Liverpool told why Man City have 'great advantage' in Premier League run-in as ex-Reds boss Rafa Benitez gives title verdict

The Reds suffered a major blow in the Premier League title race during the weekend as they went down 1-0 against Crystal Palace at Anfield. Their defeat allowed Manchester City to climb to the top of the table, who now have a two-point lead over the Merseyside club.

Now former Liverpool and Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez has opened up about the title race this season and explained why he thinks the Cityzens are favourites to win the trophy for the fourth consecutive season.

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

"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."

After a disappointing outing in the league, Jurgen Klopp's side will now aim to overturn a 3-0 deficit in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final fixture as they take on Atalanta away from home on Thursday.