Tim Sherwood: 'Liverpool benefit from no European football'

Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood has claimed that Liverpool's title challenge has been sustained due to their lack of involvement in European football.

The Reds finished seventh last season and failed to qualify for continental participation, and the Spurs boss believes that has been key to their Premier League charge this term.

Sherwood told reporters: "People say that if you have less games you have more chance of emulating Liverpool this year.

"The extra games this season have meant we've ended up playing 12 more games than Liverpool. They are challenging for the title because they didn't have the Europa League.

"It is certainly helps when you have a whole week to prepare for games."

Liverpool are currently top of the division, and victory in their remaining four games will see them crowned as champions for the first time since 1990.