Maurizio Sarri has dismissed Chelsea’s chances of winning the title this season and believes it will be a straight fight between Manchester City and Liverpool.

The new Chelsea coach has won his first four League games – a feat the club have done six times before in the Premier League and only once have they failed to go on to finish top.

But Sarri doesn’t believe Chelsea, as well as Tottenham, Manchester United and Arsenal, are good enough to compete with the other two clubs.

When asked about who are the contenders for the trophy this term, he said: “At the moment, I can answer City or Liverpool.

“We need another step, I think, to be at the same level. I think so (that this season is too soon for Chelsea), but I hope not.

“It's very difficult to close a gap of 30 points (the amount Chelsea finished behind champions Manchester City in May) at the beginning of the season.

“To close that gap in only one season is very difficult. But I think also we need to improve and we can improve.

“My feeling is now we are not a very solid team in the defensive phase. My feeling during training is this team can improve.”

Chelsea take on Cardiff City on Saturday with the news that midfielder Cesc Fabregas could be on the bench after recovering from a knee problem.

But he revealed that Ruben Loftus-Cheek (tibia), plus Emerson and Davide Zappacosta (both virus) are doubts.

Cardiff have yet to win a game in the top flight, but the Italian is not taking victory over the Welsh club for granted.

He added: “I think tomorrow will be a very difficult game because, mentally, the match after the international break is always very difficult. We will play against a very physical team.

“So I think that, if we want to gain points, we need a very good performance tomorrow. It's a difficult game for everybody to play against Cardiff, I think.

“It's very important for us to clear every ball, to play, to have a good distribution and good positions in the offensive phase, and to avoid counter-attacks. So, against a very physical team, a very aggressive side, I think it will be a very difficult test for us.”