 IF the Premiership D-Day arrives any earlier, they'll soon be crowning the new champions in August. According to the pre-match billing, the chances of Liverpool launching a title bid are wholly dependent on avoiding defeat to Chelsea on Sunday. While the trip to Stamford Bridge unquestionably qualifies as critical, Rafa Benitez dismisses any notion it will be decisive to his side's Premiership aspirations. The Liverpool boss believes the recent trend of runaway champions reaching the finishing line with barely a loss to their name is under serious threat in the months to come. He's seen enough already to convince him all the top clubs face a sterner challenge, with the early shocks suffered by Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal underlining his argument. "I'm surprised so many people are saying if we lose, the title will be impossible," said Benitez. "I know if that happens, people will say we have no chance, and if we win they'll say we are in a race. It's still too early for this. "Last year we won one of the first six league games but finished the season with 82 points and came third. This time, I wouldn't be surprised if a team with 75 points finished first. "The Premiership is much stronger this year and a lot of club have improved. All the top clubs may have more problems. "Last season Chelsea won many games, but I don't think it will be so easy for anyone this time. More teams will beat each other, and already some of the top teams are having difficulties at the start of the season. "I promise you I am not looking at the table now, after just three games. The time to analyse the table is in another two months, and then you will see how the team is progressing." The echoes of Liverpool's opening sequence a year ago make them vulnerable to the description 'slow starters'. A demanding early fixture list isn't especially attractive to a club still trying to gel after the introduction of half a dozen new faces. But Benitez is hopeful the prospect of another clash with Jose Mourinho's side will have a positive influence, particularly as Liverpool have already beaten them once this season. | 
HAVE your say on our Reds Messageboard - click 
RSS News Feed