Rafa Benitez delivers Liverpool title race verdict with 'advantage' claim

Former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has weighed in on his old team's chances of winning the Premier League title.

The weekend saw the Reds' hopes of winning a 20th league title dealt a major blow thanks to a defeat to Crystal Palace. After Manchester City beat Luton Town a day earlier, Liverpool are now two points behind the leaders in third place.

Sunday also saw Arsenal fall to a surprise defeat at home to Aston Villa. The Gunners are level on points with Liverpool but are ahead in second place due to goal difference.

Benitez has experience managing Liverpool in a title race, with the Reds missing out on the trophy to Manchester United in the 2008/09 season. Benitez also guided Liverpool to four top-four finishes across his six seasons in charge.

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It was only until last month that Benitez was manager of La Liga club Celta Vigo. Now the former Liverpool boss has weighed in on the Reds' title race with Man City and Arsenal and why the Etihad Stadium club have the advantage after the weekend's results.

"Manchester City are playing with a lot of confidence," Benitez told Sky Sports. "Liverpool had some bad luck with the finishing because they had some chances [vs Crystal Palace] but it was still complicated."

Benitez added: "They [Man City] have a good squad, they can change three or four players and still win easily, so they know the strengths that they have.

"Can I see them making similar mistakes as Liverpool and Arsenal did this weekend? Yes, I can. But at the same time, the others could make mistakes so I think City have a great advantage."

Liverpool will travel to face Fulham on Sunday in their next Premier League match. Man City are not in action due to competing in the FA Cup semi-final, while Arsenal go on the road to face Wolves.