ESPN pundit says Chelsea can win the Premier League title

ESPN pundit Ian Darke believes Chelsea are dark horses for the Premier League title after shoring up their defence.

The west London giants made seven major signings this summer and that included the likes of Thiago Silva, Ben Chilwell and Edouard Mendy, who have bolstered the backline.

The Blues had an uncertain start to the season as they were leaking plenty of goals, but there has been a vast improvement with five clean sheets from their previous six games.

Speaking on the ESPN FC show, Darke believes the Blues will be up there in the title hunt, particularly if they can keep Silva fit over the course of the campaign.

"I think they're strong dark horses the way things are shaping. The big question was could they mend their leaky defence?" He told.

"It looks like they can, because Mendy's looked solid since he's come into play in goal and Thiago Silva's a terrific leader and all class at the back.

"So I think if they can keep Thiago Silva fit, with the attacking talent they've got as well, they've got as good a chance as anybody."

The Blues are presently fifth on the league table with 15 points, just three behind Leicester City, who are presently the undisputed leaders.

They are scheduled to face Newcastle United on the road when they return to Premier League action following the international break.