Liverpool's title credentials face Chelsea test

By Martyn Herman

LONDON (Reuters) - The growing belief that Liverpool are equipped to end their long wait for a Premier League title faces its sternest examination so far when they meet a flying Chelsea side at Stamford Bridge on Sunday (2:30 p.m.)

Chelsea are top on goal difference from Rafael Benitez's side, although the emphatic nature of their recent performances in the league contrasts sharply with Liverpool's.

Last weekend, Liverpool scrambled a 3-2 victory at home to Wigan Athletic after trailing twice while in their previous game they battled back from 2-0 down to beat Manchester City. Give Chelsea a lead and they are unlikely to hand out second chances.

Luiz Felipe Scolari has barely put a foot wrong since taking over at Stamford Bridge from the dour Avram Grant. The Brazilian sent a patched-up side out at Middlesbrough last weekend and they came home with a resounding 5-0 victory.

They have scored 19 goals and conceded just three in eight matches and where Jose Mourinho's title-winning teams were powerful and attritional, Scolari's version is playing with a swagger and no little panache.

Benitez has been criticised in the past for a poor Premier League points return against the big three of Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal, although this season's 2-1 defeat of United at Anfield was thoroughly deserved.

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The Spaniard twice got the better of Mourinho's Chelsea in the Champions League but last season the sides met five times, including another two-legged European semi-final, and Liverpool failed to record a victory.