Rafa - Standard has increased

Anfield manager expects low points haul for champions

Last updated: 13th January 2009

Rafa - Standard has increased

Benitez: Expects tough title race

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Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez believes the standard of competition has increased in the Premier League and that the title will be won with fewer points this season.

Manchester United lifted their second successive title with a total of 87 points in 2007/08 and Benitez does not expect that figure to be beaten.

The Reds manager - who saw his side held to a stalemate at struggling Stoke on Saturday - feels that all sides in the top flight have raised their game, making life more difficult.

"There is not much of a points difference between a lot of teams. That means everyone can beat everyone," Benitez told the club's official website.

"The managers are working better and the players understand the game more. Players know how to play against you in every game. That makes it more difficult.

"It could be that it takes fewer points to win the title because you can lose games you expect to win. This could be the situation at the end of the season."