The battle for this season's league title is close to becoming a two-horse race according to Liverpool's Jamie Carragher.

With Chelsea forced into a surprise mid-season revamp under the guidance of temporary manager Guus Hiddink and Arsenal more focused on overhauling Aston Villa for fourth place, Carragher thinks the Reds may be the only side capable of stopping pace-setters Manchester United.

The 31-year-old sees that as reason in itself for the club to be pleased with their achievements this term, but does not want to settle for second with so much still to play for.

"Just overtaking Chelsea and Arsenal in the challenge is an achievement in itself already so everyone should be proud of that," he told www.liverpoolfc.tv.

"We finished fourth last season, but we have overtaken Chelsea and Arsenal and even though everyone at the club understands that it's not over yet by a long way, at the moment it looks like it is going to be us and Manchester United for the title.

Carragher added: "A lot of people said at the start of the season that we needed to be in the title race at the end and at least be in with a fighting chance.

"Now hopefully we can go one step further and win this title.

"There are still a lot of games to go, so it's important everyone at the club remains calm."

Liverpool's bid could be further boosted by the sooner-than-expected return of skipper Steven Gerrard.

The midfielder suffered a hamstring tear in the Merseyside derby on February 4 and was initially expected to be out for three weeks - with the February 25 Champions League clash with Real Madrid thought to be his most likely target.

Now manager Rafael Benitez has opened the door for a potential return as a substitute against Manchester City on Sunday.

"Maybe he could be on the bench against City but we don't know. He wants to play every single game. He knows the game against City will be very important, and also the Real Madrid one too," said Benitez.

The club have, meanwhile, asked UEFA to bring forward the date of their potential Champions League quarter-final second leg to avoid a clash with the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

Should they defeat Real in their two-legged last-16 clash they would currently be scheduled to face their next opponents for the second time on April 15.

That is exactly two decades since 96 Reds fans lost their lives at Sheffield Wednesday's ground before and during the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

Liverpool have, therefore, requested UEFA allow them to play the match on the 14th if they progress, which would mean players and staff could attend a memorial service at Anfield the next day.

"We wrote to UEFA last year, pointing out the significance of April 15 if we do get to the quarter-final, especially as it is the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster," a Liverpool spokesman said.

"We have asked not to play on that date and that April 14 should be considered instead."