Source: Daily_Mail
It's not United's title, insists Liverpool defender Carragher
Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool[LNB]could be the only team capable of challenging Manchester United[LNB]for this season's Premier League title. [LNB]The experienced defender insists the club can be proud of their efforts this term, having moved ahead of the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea in the reckoning. [LNB] Eyes on the prize: Carragher believes Liverpool can stop Rooney's United[LNB] Fergie rubbishes Chelsea's chances, insisting only Liverpool can deny United the Premier League crown[LNB]Are United untouchable? Here's our prediction for the top five title run-in[LNB]LIVERPOOL FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB]Chelsea's form under Luiz Felipe Scolari prompted a dramatic parting of the ways last week, while the Gunners are currently involved in a scrap for fourth with Aston Villa. [LNB]And Carragher sees Liverpool's move into second as a significant step in the right direction. [LNB]'We finished fourth last season, but we have overtaken Chelsea and Arsenal and even though everyone at the club understands that it's not over yet by a long way, at the moment it looks like it is going to be us and Manchester United for the title,' he told www.liverpoolfc.tv. [LNB]'Just by overtaking Chelsea and Arsenal in the challenge is an achievement in itself already so everyone should be proud of that.' [LNB]Nevertheless, the 31-year-old was eager to stress that the runners-up spot should not be seen as their ultimate ambition. [LNB]Instead, he has set his sights on a first league success in 19 years. [LNB]'A lot of people said at the start of the season that we needed to be in the title race at the end and at least be in with a fighting chance,' added Carragher. [LNB]'Now hopefully we can go one step further and win this title. [LNB] It's all yours: Arsenal boss Wenger has already conceded title to United[LNB]'There are still a lot of games to go, so it's important everyone at the club remains calm.' [LNB]The Reds meet the league leaders at Old Trafford on March 14 and Carragher is hoping the fit-again Fernando Torres can help them put the pressure on United before the sides meet. [LNB]He added: 'United have got a bit of a lead on us at the moment but if we can close that gap before we go to Old Trafford next month, that would put us in a great position - especially if we are in form at the time of that game. [LNB]'Fernando has been scoring goals recently, but if we can get him back firing like he did at the end of last season it's going to be a massive boost for us. [LNB]'Fernando is the best striker in the Premier League, if not the world, so to be where we are already after playing so much of the season without him is a great credit to the lads, staff and management. [LNB]'It would be interesting to see how other teams would cope without having such an important player on the sidelines for so long.' [LNB]Liverpool's bid could be further boosted by the sooner than expected return of skipper Steven Gerrard. [LNB]Gerrard suffered a hamstring tear in the Merseyside derby on February 4 and was initially expected to be out for three weeks - with the February 25 Champions League clash with Real Madrid thought to be his most likely target. [LNB]Now manager Rafael Benitez has opened the door for a potential return from the bench against Manchester City on Sunday. [LNB]The Spaniard said Gerrard had reacted well to treatment and was eager to get back on the pitch as soon as possible. [LNB]'He is improving,' said Benitez. 'In these situations each day is important. He is working with the medical staff and is progressing. [LNB]'Normally he is a player who recovers quickly. He needs less time than other players. [LNB]'Maybe he could be on the bench against City but we don't know. [LNB]'He wants to play every single game. He knows the game against City will be very important, and also the Real Madrid one too.' [LNB] [LNB]
