Last updated on .From the section Football

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes Liverpool are genuine title contenders because Brendan Rodgers's side can fully focus on the Premier League.

The Portuguese feels that the Reds's lack of European action could help them to a first championship in 24 years.

"They are not involved in the heat of the knock-out situation in the Champions League or even Europa League," Mourinho said.

"Quality, plus ambition and this advantage - so yes, (they could win)."

Did you know? If Liverpool are beaten by Oldham Athletic in the third round of the FA Cup in January, they may play only 41 matches this season - 38 in the Premier League, two in the Capital One Cup and one in the FA Cup. If Chelsea make the Champions League and FA Cup finals, they will play 60 matches this season - 38 Premier League, 13 in the Champions League, three in the Capital One Cup and six in the FA Cup.

Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal are all still in the Champions League, and Mourinho believes that Liverpool could end up playing 20 fewer games than some of their title challengers over the season.

"These players are going to play 60 matches. Liverpool will play 40 matches. It's a big difference," he continued.

"Liverpool are on holidays (for) one season - one week to prepare a match, play the match, one more week to prepare the next match. This is an advantage, an unbelievable advantage."

Chelsea face Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Sunday, with Luis Suarez making his first appearance against the West Londoners since serving a 10-match suspension for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic in April.

The Uruguay striker has netted 19 goals in 13 Premier League appearances this season, but Mourinho feels that the 26-year-old is not Liverpool's only threat.

"He didn't start the season, with suspension, and after that the numbers are fantastic," Mourinho said.

"When he came back, it was a big plus. But let's be fair - Liverpool did very well without him when he was suspended."