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Gianfranco Zola reckons Chelsea winning the Premier League this season would be a ‘bigger achievement’ than claiming the Champions League last year.

The reigning Kings of Europe lie four points clear of Manchester duo City and United at the top of the domestic table after a sensational start to the new campaign.

Following the midweek 2-1 defeat on the continent to Shakhtar Donetsk, unbeaten Chelsea face the acid test of their early season title credentials when they host Sir Alex Ferguson’s men.

But club legend Zola believes boss Roberto di Matteo can guide the Blues to three crucial points against their arch rivals at Stamford Bridge.

And the 46-year-old says his ex-Chelsea team-mate can follow up the Blues’ current title of Europe’s best by proving his side can also become all-conquering on the home front for the first time since 2010.

The Watford manager said: “I’d go for Chelsea to win on Sunday - and for them to win the title.

“They are firmly in the title race and up there with the favourites. Chelsea are a really good team, but their big test will come on Sunday.

“It will be a tough game against Manchester (United), but Chelsea are very dangerous.

“They won the Champions League last season, but winning the title back again would be a bigger achievement.”

(Image: Michael Regan / Getty)

Playmaker Zola dazzled for Chelsea between 1996-2003, scoring 80 goals in 312 club appearances following his £4.5million move from Parma.

Since then, the west London outfit went through a period of overpowering teams to win silverware.

But a shift in mentality this term has seen Chelsea revert to being pass masters.

That has been the foundation to 19 goals from eight matches with just two points dropped in that period.

And Italian Zola is enthused by the return of attacking football and flair to his former club in the form of star attacking trio Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Oscar.

Zola added: “When I was at the club we had a lot of top quality players so it’s absolutely great for the supporters that Chelsea are back to playing good football.

“They are a fantastic club and the fans deserve to watch and enjoy high quality football.

“They have won so much in the last ten years, but now they are looking for something different.

“It’s happening this year and I’m delighted for Chelsea and Roberto (di Matteo) who is doing a great job.

“I’ve been very impressed by their start to the season, the way they play and the type of football they are putting in on the pitch.

“It’s very exciting to watch Chelsea at the moment.

“They have a lot of quality up front and you can see that particularly in the performances of (Juan) Mata, (Edin) Hazard and Oscar.”

Meanwhile, John Obi Mikel has urged his Chelsea team-mates to avoid another devastating winter wobble.