Fourteen games in is a nice sample size for any 38-game league to measure its top contenders. And this is exactly what has happened in the Premier League.

Granted, in many ways this is the most wide open race in years, with a number of scintillating storylines. Here are some of the interesting stories in the EPL over a third into the season.

Can Chelsea remain undefeated?

Here's a nice number if you are a Blues fan: 11-3-0. That's right. Jose Mourinho and company have yet to lose a game. And of their 14, they have picked up three points in 11. That's good for 36 points and the top spot in the league. And it is worth noting that the Blues have accumulated points against top sides including Manchester City and Manchester United on the road (both 1-1 draws)! This looks like a team of destiny at the moment and the additions of Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa are making Mourinho live up to the moniker of "Special One."

The team does have a few interesting matchupes to deal with still, including an away game at Southampton.

Speaking of which...

Can Southampton and West Ham United remain in the race?

Over the last few years, the race for the top four in the EPL has generally included the following teams: Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal. Obviously, there are a few variations here and there but these four sides were always the cream of the league.

They still are in many respects, but who saw Southampton staying in the race this long? And what of West Ham, which is just two points out of third place.

Southampton remarkably has shown some sustainable play with the best defensive record in the league (only 10 goals allowed) while West Ham 23 goals scored are among the top ranked in the league.

Of course there are still 24 games to go and a lot can still change between now and May.

Liverpool, Everton and Tottenham back to mediocrity?

Last year it was Liverpool and Everton who turned some heads with convincing campaigns in the EPL. A year earlier Gareth Bale helped Tottenham to a top-five finish. This year none of these teams are in contention. Liverpool and Tottenham have 20 points and are five points out of a top four finish. Everton sits in 11th with 18 points.

At this point none of these teams looks primed to compete, but whether or not they can even aspire to European competitions next year remains dubious at best.

Is it a two-horse race?

Despite the middle of the pack being rather unique and interesting, this looks primed to be a two-horse race yet again. Chelsea has 36 points while Manchester City is six points back. After that, there is a four-point gap with Southampton, who as noted, will probably see some more points dropped as the season wears on.

That leaves a mediocre Manchester United and an unsteady Arsenal side as the closest to a sure bet to compete, neither of which is believably in the race at this point.

So what it really comes down to is the following: will Chelsea outlast Manchester over the long haul? Or will the Blues lose some points and watch the Sergio Aguero-led side surge back to the top? It will be an interesting race for sure.