Houllier: We can win the Premiership

Gerard Houllier has laid down the gauntlet to Arsenal and Manchester United by declaring: "We can win the Premiership".

The Liverpool boss accepts the fans' expectations after finishing second last season, but insists his players can cope with the pressure.

And he believes they are more than capable of bringing the title back to Anfield.

He told the club's website: "We've increased expectation in the squad and with our fans that we can win the title, because when you finish fourth, then third, then second, everybody is looking for what comes next.

"But winning the Premiership will be a hallmark of our success and give us a launch pad for the Champions League.

"There's no doubt we can win the Premiership if we are injury-free. The players have a great belief in themselves.

"Our main rivals will be the usual suspects such as Arsenal and Manchester United, but I also tip West Ham to do well."