Liverpool keeper Karius rules Man Utd out of title race

Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius considers the Reds to be one of only four sides capable of taking the Premier League title.

The German acknowledges that Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City are still in the mix, but has already written off the claims of Manchester United and Tottenham.

The quartet Karius considers to be in the hunt occupy the Champions League places at present, with only three points separating table-topping Chelsea from Arsenal in fourth.

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The Blues have enjoyed a remarkable run of form, with seven straight wins carrying them to the top-flight summit.

Arsenal are unbeaten in the league since the opening day of the season, while Liverpool and City have suffered just one setback apiece.

Spurs have also come unstuck on only occasion, but they are seven points adrift of top spot, while United are another four points back in sixth.

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Karius believes they now have too much to do to come back into the reckoning, with it likely that the destiny of the crown will be decided in meetings between the leading contenders.

"Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and us,” he told Kicker when pressed for his pick of the Premier League crop.

"That quartet is standing eye-to-eye.

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"Many thought City with Pep Guardiola would be the favourites, but Chelsea went on a brutal run recently.

"The direct duels could be decisive."

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Liverpool sit second at present, but Karius insists no-one at Anfield is getting swept up in the wave of optimism that is building behind Jurgen Klopp’s troops.

He added: "It's a dream that is still far away.

"We've not made that [winning the league] our goal because if you do and finish second you'd think the season was a disappointment. 

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"Our goal is to play in the Champions League next term."

The Reds’ next outing takes them to Bournemouth on Sunday, by which time they will know whether the Premier League summit is within reach.

Chelsea face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, and any slip from them will leave the door open for a rival to edge past and to the front of the title-chasing pack.