Former Chelsea midfielder Deco has claimed that the Blues can dust off the early-season cobwebs and still successfully defend their Premier League title this season.

Jose Mourinho's side sit 15th in the table, 11 points behind co-leaders Manchester City and Arsenal after losing five of their first 10 league outings.

Nevertheless, Deco, who helped Mourinho to Champions League glory with Porto in 2004, says that his former manager can turn things around in West London.

"In my opinion, the Premier League is stronger than in the past few years," he told BBC Sport. "It is difficult. All the clubs have a lot of high-quality players. But the season is still long.

"I think Chelsea can still win the title. Of course, it is difficult when you are losing games. But I think a gap of nine or 10 points can still be closed in the Premier League."

The Blues host Liverpool on Saturday in a game where defeat could see the 52-year-old sacked by owner Roman Abramovich, according to reports.