Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are not defensively sound enough, says Sam Allardyce. (Getty Images)

Sam Allardyce believes Liverpool’s inability to defend set-pieces will hinder their title chances and backs Manchester United to win the Premier League this season.

Jose Mourinho’s side are currently top of the table with three wins from three, while Klopp’s men have picked up consecutive victories after drawing against Watford on the opening weekend of the campaign.

Liverpool headed into the international break off the back of a 4-0 win over Arsenal, and while Allardyce has praised their attacking output, he believes the team’s inconsistencies in defence will cost them vital points in the title race.

‘My only concern about Jurgen Klopp’s side is, defensively, are they sound enough to win the Premier League?’ Allardyce told talkSPORT.

Liverpool were held by Watford on the opening weekend of the season. (Getty Images)

‘Certainly from a possession, attacking and flair point of view, they have got it all. They have got goals and great energy. But set-pieces against seem to be a big problem for them.

‘No matter how well they play against the opposition they switch off on a set-piece and that could end up costing them a lot of points.

‘The game is played two ways: one is played in possession and one is played out of it. You have got to be masters of both of those if you are going to win the Premier League.

‘The Premier League is generally won – certainly over the last ten,15 years – by the team with the best defensive record.’

Mourinho has guided Manchester United to three straight wins. (Getty Images)

Allardyce also believes Mourinho’s experience will play a huge role in United’s bid to win the title.

‘Jose has done it before and he has done it many different countries. He knows how to do it,’ said Allardyce.

‘He knows when and where to change his tactics, to change how the team plays. You have seem it many times.

‘He started he process of being a Jose team last year when they were a whisker away from being a lot better than they finished.

‘There were too many draws and not enough wins and it looks like he has cured their problem – they didn’t score enough goals and their goal record and attack is far better now.’

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