Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville is tipping Liverpool to comfortably win the Premier League this season, after witnessing their 7-0 demolition of Crystal Palace at the weekend.

The loss of Virgil van Dijk to a long-term knee injury had put a question in Neville’s mind about Jurgen Klopp’s side, but he now feels that they could win their second consecutive league title pretty easily:

“A month or two ago when he was fit I was [convinced] they would absolutely win the league, then you start to think ‘well, without him, it could be difficult’ but I am [still] convinced they are going to win the league. You look at what they’ve got, what they’re doing, the way they’re playing, there’s no let-up, and I think I’d be very surprised if any team got near to them. I think they could pull away.”

Speaking specifically about the Palace win, Neville said it reminded him of when Manchester City have played at their best in past seasons, as well as previous Manchester United and Chelsea sides. He thinks it was a performance of a team aiming to be champions:

“Liverpool went and just cut through them a couple of times and do what teams that win championships do. They hang on in there in moments of the game where it’s not good for them but they go on and turn it up a notch, and go and deliver and score. They did that in the game and it was a painful one; one I didn’t enjoy watching towards the end because you’re looking at a team, you’re looking for characteristics of a title-winning team.”

“They have had their bumps this season Liverpool, particularly with the injury to van Dijk, Alisson has missed a few games, and other things, but that was a really good performance that, it was really, really strong. It’s the type of performance I would have expected Manchester City a few years ago to produce, when we [United] were winning titles, the Jose [Mourinho] Chelsea team, you know when they turn it on a little bit and can step up a gear.”

They are very complimentary words from Neville but there is still a lot of work to do before the Reds can write their name on the trophy for a second successive season. With two-thirds of the campaign remaining, there will be plenty more twists and turns before May.