Against Liverpool, Chelsea face acid test of EPL hopes

London/Madrid

BOASTING arguably the best player in the English Premier League (EPL) in Eden Hazard and an unbeaten start under new coach Maurizio Sarri, Chelsea have emerged as surprise challengers for the title ahead of their meeting with leaders Liverpool on Saturday (Sunday, 12.30am kick-off, Singapore time).

In a chaotic summer for the Blues (Chelsea's nickname), Sarri was only officially announced as Antonio Conte's successor a month before the new season got underway, Fifa's goalkeeper of the year Thibaut Courtois went AWOL to force a move to Real Madrid and Hazard also expressed interest in a move to the Spanish giants.

Yet, rather than fall further behind after finishing sixth and 30 points adrift of Manchester City last season, Chelsea have stolen a march on Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal…