Zola tips Liverpool to win Premier League

Dec 1 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

GIANFRANCO Zola has tipped Liverpool to be strong challengers for the Premier League title this season, but believes tonight’s trip to Anfield has come at a good time.

Rafael Benitez’s side were held to a goalless draw by Fulham last weekend and then scraped past Marseille in the Champions League on Wednesday.

They will also be shorn of striker Fernando Torres, who has been ruled out for three weeks with another hamstring injury, while West Ham head into the game rejuvenated after recording their first league win in eight attempts last weekend, a 1-0 victory at Sunderland.

That was the Hammers’ second successive clean sheet, having failed to keep one in the 27 previous games, and Zola is relishing tonight’s challenge.

“I don’t think Liverpool are having their best moment,” said the former Chelsea striker.

“But we are focused and we know we cannot afford any mistakes. We know a lot about them, we’ve seen them a lot. And I think we have prepared as well as we can so we’ll see what happens.

“It could be a good year for them. They’ve already won two big games (against Chelsea and Manchester United) and that is important. It makes a big, big difference in your confidence. This year I’ve noticed they’re playing better football so they’re a team to watch.”

Asked if Liverpool can win the title, Zola replied: “I think they’ve got a very good chance.”

Zola and his Hammers will be out to stall Liverpool’s title charge and the fact they have not won at Anfield since September 1963 is not dampening the Italian’s spirits.

“I think my team is coming into this match at the best time because we’re going into it off two good results,” said Zola.

“I feel very charged. It is one of those games where if you get something positive out of it it’s very important for your team.

“I like to face these kind of challenges. It can be hard but the reward you can get from games like this can be huge.”