[Mighty T.A.L.]

O'Neill tips Reds title tilt

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill believes the current Liverpool squad is good enough to win the title.

O'Neill's troops take on Liverpool this Sunday with The Reds well out of the championship race after a mixed season domestically.

The former Celtic boss expected Liverpool to mount a stronger title tilt this term, but he believes they are not far off from finally ending their Premiership duck.

"I think you look at the start of next season and, with the squad Liverpool have, and if they get their away form right immediately, they can win the title," said O'Neill.

"Manchester United and Chelsea are fine sides and have been consistently good but I don't think Liverpool are as far away from winning the Championship as some might mention.

"It is not going to happen this season but they have brought in a lot of players and it takes time for them to gel.

"They have strengthened their squad considerably and, having had a couple of years to look at Manchester United and Chelsea, they have realised what it takes.

"They didn't win away for a while this season, and that was a bit of frustration for them, but they got it right now and are a formidable team."

O'Neill also revealed he is under no pressure from owner Randy Lerner despite their poor run of form.

Villa have only won two of their 17 games, but O'Neill insists Lerner is aware why the side are struggling.

"Randy has realised the situation. He has been involved in American football and he is well aware about the facet of winning and losing and how difficult it is," added O'Neill.

"It is not as if he was coming in here thinking `you get a couple of players in and we can go from being not so clever to being absolutely brilliant overnight'.

"Not at all. He is aware of how difficult it is and I think that is half the excitement about things for him."

Source: Skysports