Liverpool have trophy-winning experience Chelsea's squad currently lack. That's the message from Enzo Maresca while he continues to downplay his own team's chances in the title race this season.

Reaching Christmas Day, the current landscape looks quite different to that imagined by the masses before a ball was kicked this season. Setting the pace in first and second place are Liverpool and Chelsea, both sides who were taken over by new coaches this summer with Arne Slot and Maresca stepping in respectively.

This new blood has toppled an existing regime with Pep Guardiola's Manchester City nosediving down to seventh with a run of one win in six Premier League matches. Then most recent runners-up Arsenal have failed to capitalise by sitting in third spot, as things stand.

READ MORE: Dominik Szoboszlai proving Arne Slot right over Liverpool change as surprise reaction speaks volumes

READ MORE: My gut feeling is Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave but Liverpool can sign 'perfect' replacement

"It's not about pressure," Chelsea head coach Maresca said during his latest press conference. "I would like to have that kind of pressure and hopefully we can have that pressure.

"The reality for me is we are not there." Chelsea are due to meet Fulham (H) on Boxing Day.

As the team right now closest, Liverpool won't be buying that, one bit. The gap is a mere four points, increased to seven if the Reds win the rearranged Merseyside derby - which is their game-in-hand at the summit.

But the Chelsea manager added: "I think, for sure, the reality is we are second. It's almost halfway, so probably the table reflect the teams where they are. Liverpool are doing fantastic since the first day.

"Probably the [Liverpool] squad, they have already lived that kind of moment [to win a trophy]. I think you need to live that kind of moment to raise and be close."

Maresca is correct in that Liverpool have nine English top-flight medal winners in their squad, whereas he has one. But, once again, the Reds won't be taking their foot off the gas.

Lastly, Maresca made a bold title race prediction people are just beginning to disagree with based on recent form. "I think Manchester City at the end will be there," the Italian added.

"They are living something that probably never happened before. They have a new injury at the end of every game and it's a very bad situation."