Michael Owen has disregarded "foolish" arguments writing off Liverpool's top four hopes after their disappointing start to the season.
The Reds are eighth in the Premier League table heading into Wednesday's game against West Ham at Anfield. They've won just three of their first nine league fixtures, although one of those victories was Sunday's 1-0 home win against champions Manchester City.
Liverpool also made a poor start in Europe, as they were humbled 4-1 by Napoli in their opening Champions League game. Yet they've since won three consecutive games in the tournament and need just a point from their last two group fixtures to progress.
Owen, who won six trophies during his time at Anfield, believes Jurgen Klopp's side can still be successful this season. He's highlighted their long injury list and the sale of Sadio Mane - who recently finished second in the Ballon d'Or vote - as reasons for their woes.
"Well, I think in the main people are questioning why Liverpool have made a poor start then all of a sudden, they go and beat Manchester City," Owen told Mirror Football, courtesy of aceodds.com. "A team that looked almost unbeatable because they're playing so well.
"Going into the game, I didn't know many people that were fancying Liverpool for a victory. They had injury problems, their form has been a bit in and out whereas Manchester City on the other hand were absolutely at the top of their game.
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"But there's something about Anfield. I think the result at the weekend will probably quieten down a few people that were starting to write Liverpool off.
"Now let's get it right: they've not been consistent so far this season. They are a fair way off the top of the league and that's not normal for Liverpool and the way they have been over the last few years. But they're in a really strong position in the Champions League, and they've just beat Manchester City.
"They’ve played particularly well with a couple of standout performances, a 9-0 [against Bournemouth ] and a 7-1 [against Rangers] this season. So the wheels haven't fallen off, but I think we're just used to seeing them at the absolute top.
"But, it would be foolish for anybody to think that Liverpool aren't still a huge force in football and won't still be challenging for trophies come the end of the season. I think it's been overplayed even though it's been a disappointing start in the Premier League."
Several pundits have backed Liverpool to miss out on a top-four finish after their poor start to the season. Owen believes it will be difficult for the Reds to achieve that but not impossible. "Well, I think Liverpool have given themselves a mountain to climb," he added.
"Obviously the start of any season for Liverpool it's about trying to win the league. But the start that they've had, all of a sudden I think if you ask some Liverpool fans now they’d say top four is in jeopardy, not just being able to challenge for the league.
"So I think before the weekend against Manchester City I'd suggest if City were to win then I can't see Liverpool clawing back that amount of points to Manchester City or to any other team, like Arsenal for that matter. But that win has given renewed belief.
"It could be a strange season anyway, with the World Cup [starting in November]. It's hard to imagine Liverpool can claw back double figure points against Manchester City. I think they can possibly do it against other teams, even though the likes of Arsenal are looking very strong this season.
"So top four is definitely still a possibility. Definitely. I mean I wouldn't write Liverpool off challenging for the league still just at the moment. But we haven't got much room for manoeuvre and our one or two poor results and all of a sudden it will be all over. Top four is still definitely a possibility."
