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Marko Marin believes Chelsea can win the Premier League and retain the Champions League

Image: Marko Marin: Confident Chelsea have the squad to win the Premier League and Champions League

Marko Marin declared Chelsea have the squad to win the Premier League and defend the Champions League.

Title credentials

Chelsea's Premier League title credentials face their first real test on Saturday when they travel to Arsenal. The Blues have cruised to the top of the table but have yet to face any of the top nine. Arsenal are also being touted as serious title contenders this season, having recovered well from the sale of Robin van Persie to Manchester United. Marin felt it was "difficult to say" if the Gunners were genuine rivals. "They have a good team but they lost Van Persie, who was the best scorer last season," added Marin. "I'm not sure they have played against a good team like us." Chelsea are likely to come up against Marin's Germany team-mate and fellow Premier League new boy Lukas Podolski, who has not taken long to settle in north London. "I know Lukas from the national team and at the beginning it was all new to him but now he is doing well and has scored a few goals," Marin said. "But we have a very good defence and Branislav [Ivanovic] will do very well at right-back. It will be hard for Lukas to play against him. "Of course I am very confident [Chelsea can keep him quiet]. "I know Branislav very well, he is one of the best defenders in the Premier League. I am not scared about this." Marin was one of three players handed their Chelsea debuts last night, with Azpilicueta starting at right-back and Lucas Piazon making his long-awaited bow. Brazilian playmaker Piazon had to wait even longer than Marin to play for the first team having joined the Blues back in January. The 18-year-old academy star revealed he only learnt he would be in the starting XI on Tuesday afternoon, telling Chelsea TV: "I was a bit nervous but, in the game, I was feeling okay." Manager Roberto Di Matteo made seven changes in all, including recalling Ryan Bertrand at left-back. The England international responded with his second goal of the season and said afterwards: "The year just keeps getting better for me so as long as I can keep it going I should be able to do good things. "We want to keep it going and hopefully repeat the success we had last year. "The manager is utilising the squad and rotating it very well, and he chooses the players who can be effective in every game."

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