Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has expressed his belief that his side's starting XI can compete with any other team in the league.
The Reds currently top the table but remain fourth favourites behind Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal to win their first ever Premier League crown.
The Merseyside club face a true test of their title credentials when they face Manchester City away on Boxing Day before a trip to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea three days later, but Johnson believes that their recent 5-0 win away to Tottenham Hotspur proves that they can compete in such games.
The England international acknowledged that having a strong squad was important to maintain a serious title challenge, but he believes that Liverpool aren't far behind in that respect either.
"We take each game as it comes but if we can go to White Hart Lane and perform like we did there is no reason why we can't win these games. In terms of the starting XI I think we can compete. It is just getting it right on the day and everyone performing to the best we can. If we can do that we can cause anyone problems, it doesn't matter how much money they spend," Johnson told PA.
"We all know we need much more than our starting XI, I think we have some great players around the squad that know that. With some clubs anyone who is not starting may get the hump, not train well and throw their toys out a bit, whereas we have got good lads and good professionals around who people realise they have to wait their turn.
"But we have been using a few different formations so it gives a few people an opportunity to play and because everyone knows they are on the verge of playing it keeps the squad tighter together rather than having the same XI every single week."
Liverpool are currently on a four-match winning streak, scoring 17 goals and conceding just three in that time.
Barney Corkhill
