Gary Neville reckons Liverpool have a "fantastic chance" of making the top four of the Premier League this season but are not title contenders.
Brendan Rodgers' side have suffered just two defeats in the Premier League this season, to Southampton and Arsenal, and are in second place behind the Gunners going into this weekend's fixtures.
Much of their good form can be attributed to the striking partnership of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, who have both netted nine goals in the league, but Neville believes the lack of European games has also helped.
He told Sky Sports: "Obviously there's the front two, they're a threat in every single game and I think that they've benefited from good performances by Jordan Henderson and Steven Gerrard. They've got players who are rested.
"They're not in European competition, which has given them the opportunity week-to-week to be able to plan for matches, but generally as well there's been a gentle progression from last season and a manager in his second season moving forward, who's had time to work on his squad and his beliefs.
Liverpool's highest finish in the Premier League era was in 2008-09 when they finished second. That was also the last time they qualified for the Champions League, and Neville believes getting back into Europe's premier competition should be their aim for this season.
He said: "Liverpool are certainly top-four contenders, but I don't think they'll win the title - I don't think they'll be able to progress that much this season but I think they've got a fantastic chance of getting towards that top four.
!If you think about where they were last year and the fact that they struggled to compete for a Champions League space that would be progression for Liverpool this season.
Liverpool face Hull, West Ham and Norwich in their next three games but take on the likes of Tottenham, Manchester City and Chelsea over the festive period, which Neville believes will be key.
He said: "I think this Christmas period is critical. You always say it but I think it really is this season.
"I think what we're going to see with Liverpool in particular is they've got two or three games which we say on paper they could win but then up to New Year's Day they've got some real tough fixtures including City, Chelsea and Tottenham away.
"If they come out the other side of those fixtures, which is probably about the half-way point of the season, and they're still really in contention for those Champions League spaces and a few points off the top of the league, they can be a lot more confident about how their season is going to go."
To hear Gary's views in full make sure you watch the video above and don't miss Hull v Liverpool live on Sky Sports 1 from 1pm on Sunday
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