villa and Manchester United have marked Liverpool’s best start to a season since 1994. This feat will be somewhat of a moral boost for the Reds and their deadline day recruits, PSG’s Mamadou Sakho, Victor Moses and Tiago Ilori have given them a lift in their hopes of Premiership success.

Chelsea, Man Utd, Man City, Arsenal and Tottenham have all tasted defeat already, which has shaped this season to be one of the most open and unpredictable in recent memory. This is why Liverpool should go all out for a win on Monday night. They need to keep this momentum up and capatalise on their rivals short-comings.

But they are facing a tough test against the South Wales club and Rodgers’ club reunion may not be that festive. Swansea are looking to build on their last away win against West Brom and they are trying to encourage themselves ahead of their European tie against Valencia this Thursday.

Liverpool’s ambitions will be clear after the Swansea game. Should they lose, they will most likely end up contesting the top 4 this season. If they win, well, this might just be the year they finally get their hands on the Premier League title.

Do you think Liverpool have a chance of challenging for the title this season?