Liverpool legend Alan Hansen feels the next two games will decide their title hopes.

Hansen wrote in the Telegraph: "There are still so many barriers and hurdles for Liverpool to cross if they are to win the Premier League title this season, but if they collect four points from their next two games, the club's supporters can start thinking about dreamland.

"If Arsenal fail to beat Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Monday night, Liverpool will hold the distinction of being top at Christmas for the first time since 2008, but I believe it is dangerous for anyone connected with the club to believe they are now going to win the title.

"The team which led the Premier League on Christmas Day 2008 was a really good one, with Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher in their prime and top-class players such as Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso and Pepe Reina at the peak of their powers.

"They ultimately finished second to Manchester United, but it was a stronger team than the one exceeding all expectations under Brendan Rodgers.

"But Liverpool go to the Etihad Stadium on Boxing Day and then to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on Sunday and, if they can emerge with four points from those two games, then perhaps we do have to start regarding them as genuine contenders for the title."