Phil Jones believes Liverpool "will be difficult to catch" in the Premier League title race - but doesn't believe it's a foregone conclusion.

Jones was speaking ahead of Liverpool's game against Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday. The Red Devils went into the Premier League clash looking to pull off a stunning upset, having started the game just six points clear of the relegation zone.

At the other end of the table, Liverpool boasted a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League standings on Sunday morning - with two games in hand over Arsenal in second. The Reds were backed by most fans and critics to comfortably beat United.

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Former United defender Jones discussed Liverpool's impressive form on 'Football Focus'. He said: "Arne Slot has come in and taken Liverpool to another level. It was a big job to take over from Jurgen Klopp but he has come in and done a terrific job.

"It is going to be tough for any team to catch them. They have a game in hand which could stretch their lead to eight points. They are in a rich vein of form, scoring goals left, right and centre. They will be difficult to catch but stranger things have happened."

Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha believes this group of Liverpool players will be determined to win the title this season after what happened five years ago. The Reds comfortably won their first league championship in 30 years under Jurgen Klopp, but the season finished behind-closed-doors due to the Covid pandemic.

Onuoha told BBC Radio 5 Live on Sunday: "Looking at Liverpool in recent years with the points tallies that they have had, they have still only won one Premier League title, and it was behind closed doors. The players know the value of winning a title when things are back to normal. The desire and hunger to do that is there."

Another former City player, Joe Hart, told the same radio station: "I'm not having the idea that Arne Slot just inherited a good squad and has done alright. He has done brilliantly. He has improved players and made already very good players even better, and he has kept them mentally happy."