Rafa Benitez backs Liverpool to maintain Premier League title challenge

Former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has backed the club to push reigning champions Manchester City all the way in a two-horse race for this season's Premier League title.

Benitez takes his Newcastle side to Anfield on Boxing Day with the Reds four points clear of City, who lost 3-2 at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday, and top of the table - a game before the halfway stage.

Jurgen Klopp's men finished fourth at the end of the last campaign, 25 points adrift of the champions, but the Spaniard is tipping them to make a better fist of it this time around.

Asked if they are title favourites, he said: 'Still it's too soon, but I think both teams are a little bit ahead of the others. I haven't seen…