Everton captain Phil Neville expects Manchester United and Chelsea to battle it out for the title this season.

But the former Old Trafford defender believes the top team could lift the crown by losing as many as six matches.

"It is a funny league this season with everyone beating each other" he told BBC Radio Manchester ahead of the meeting between United and Everton tomorrow.

"We have had a horrendous start but are only three or four points off fifth place.

"It could be one of those years where you can afford to lose six games and win the title. It is going to be open.

"Liverpool have a mountain to climb while Arsenal are playing good football but you still think they will slip up now and again. The top two are obviously Manchester United and Chelsea."

Neville has all but ruled out making his comeback from a serious knee injury on his old stomping ground.

He said: "It was nine weeks ago on Sunday when the surgeon told me I would be out for 12 weeks.

"Then I looked at the calendar and saw it was 10 weeks until United and felt it was fate calling. I thought that would be my comeback game.

"But as the time has got closer and closer... you have still got to overcome so many obstacles.

"I have managed to start running, kick a ball, twist and turn. But if you are not tackling four days before a Manchester United game it is going to be a miracle for me to play on Saturday. But you never say never."