The Blues proved that they were Premier League champions-elect when romping to a goalless draw at home to Newcastle, a result which has sent shockwaves through the rest of the division. This result is likely to start another 86-match unbeaten run, and according to one of their players, only Manchester United can stop them from world domination.

Michael Ballack has proven that he likes to add his tuppence worth into any debate, with The Times reporting that he sees only Chelsea and Manchester United as viable contenders for the Premier League this season. While the German respects Liverpool, he clearly does not see them as a threat, despite the Reds winning at Stamford Bridge in the league a few weeks ago.

“It’s always the big four that everyone speaks about, but it’s still about Chelsea and Man U,” Ballack said. “Arsenal are already behind, which makes it very difficult for them. Liverpool are very good at this moment, but they are always a club for the Champions League, partly because they can put all their focus on one or two matches. But when you look at results and squads over the past couple of seasons, I think us and Man U are just a little bit stronger.”

Perhaps Chelsea will go up a gear or two when Didier Drogba returns from suspension and starts behaving himself, although Liverpool fans must be slightly confident that they can finish ahead of Manchester United this season at the very least. After all, they are eight points clear of the champions, with the latter not exactly firing on all cylinders at the moment.

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