Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez claims tougher competition in the Premier League means less points required to win title. Manchester United won their second successive title with a total of 87 points and Benitez does not think that figure will be beaten in May.

He told the club's official website: "There is not much of a points difference between a lot of teams. That means everyone can beat everyone.

"The managers are working better and the players understand the game more. Players know how to play against you in every game. That makes it more difficult.

"It could be that it takes fewer points to win the title because you can lose games you expect to win. This could be the situation at the end of the season."