Rafael Benitez offers Liverpool Premier League title prediction and makes claim about Arne Slot

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Despite dropping points against Everton on Saturday, Liverpool still managed to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Given the nature of the late James Tarkowski equaliser, the game ultimately felt like a loss to many Reds supporters.

But the truth of the matter is that Liverpool rarely win at Goodison Park these days. A draw was par for the course.

It also meant that the Reds hold a seven point lead over Arsenal heading into another Premier League weekend.

With 14 games to go, there is still time for plenty of twists and turns. But it’s hard to argue against Liverpool being heavy favourites to win a 20th title.

One man who has never been afraid to go against the grain, however is former Reds boss Rafael Benitez. And as the Premier League enters a decisive Spring, Benitez has made his prediction for the title.

Rafael Benitez backs Liverpool for the title

Benitez never did manage to win the Premier League with Liverpool. The Spaniard came especially close in 2009, but lost out to Manchester United.

Nevertheless, Benitez is still a Liverpool legend owing to his masterminding of the Champions League win in 2005.

As a result, it is always interesting to hear Rafa’s takes on any current Liverpool team.

Asked by Sky Sports if he thinks his old club will lift the Premier League trophy in May, Benitez explained his reasons for thinking that they will.

READ MORE: Rafa Benitez reveals there’s something people ‘don’t know’ about his time at Liverpool with Trent Alexander-Arnold

“When you fight for titles normally we say the last 10 games are the key games, that’s when you win trophies,” says the 64-year-old.

“In this case, I think if they continue they have balance, they have a team that is capable to score goals but also is good at defending. When you have balance you win titles. With good players you win titles.”

“Liverpool are in the driving seat, they have an advantage,” adds Rafa.

“They have the right mentality, the coach is doing well, he understands what he needs to do. He’s changing the way they play depending on what is good against the opponent, so they have a great advantage. My feeling. like the majority of professionals, is that they will win.”

Liverpool heading into crucial run

Although Benitez was never an league champion during his time with Liverpool, he certainly knows what he’s talking about when it comes to football.

The former Valencia boss is incredibly meticulous about all aspects of the game, and his backing of Liverpool should mean something.

Nevertheless, the Reds still have to back this up on the pitch. With four games to come across the next two weeks, it’s getting towards crunch time.

If Liverpool can maintain a decent lead after games against Wolves, Aston Villa, Man City and Newcastle, they will be confident that they can go on and win it from there.

But if something goes wrong during that little stretch – and Arsenal capitalise – it could start to get very nervy heading into March, April and May. Still a long way to go.