Phil Neville has tipped Liverpool to be Chelsea's nearest challengers this season.
The Everton star, who produced a fine display in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United, believes that Rafa Benitez's men will pose a bigger threat than his former club.
Neville admitted that he would always have affection for United, but has been impressed by Liverpool's winning run.
"With Arsenal losing again and United dropping points to us, it looks as though Liverpool are the team in form and the ones who could catch Chelsea," he said.
"I am an Everton player now and I'm putting my heart and soul into them. But I was at United for 18 years and you don't lose that feeling in a hurry."
The Red Devils will be looking to bounce back with victory over a stuttering Wigan side on Wednesday, and Latics chairman Dave Whelan has given his backing to under-fire Sir Alex Ferguson.
Whelan revealed that Ferguson's future would not be an issue if he was in charge at Old Trafford rather than the Glazers.
"I could have been the man pondering Alex's future because, quite a long time ago now, I had the chance to own Manchester United," he explained.
"I would absolutely keep faith with Sir Alex because he has been superb for Manchester United, absolutely brilliant."