Listen to the full interview with John above via the podcast 

Who would have expected Liverpool to be genuine title contenders this season? Not many perhaps.

But there is no question that the Reds are capable of surprising everyone by the end of this season and claiming a first league trophy in 24 years.

John Giles did not expect Liverpool to challenge at the start of the season but he has been hugely impressed by the progress made by Brendan Rodgers.

"I didn't think they would genuine contenders earlier on in the season but they've proved me wrong. I think they are serious contenders now," said John.

But he also believes that qualifying for the Champions League will have even longer-term consequences.

"Rodgers is definitely going in the right direction. And in the summer, especially if they qualify for the Champions League, then he gets the resources to improve the side again and build from a position of strength. That's what the good managers do." 

Arsene Wenger is approaching 1000 games for Arsenal and his team faces Chelsea this weekend. Win that game and the Gunners will be among the favourites for the title. Giles feels that Arsenal "deserve" to be in the position that they find themselves in and sees them as "contenders". But ultimately he expects them to fall short.

Against Olympiakos, John felt Ryan Giggs gave Man United something that the likes of Tom Cleverley cannot offer in the same position and also believes that Wayne Rooney was "excellent".

John also gave his view on Louis Van Gaal who is angling for a move to the Premier League and explained why he thinks Chelsea will be dangerous in the Champions League and Premier League.