In what was described as a shocking prediction, former Chelsea manager, Rafa Benitez has tipped Chelsea to win the Premier League title this season.
Many have overlooked Maurizio Sarri’s men with Manchester City and Liverpool seen as favourites to clinch the title.
Manchester United, which has won one and lost one of their two opening matches, also stand above Chelsea in recent predictions of who will win the title.
Chelsea finished fifth under Antonio Conte last season.
Sarri has however taken over, leading Chelsea to two wins from their opening two matches, including a 3-2 win over Arsenal.
They face Benitez’s Newcastle on Sunday (4pm) with the Spaniard looking for his side’s first win of the season.
When asked if Chelsea can win the league this year, Express Sports quoted Benitez as saying, “I think so.
“Maybe at the moment, there are three teams that you could say that they are a little bit ahead of the others, for me – Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City – because of the level, the performances last year and the money they spent.
“Then Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal, they have to go back to things they were doing well. They have quality in the squad and they can compete, for sure.
“But if you have to pick three, I will pick these. They have enough quality to do well.”
