West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has surmised that Liverpool are still the dark horses in the Premier League title race, ahead of visit of Manchester United to Upton Park on Saturday.

Liverpool have been written off in many corners despite entering the season among the title favourites to steal United's crown and end their 19-year baron spell without a league championship.

Rafa Benitez's have already lost five times in the league this term, and sit 13 points behind current leaders Chelsea, but Zola reckons the Reds have been written off prematurely, and that they can get back into the title hunt yet.

"Chelsea and Manchester United look the more reliable but I still fancy Liverpool getting into the mix," he told the Daily Telegraph.

"Arsenal, as well, have potential though when they miss players like Robin van Persie they have a problem.

"In the Premier League we tend to look at the moment but this season in particular things can change a lot."

West Ham welcome United considerably under strength. Carlton Cole will not play again this year after sustaining an ankle injury last weekend, whilst pivotal defender Matthew Upson is also absent.

Valon Behrami and Luis Jimenez are also missing, and Zola knows that his side will have to be at their best in order take anything at all from the clash.

"In games like these, they have been very close, but as soon as you drop your concentration they punish you.

"Against these teams you have to be at the top or the mistakes you make will be punished."