Rafa Benitez believes it could take fewer points to win this year's Barclays Premier League than in recent seasons.

The champions have averaged more than 90 points over the last five seasons, but with at least one of the big four seemingly dropping points every week, Benitez thinks there could be more room for error this time around.
 
The Spaniard argues that the English league is more competitive than ever thanks to evermore savvy managers.
 
He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "You can clearly see that there is not much of a points difference between a lot of teams. That means everyone can beat everyone.
 
"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."
 
Chelsea amassed the largest points total of the last five years when they earned 95 in 2004-05. Last season, Manchester United won the title with 87 points - the lowest tally since 2002-03.

source: Liverpoolfc.tv