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Liverpool sit third in the Premier League table, level on points with Manchester City and Arsenal, after nine games and are winning plaudits for their swashbuckling style of football.

But former Reds defender Thompson believes their chances of sustaining a push for top spot depend on Jurgen Klopp's key men staying fit.

Thompson told Sky Sports: "It is quite reminiscent of Brendan Rodgers' season when we finished second and everybody enjoyed the way Liverpool played, except for Everton and Man United fans.

"However, I'm not sure our squad is as big as the likes of Arsenal and City, so we need to keep the core of the squad fit, the likes of Dejan Lovren, Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, Jordan Henderson and Sadio Mane.

"I would still think the squad needs strengthening a little bit.

"Just look at the left-back situation, James Milner deserves massive credit in an area where we lacked options when Alberto Moreno was struggling."

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Thompson believes there are six times in the title race but he is backing City to overcome their recent wobble to come out on top at the end of the season.

He said: "There's still so many teams which are capable of winning the league, all of the 'big six' have a chance.

"People thought City were going to be running away with it after their perfect start and suddenly it's supposedly crisis.

"It's a Premier League weekly, because a different team is becoming the flavour.

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"Just look at Arsenal, they were being written off, then people start to believe, then they draw with Middlesbrough and talk about them goes quiet again.

"Liverpool have as good a chance as most, but I stick with my pre-season prediction in making Manchester City favourites.

"We're still in the infancy of the campaign and I'm just hoping Liverpool are there come April, still playing the same football."