"I don't believe the gap between Chelsea and us is as big as the Premiership table shows," said Benitez.
"We have played fewer games than everyone else and we have shown we are improving. We're also going to be closer to Arsenal and Manchester United. It's true we need to improve more, but we've shown we can beat the top teams.
"A lot of people are talking about the games we've drawn, but last year we lost those games. I'd prefer to think positively because our results show we are stronger. We must have confidence in ourselves.
"Chelsea have won all their league games so far, but the gap between us in points does not reflect the difference in the teams because we have played less games.
"We beat them last season and we're confident we can do so again. I'm preparing this game in the knowledge they're a better side than last year, but we are better, too."