Liverpool's lead at the top of the Premier League was cut to just two points last weekend as Chelsea capitalised on the Reds' 2-2 draw with Fulham by defeating Brentford at Stamford Bridge.

After the 2-0 victory over Manchester City earlier this month, the Reds sat nine points clear at the top of the Premier League.

But after draws against Newcastle United and Fulham either side of the Merseyside derby being called off due to Storm Darragh, Arne Slot's men sit just two points clear of second-place Chelsea.

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On the other hand, though, Manchester City's derby day defeat to Manchester United appears to have all but ended their chances of winning a fifth Premier League title in a row, with the Cityzens nine points behind Liverpool, having played a game more.

And with the Premier League now set for one of the most unexpected title races in recent years, we asked our Reach Sports writers from across the country who they are backing to lift the trophy in May.

Keifer MacDonald

With the Premier League season not even at the halfway point, it is of course, difficult to say who could be the team to end Manchester City's stranglehold on the division come May.

But if the early months of the campaign are an indication of what 2025 might have in store, then you would be foolish to bet against Liverpool landing a second Premier League title in five years.

The Reds have made a seamless transition to life under Arne Slot and as well as having the best defensive record in the Premier League this term, they boast the fourth-most prolific attack in the division - currently being spearheaded by the ever-green Mohamed Salah.

Of course, Reds supporters know that nothing is won in December and despite impressive wins against Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City this term, the Premier League title race is a marathon, not a sprint.

At this stage, it would appear that Chelsea, revitalised by the appointment of Enzo Maresca, are the biggest threat to Liverpool's hopes of returning to the summit of English football.

But with this expensively assembled Chelsea side lacking the experience of a high-octane title race, it could be a case of this year's challenge coming too soon for Maresca's men.

Indeed, Liverpool simply will have too much for them.

Stephen Killen

Liverpool are in a great position top of the Premier League going into the festive period but it feels like the Reds have been in this position far too many times, and have failed to see out the challenge.

It is finally time to dismiss fears that Arne Slot's side can't deal with adversity after mounting injury issues and the character shown during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Fulham.

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is insistent that they are not in the title race but they have showed their quality, which is worth over £1 billion, so far.

How long can someone talk themselves out of the title race before the belief is instilled into the squad?

Only time will tell there but they look like one of Liverpool's main challengers. If the social media cycle is anything to go by, cracks are appearing within Mikel Arteta's Arsenal but they are Liverpool's main contenders in this title race.

They broke their open-play goal drought during their Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace and they will have the experience of losing out to Manchester City in each of the last two seasons.

For Liverpool to win their second Premier League title, they must shrug off the lesser-team hoodoo and pick up wins rather than draws, as well as beat their title and European rivals. It's a long old season but maybe, just maybe, Liverpool could do it.

James Quinlan

Liverpool look like they’ve got the strongest team but Chelsea look like they’ve got the strongest squad. In the end the title race will prove which counts for more.

For me, I lean towards the former. When they have everybody fit the Reds’ strongest team can beat anyone without so much as batting an eyelid trying to keep a clean sheet. Chelsea have plenty of talented individuals, but I think as the season goes on and Enzo Maresca begins to merge his Premier League and Europa Conference League squads things will start to get messy with one or two injuries.

What would seal the deal for me is Liverpool signing a defender during the January window. One more and their squad depth is perfect.

Similarly, Arsenal will only be true contenders if they splash the cash on a striker next month. Mikel Arteta’s team and tactics have just taken so many steps back since that blistering 2022/23 season, they don’t have any fear factor about them whatsoever.

And that leaves Man City. Usually everybody would be looking over their shoulders in fear but they’re not coming back. At this rate European football might escape them - is it too far to suggest Nottingham Forest for the top-four?

Tom Coley

It's a good job Chelsea have come around here because Liverpool would be streaking away with it otherwise. Really, it is still very much theirs to lose.

Arsenal will be there or there about by the end of the season but the drop off and form of Liverpool has made the approach to the halfway mark a little muted. Liverpool are in pole position.

Chelsea don't have the experience of going deep just yet and still show too much defensive frailty to really go the full distance. They will make a good play of it and may well end up top at stages over the next few weeks but it won't be enough to truly worry Liverpool, who look set to regain their spot after games in hand are played.

It is surely too late for Manchester City to get back into the picture and nobody else has shown enough regular quality to become a 2015/16 Leicester. Forest are great but let's be honest, they aren't winning the thing.

So it leaves Arsenal and Chelsea to thrash it out for second. Liverpool will move clear by March, if not before. They have too much quality and knowhow in this team that Chelsea don't, Arsenal just look a bit turgid and too safety first.

Kieran King

Although Chelsea have had an impressive start to the season and look to be challenging for the Premier League title, I don't see how Liverpool won't be champions come the end of May. The Reds have put themselves in a commanding position, despite drawing their last two matches, and are performing at such a rate that I can't see them not coming out on top and winning the title this season.

Yes, drawing against Newcastle and Fulham isn't ideal but if you look at the circumstances behind them results... Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City have ALL lost at St James' Park this season, so realistically a point there isn't a terrible one. And then against Fulham the Reds were down to 10 men for the majority of the game, so to pick up a point versus a decent side isn't a bad point, either.

I just think Arsenal are not consistent enough and don't score enough goals, Manchester City are a mess and Chelsea aren't going to sustain their excellent run of form, meaning Liverpool are the only other side that are left in the mix and will win it. Nottingham Forest have been excellent but aren't going to win it and then the teams behind such as Aston Villa, Tottenham, Fulham and Brighton are not in it, too.