London, Aug 7 (IANS): English football club Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said his team is ready to fight for the Premier League title but conceded that Chelsea remain the favourites to retain the crown.

The 'Gunners' finished third in the table last season.

Wenger believes Jose Mourinho's Chelsea should be considered as title favourites and has called on his side to make a strong start to the campaign to ensure they are in a position to push the 'Blues' all the way.

"Chelsea won it by a margin last year so they must be favourites. We are ready to fight for the championship. We missed our start to the season last year, let's try to start strong. But we have a difficult start with two derbies and Liverpool in our first three games," Wenger was quoted as saying by goal.com on Thursday.

"We enjoy the pressure of being talked of as title winners. Before, no one talked about us like that! We're past that period."

The manager also confirmed that Alexis Sanchez is not ready to be considered for selection but suggests he will be fit in time to feature against Liverpool in their third game of the season on August 24. "He came back in good shape and should be available to play in 10 days."