Cahill calls on Chelsea to seize title initiative

KINGSTON UPON HULL (United Kingdom): Gary Cahill believes Chelsea will take a major step towards winning the Premier League title if they can secure victory at Hull on Sunday.

Jose Mourinho's side head into the latest round of matches with a commanding six-point lead at the top of the table, having played a game less than their main rivals.

Their Champions League exit at the hands of Paris Saint Germain means Chelsea's focus is trained solely on the domestic championship as they attempt to add to their success in the League Cup earlier this season.

Mourinho believes the lack of European action will ensure his side are not affected by fatigue during the closing weeks of the season, and England centre-back Cahill agrees this should boost the club's hopes of claiming a first English title since 2010.

"Of course we're disappointed to go out of the Champions League, we wanted to go all the way i n the competition. Unfortunately it wasn't to be and we can't go back in time, so we switch our minds now with 10 games to play and a huge prize at the end of it," Cahill said.

"We have a bit of a luxury in that we can prepare for a full week for most games now, and train as a group more than we usually can do. Hopefully that can benefit us as well."

The Blues faltered last weekend when they were held at home by Southampton, but a shock defeat for second-placed Manchester City at Burnley meant the London club still managed to strengthen their position at the top.

And with the international break to come, three points this weekend will provide more breathing space as the countdown to the end of the season continues.

"The title is in our hands," Cahill said. - AFP