Megson tips Liverpool for title

Venue: Reebok Stadium Date: Saturday, 15 November Kick-off: 1245 GMT Coverage: Commentary on BBC Radio Merseyside 95.8 FM 1485 AM and DAB, build-up from 1205 GMT. Updates on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sport website

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Megson has faced Benitez as manager of both Bolton and West Brom

Bolton manager Gary Megson believes Liverpool are "genuine contenders" for this season's Premier League title.

Rafa Benitez brings his Liverpool side to the Reebok Stadium for Saturday's early kick-off, and Megson has backed his opponents to win the league.

"They seem settled and they are flying," said Megson.

"They expect to be in the Champions League and picking up league titles and they are well capable of building on their great start this year."

Liverpool last won the title in 1990 under the stewardship of Kenny Dalglish but they are currently second in the Premier League table, level on points with leaders Chelsea.

And Megson believes that it is important for Benitez's team to win the league.

All those things the smaller clubs are supposed to be good at, Liverpool do it as well as everyone else and, in most cases, better Gary Megson

"They've had top-class players for the last 40 to 50 years and they've got great expectations," he said.

"It seems incredible that it's been 18 years since they won the league.

"Yes, they've won plenty of cups during that time but, ultimately, you are judged on Premier League titles.

"But what has happened this year is that they have got off to a good start."

Megson will be buoyed by the return of boyhood Liverpool fan Kevin Nolan from suspension, but Liverpool are set to bring a number of seasoned internationals back into the side.

Jose Reina, Jamie Carragher, Javier Mascherano, Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt, Robbie Keane and Xabi Alonso are all expected to return following Wednesday's Carling Cup 4-2 defeat to Spurs, and Megson is wary of the talent at Benitez's disposal.

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"They've got some world-class players, backed up by some real class players, but the thing that they've all got is a really high work ethic.

"They are organised, they're a problem from set-pieces and all those things that the smaller clubs are supposed to be good at, Liverpool do it as well as everyone else and, in most cases, better.

"Allied to the talent they've got, it's a real difficult task to beat them, as it's proved for everyone else."