Former Liverpool goal-getter Robbie Fowler believes the current Reds' hugely entertaining style of football has thoroughly merited their second-place position in the Barclays Premier League.

Brendan Rodgers' side knocked three past Manchester United at the weekend, having dismantled Tottenham Hotspur, Everton and Arsenal in quick succession earlier in the campaign.

With the manager's vision for a dynamic, free-flowing team becoming a genuine reality during 2013-14, the Northern Irishman has watched Daniel Sturridge, Luis Suarez and co rack up 76 Premier League goals.

They now hold a nine-point cushion over Spurs in fifth, with a game in hand, leaving Fowler full of confidence as his former club prepare to navigate the final nine fixtures of an enthralling season.

"At the start of the season Liverpool's aim was to get into the top four," said the 38-year-old.

"That was always going to be tough because the squad's not as [deep] as a lot of the teams in the Premier League. I hope I'm right in saying this but I think they're nailed on for a Champions League [spot].

"They deserve to be there. At the time now, they are second in the league, they are not lucky, they are there on merit and they've been exciting and they're good to watch this year.

"It's going to be tough because Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal are all good sides and potentially got bigger and better squads but Liverpool are there on merit and I don't see any reason why they can't win it. It will be tough but they have as good a chance as anyone else."