UPBEAT Rafael Benitez believes Liverpool have an 80% chance of winning the league if they go into the New Year still top of the table.

The Anfield manager was responding to quotes attributed to him yesterday that stated his team could only lift the title if their main rivals “messed up”.

Benitez distanced himself from the report, and instead chose to talk up Liverpool’s chances of ending a title drought that stretches back to 1990.

Liverpool, who currently head second-placed Chelsea by a point after 16 games, have historically performed better in the second half of the season under the Spaniard.

After this afternoon’s visit of Hull City, the Anfield outfit travel to fellow title aspirants Arsenal on Sunday week before entertaining Bolton Wanderers on Boxing Day followed by an away clash at Newcastle United two days later.

And Benitez is convinced his team have an excellent opportunity if they remain top after the Christmas period.

“The second half of the season is usually better for us so that is why I think we can win the title,” said the Liverpool manager. “There are important players who aren’t playing now and they could be good additions for us going for the title. We have a lot of confidence, if we can improve two or three things we will be up there.

“We are top of the table and we are doing well away, and have only made two mistakes at home. Clearly we have confidence because we have players of quality.

“If we are top of the table after the Christmas period, I think we will have an 80% chance of winning the title.