Ranieri backs Liverpool’s title challenge

Claudio Ranieri knows what it takes to win the Premier League and believes Liverpool have all the ingredients to mount a successful title challenge.

The 64-year-old Italian masterminded the greatest triumph these shores have ever known last season, and the rewards continue next week when Leicester City launch their maiden Champions League voyage.

Liverpool, by contrast, are without European football this season.

But Ranieri suspects they might still have plenty of reason to cheer come May.

“Liverpool are one of my favourites to win the league,” he said.

“They are ready to fight for the title.”

(Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images)

The two teams go head-to-head on Saturday evening as the Premier League resumes following the international break.

Both the champions and Liverpool have begun their respective campaigns taking four points from their first three matches.

And Ranieri is anticipating an evenly-matched meeting at Anfield.

“Liverpool are a very good team and on Saturday we have a very good match,” he added.

“We go there to try and win. We are the champions. It’ll be difficult for us but also for them.”