Adrian Durham believes Liverpool will not win anything this season and highlighted the form of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane as evidence of their shortcomings.
After reaching the Champions League Final against Real Madrid last season, the Reds scraped through their qualifying group this time around.
And when Bayern Munich came to Anfield on Tuesday night, the usually potent attackers failed to breach the Bavarian defence.
The scoreless draw is not exactly the worst result ahead of the second leg at the Allianz Arena, but it suggests teams are perhaps working Jurgen Klopp’s men out.
With defending Premier League champions Manchester City top on goal difference, Sunday’s live clash on talkSPORT with Manchester United has added spice.
But Drivetime host Durham believes the capitulation has already begun on Merseyside.
“One thing I didn’t really expect was for Liverpool not to score,” he told Matt Holland when reviewing the European clash at Anfield.
“Last night did kind of show me and, in some ways, there is a benefit to Liverpool winning the title because it mixes things up a bit and makes sure that City are on their toes and they’re going to get better for next season.
“So, as a neutral, I was thinking ‘maybe it would be a good thing if Liverpool win the title?’ and it did look like they were going to win the title.
“But last night showed me they’re not going to win anything this season.”
When the former Republic of Ireland and Charlton Athletic midfielder scoffed at this suggestion, Durham was adamant the wait for a Liverpool Premier League title win was to continue.
He added “No, I am writing them off.”
“They’ve won three in seven, Liverpool, drawn three in four. Manchester City’s record is utterly ridiculous.
“Won 12 of their last 13 in all competitions – it’s insane form from Man City so you can see why I’m thinking the momentum is with Manchester City.”
After the signings of Alisson Becker, Fabinho and Naby Keita in the summer, the optimism about Liverpool’s title chances was infectious.
Having not won the league since 1990, there was a genuine belief Klopp could deliver the first ever Premier League trophy to Anfield.
Yet Durham believes dips in form for their front three (coupled with City’s resurgence) will put an end to the title challenge.
“I think if Man United win on Sunday it’s a massive turning point in the whole thing, the Man City win against Liverpool at the start of January was a turning point as well.
“But let’s have a look at those front three because, there’s a lot of talk about Virgil van Dijk.
“But that was on the basis that the front three would keep doing what they were doing last season and they simply aren’t doing that.
“And, at this moment in time, Salah has got four in eight, Firmino one in seven. Mane is on a decent run, but before that it was two in 14. This isn’t quite where they were last season is it?”