5 Reasons why Liverpool could be in the Champions League next season

Undoubtedly, this has been Liverpool's most impressive start to a season since their last league championship success back in 1990 and there are many Liverpool fans out there who truly believe that they can end their 24 year wait for a league title next May. However, there have been some false dawns in the past and only as recently as two seasons ago did Liverpool's title ambitions fade fast in the final 10 games.

This season, though, there have been indications that this is not a flash in the pan and that thanks to the stewardship of Brendan Rodgers Liverpool fans can at least believe that a finish in the top four is not beyond their reach this season. The signs have been encouraging with Rodgers impressive handling of the Luis Suarez affair managing to keep the player at the club and instilling a new level of confidence and belief in him and his teammates. Here then are 5 possible reasons why Liverpool can be in the draw for the Champions League next year.

1) SAS (Suarez and Sturridge)

There is no argument that the most lethal and prolific strike partnership in the Premier League right now is Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge. The pair had struck up a good understanding shortly after Sturridge arrived from Chelsea but since Suarez's return from his ban they have been almost unstoppable, and if they can stay free from injury and suspension then there is no reason why Liverpool could not be a force to be reckoned with in the title race.

2) Brendan Rodgers

Rodgers handled the latest Suarez saga in a very dignified fashion and his man-management skills were firmly tested. So far this season he has had a calming influence on the dressing room at Anfield and it is no coincidence that Liverpool have been playing some of their best football in the last 20 years. If Rodgers can continue to keep Suarez under control and maintain the early season belief then the skies the limit for the Reds.

3) Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement

The retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson at the end of last season has without doubt opened the Premier League title race wide open and to a certain extent narrowed the gap between Manchester United and the chasing pack. Liverpool are one of the many beneficiaries and with Chelsea and Manchester City making stuttering starts to the season there is further cause for optimism for the five times Champions League winners.

4)  Simon Mignolet

The Belgian keeper has been in fine form since his move from Sunderland and has made the transition look easy. He has been at the heart of many of Liverpool's impressive displays and has been the unsung hero so far. 

5) Phillipe Coutinho

Portuguese playmaker Coutinho is improving with every game and his prominent role and influence in the Liverpool attack has allowed Steven Gerrard to play a more deeper role in midfield. Coutinho has excited the Anfield crowd and is a firm favourite at the club, while he is also capable of creating goals as well as scoring.

All the hallmarks are there for Liverpool to end their barren spell of competing in the Champions League and they have all the ingredients necessary to mount a serious title challenge this season. Time will tell if they can maintain their current form and avoid fading away like they have in the past.