'They chose not to' - Alan Shearer makes Liverpool title prediction and raises Arsenal question

Alan Shearer

Arsenal have the chance to close the gap on table-topping Liverpool to four points with victory in the early Saturday kick-off at relegation-threatened Leicester

Liverpool opened up a seven-point lead at the top after drawing the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park 2-2 on Wednesday

While the draw may have felt like a defeat at the time, given Everton's equaliser came in the 98th minute, it did extend the Reds' advantage over second-placed Arsenal

Arsenal had suffered a huge blow earlier on in the day when it was announced that Kai Havertz's season is over.

Mikel Arteta was already without Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus and, with the Gunners boss unable to add to his squad during the January transfer window

Alan Shearer, the Premier League's all-time leading goalscorer, believes that will cost Arsenal in the battle with Arne Slot's side.

Shearer

Arsenal have to deal with the situation they find themselves in. They chose not to invest in a forward in the summer when so many people were saying that's what they needed.

"They've got so many injuries in that position now that I think they've only got three fit forwards in Sterling, Nwaneri and Trossard so they're going to be tested and, whether that affects their push for the title, we'll have to wait and see because that push will have to come soon and they'll have to go on a bit of a relentless run if they're going to try and upset Liverpool.

I know Liverpool's result against Everton was two points dropped, but Arsenal will still have to go on a phenomenal run to say to Liverpool that they're serious contenders for the title that Liverpool are in control of.

"Can they do that? At the moment, with the forwards they have available, I don’t see that being the case. I think Liverpool will win the Premier League. I think they have enough strength in depth.

"I know Slot fielded a new team against Plymouth (in the FA Cup) and it backfired but I think their depth, other than at centre-half, is pretty strong. I don't see Liverpool losing the title."

The Reds can pick up their first piece of silverware of the season next month when they take on Shearer's former club Newcastle in the final of the Carabao Cup at Wembley.

Liverpool will be looking to defend the trophy they won last season while the Magpies will be aiming to win their first major domestic honour in 70 years.

Shearer, speaking to Betfair, said:

 "I don't know if it would be a failure if they (Newcastle) didn't win any silverware this season, but they've got a great opportunity to take and grasp.

Two years ago, in the Carabao Cup final against Man Utd, there were suspensions and injuries. We can't afford for that to happen again, they need all of their big hitters to be fit - that's the key between now and then.

"I think having the experience of going to Wembley two years ago and sampling the atmosphere, feeling all of it will help. It won't be such a new thing, because the vast majority of players in this squad were there then.

"They'll know what to feel, and what to expect. It should stand them in good stead. Having said that, they're going up against the best team in the country in Liverpool, so they'll know what it's like.

“Liverpool is a club which is about having to win trophies - they know what it's all about.

“They've been there and done it. They're up against it, but with Newcastle's first choice XI then no doubt about it, they can win it.

“It's whoever performs on the day."