Waching daily Oct 2 2018

 Liverpool are the second favourites with the bookies to win the Premier League for the very first time

 Sturridge was part of the Reds squad that came so close to winning it under Brendan Rodgers in the 2013/14 campaign

 He has had constant injury problems since then but looks finally to have put his fitness problems behind him this season

 Sturridge is yet to start a Premier League game this term but scored a stunning equaliser as a substitute in the 1-1 draw at his former side Chelsea on Saturday

 Murphy admits Sturridge will not be a regular starter ahead of Roberto Firmino but claims the 29-year-old is the best backup striker in the top flight and can have a big say in the destination of the title

 "If Daniel Sturridge is fit, he's a good as there is in the Premier League," Murphy told talKSPORT

 "He's a natural finisher, he scores all types of goals and what he's got that most other forwards haven't is total self-belief

He's so capable. He's a match-winner and a sensational player. "For me, he's the best second striker in the Premier League by a mile

 "Gabriel Jesus has dipped a bit and you could argue Marcus Rashford maybe, but he's not as naturally gifted a goalscorer as Sturridge in the box

 "If Liverpool can keep Sturridge fit and keep him happy, by giving him plenty of minutes off the bench and get him starting in certain games in the league and cups, he could be the difference

 "He'll get 20 goals this season if he gets the games. "He's got 67 goals in 140 games for Liverpool – there are not many strikers with a better strike rate, and he's not first choice

 "You shouldn't really be sitting on the bench anywhere with that strike rate. "But if they keep using him in the way they are, with how fit and hungry he looks, Liverpool are going to be there or thereabouts

He could well be the difference for Liverpool [in the title race]. "I still fancy Man City, they have got a load of players who can score those goals as well, but I just think Sturridge gives Liverpool an extra string to their bow

 "[Jurgen] Klopp has got a wonderful headache at the moment. "[Xherdan] Shaqiri looks sharp and Sturridge is chomping at the bit, and that's only going to push the other players to keep performing

" Liverpool are back in Champions League action on Wednesday when they travel to Italy to face Napoli (8pm)