The 40-year-old believes he can only begin to set seasonal targets after at least 10 games but admits he has been encouraged by the start the Reds have made to the new campaign

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists he is not currently focusing on challenging for the Premier League title.

After four matches this season, the 40-year-old’s side sit at the top of the table having secured three wins and one draw.

But despite their strong early form, Rodgers maintains Liverpool’s targets can only be set at the start of November.

“I haven’t even considered that [a title challenge] at all – the only focus is the next game,” Rodgers told reporters.

“We’ll assess it after 10 games, see where we sit there, then the halfway point and we’ll probably have a more realistic idea of where we can be.

“At this moment, we’ve played four – won three and drawn one – and we’re in a good moment.

“There’s a lot more to come. We’ve made a good start. People will talk that it’s early stages, as will I, but these are hurdles you have to get over.”

Rodgers insists Liverpool still have room for improvement this term and says his side’s early form could be the difference in the race for a Champions League place.

“We’re on 10 points already; at the end of last season we finished on 61 points and we talked about those extra 10 points that might have taken us into the Champions League – at this early stage we’ve got them,” he continued.

“I believe the team has still got a lot of improvements to make because of the nature of what I’ve seen in the games and the potential we have in the players.

“We’ve got to sustain that but I’m really happy that in these early stages we’ve shown at least potential. I think that potential can grow even more.”

Didi Hamann offers his predictions ahead of the weekend’s Premier League fixtures – but how do you think he and the teams will get on?

Following a mixed week for the English sides in Europe – well, for Chelsea at least … – the Premier League is back with a full round of fixtures.

In the game of the weekend, Manchester City play host to neighbours Manchester United, while the west London derby takes place as Fulham travel to Chelsea, with Jose Mourinho’s side looking to end a run of three straight defeats in all competitions.

Meanwhile, Arsenal host Stoke after their impressive away win against Marseille while league leaders Liverpool welcome Southampton to Anfield – and, of course, former Reds midfielder Didi Hamann predicts his scores for the week.

Last time out, Didi scored four out of ten, with a perfect prediction for Tottenham’s 2-0 victory over Norwich. Not bad, but not as good as Gus Poyet who still leads the way.

Didi’s back again this week. Can he do any better? He has had his say, and now you can too! Leave your predictions in the comments below and vote on how you think he will fare.

After drawing on Monday, Brendan Rodgers’ side look to get back to winning ways when the Saints visit Anfield and our tipster backing the hosts to start quickly

Liverpool welcome Southampton to Merseyside on Saturday afternoon looking to maintain their lead at the top of the table.

With Arsenal and Tottenham both playing on Sunday, the Reds have a chance to extend their lead in the Premier League early in the season. When these two sides met last December at Anfield, a Daniel Agger goal just before half time was good enough to give Liverpool the three points.

After a thrilling 2-2 draw against Swansea on Monday night stopped their 100 per cent record in the league, the home side will be keen to bounce back to winning ways after a fantastic start.

Rodgers’ side had recorded three straight wins in the league prior to that game, beating Stoke City, Aston Villa and Manchester United.

Unsurprisingly they come into this match as heavy favourites, with BetVictor pricing them at 8/13 (1.62) to take all three points.

Southampton come into this match struggling to find consistent form. Mauricio Pochettino’s side drew 0-0 with West Ham in a bore draw last Sunday, which followed their 1-0 loss away to Norwich City.

Their only victory this season in the league came away at West Brom, with the ever present Rickie Lambert scoring late in a 1-0 win.

Saturday will be a tough ask for the Saints, with BetVictor pricing the away side at 5/1 (6.00) to cause a surprise. The same firm price the draw at 16/5 (4.20).

With Liverpool outright a little too short to touch, a bet that stands out in this match is the Reds to be leading at half time at even money (2.00) with BetVictor.

They have fired out of the blocks in their majority of games this season and with this bet paying out in all five of their competitive fixtures, it’s a fantastic bet to back.

For those looking for more value, look no further than Liverpool’s in form striker. Daniel Sturridge has been on fire this season, netting in every match he’s played in, finding the goal six times in five matches.

The price of him to score first at 18/5 (4.60) is a little short to invest in, but the price of him to score anytime at 11/8 (2.36) is certainly worth backing.

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