This article is part of Football FanCast's Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers...

Paul Merson has said in his Sky Sports column that it is Liverpool's Premier League title to throw away.

What did he say?

The Reds are in complete control of England's top tier as it stands. On Sunday, they went eight points clear after beating Manchester City 3-1 at Anfield, and they have won 11 of their first 12 games in the league.

Now, former Arsenal man Merson believes that it is Jurgen Klopp and co's trophy to lose.

He said: "Liverpool have lost one game in the last 51 and they have played Man City three times in that time, so I just do not see them losing four or five games 'till the end of the season.

"That is what they would have to lose as City would not be able to afford to lose any games if they only lost three.

"So for me, I think it is Liverpool's to throw away - if they do not win it this year, I cannot tell you when they will win it again.

"I do not see City catching them, not with their defensive problems at the moment. They are just nowhere near good enough defensively.

"And I just think Liverpool are too good and I just do not see them getting beaten by any of the lesser teams. And if they do, they have to score two or three goals, which is not going to happen."

Defining for Klopp

For any fan hoping that Liverpool do not win the league this year, it certainly does look ominous. Being so far ahead of the Citizens after less than a third of the season does not make for good reading, and although Leicester City and Chelsea are both ahead of Pep Guardiola's side in the table and have impressed this term, it is hard to imagine either of them challenging for the title.

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After 30 years without winning it, the league is the one the Liverpool fans appear to want the most.

Despite winning the Champions League last season, there was plenty of disappointment that they weren't able to pip City to top spot even though they picked up a huge 97 points.

This year, there are no excuses. City have already lost three games, which is just one less than the entire previous campaign, and they do not look to be in the same form as they were last year. Apart from them, Leicester City, who are punching above their weight at second in the table, and Chelsea, who were unable to sign any players in the summer and are relying on their youngsters to come up with the goods, are their closest challengers.

This really is the best chance they will ever get, and it could prove to be a season that will define Klopp's time upon Merseyside.

Win, and he will join the pantheon of Liverpool greats, securing his place in the history of the club. Lose, and his time at Anfield could be looked upon as a failure, especially from this position.

Ending this league drought is what everyone associated with the club wants. If they are unable to take top spot, it will be a sickening blow to come back from.