Paul Ince has claimed that Liverpool "don't come close" to being genuine Premier League title contenders this season.
The Reds, who currently sit seventh in the table, host second-placed Manchester United in Saturday's early kickoff.
Liverpool have had a mixed start to the season, while the Red Devils have been the league's pace-setters and sit seven points ahead of Jurgen Klopp's charges.
"I think United have to prove they really are title contenders, but I actually think Jurgen Klopp has more to prove than Jose Mourinho," Ince told the Liverpool Echo.
"If Liverpool lose, could you really class them as title contenders? At the minute, I can't see it anyway. They're way behind United and City and if they drop three more points here, they're not going to make that gap up – no chance. It's a huge game for Liverpool.
"If you look at the two sides at the minute, everything considered, you have to say United are way ahead of Liverpool. Klopp hasn't found the right formula for his team yet and, after this length of time at the club, with the players he has, he really should have.
"Win or lose, United will still be challenging for the title. Liverpool don't come close."
Ince has played for both United and Liverpool during his career, making 206 appearances for the former and 65 for the latter.
Giuseppe Labellarte
