Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack insists Liverpool are as big a title threat as today's opponents Manchester United.

With Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari conceding that his side need to win today, Ballack says recent form has convinced him that Liverpool are now just as important title rivals as United.

Ballack said: "A few weeks ago I was sure that Manchester United were our strongest opponents. But now I think Liverpool are a major threat and have been doing very well in recent weeks.

"They have showed in the past few games they have the character to deal with being top of the league. They had one or two games when they struggled, but even then we couldn't get back on top. But now they are doing well."

He added: "Liverpool deserve to be first and the teams behind have to wait for them to drop points. But they have shown they can handle pressure. Liverpool are a team we respect.

"It's not like in the past few seasons when Liverpool were inconsistent. It's not like it is October or November. It's the middle of January and they look like they can sustain a challenge for the title."