EPL: Essien predicts Chelsea’s season, speaks on Hazard

Former Chelsea midfielder, Michael Essien has predicted that the club can win the Premier League title this season.

The 35-year-old is also hoping that forward, Eden Hazard, would remain at Stamford Bridge and continues his impressive form.

Hazard was tipped to leave the West London club during the transfer window in the summer, with Real Madrid said to be interested, after admitting in July that he was tempted to try “something different”.

The Belgium international later said he was happy to stay at the club.

The 27-year-old has been exceptional under new manager, Maurizio Sarri this campaign, scoring seven goals in eight Premier League appearances and netting a stunning strike in their Carabao Cup winner against Liverpool.

Hazard has just one year left in his contract when the post-season transfer window opens in 2019, but Essien, who won eight major trophies with the Blues, is hopeful over his future.

“It’s been good. Chelsea have had a very good start,” Essien told Omnisport.

“They are playing very good football at the moment, winning games. Fingers crossed that will continue to the end.

“They can win the title. The Premier League is there to be won, so fingers crossed.”

Speaking on Hazard, Essien said, “First of all, it’s still good to have Hazard with us, he’s such a good footballer.

“He had a very fantastic World Cup and he came back and he’s been doing very well at the moment.

“Hopefully, he will carry the team until the end [of the season] and we will see. When you’re playing well, the big clubs will start coming. As I know, he’s happy at Chelsea so, hopefully, he can stay as long as he can.”