Gary Lineker makes a Liverpool title prediction that is likely to frustrate Reds fans worldwide.

A frustrating narrative has emerged from rival fans and commentators during Liverpool’s push for a 20th English top-flight title.

Rather than acknowledging the club’s impressive progress under Arne Slot, their technical brilliance, or Mohamed Salah’s magic, some argue that Liverpool’s dominance is largely due to Arsenal’s injury crisis.

While injuries can impact any team, Liverpool have made significant efforts this season to minimize risks. While Manchester City felt the absence of Rodri, the gap in quality between Liverpool and Arsenal has been evident in the 2024/25 campaign.

Gary Lineker Suggests Injuries Have Favored Liverpool

During a discussion with Alan Shearer on The Rest is Football podcast, Gary Lineker suggested that injuries to their rivals have played a key role in Liverpool’s success. However, he did acknowledge the team’s overall quality.

“The three favorites at the start of the season were Man City, Arsenal, and probably Liverpool,” Lineker said. “I don’t think many expected Liverpool to win because replacing Klopp was always going to be difficult. I think injuries to other teams have contributed, but Liverpool would still be ahead. Plus, Man City haven’t been at their best.”

Shearer responded by emphasizing Liverpool’s consistency, pointing out that they have lost just one league game—at home to Nottingham Forest.

Have Liverpool Benefited from Luck?

While luck always plays some role in a title race, the focus on rival teams’ injuries feels inconsistent. During Liverpool’s 2020/21 season, when Virgil van Dijk’s injury led to a defensive crisis, the expectation was for the club to adapt and find solutions.

Injuries may have influenced the season, but Liverpool’s 67 points after 28 games is one of their best tallies in recent years—only behind their exceptional 2018/19 and 2019/20 campaigns. This title charge is built on merit, not just fortune.