Too early to call Chelsea title favourites, warns Conte

Chelsea are in a nine-game winning streak at the moment after beating title rivals Manchester City 1-3 away last time out, and are on top of the Premier League table with three points’ margin to Arsenal just below them.

The impressive form is not enough for the Blues manager Antonio Conte to label his side as this season’s title favourites, as he states that there’s still a lot to go in the campaign with just 14 games played so far.

Chelsea face an in-form West Bromwich side on Sunday, and Conte warns his players to be focused despite them being the likely winners of the fixture, Reuters reports.

It’s difficult to accept this (being favourites) because I think we played only 14 games, we must finish the first part of the season and then we still have the second part.

We started as underdogs this season but it’s normal when you are playing good football and winning games. It’s important after this win we don’t lose our hunger.

Sunday is the type of game we will find difficult if we don’t have the same focus as in previous matches. We’ve worked very well this week and I’m waiting on a good performance from my players.

Against Manchester City Conte had to make an unexpected change in the line-up as Nemanja Matic was ruled out due to a muscular injury. Cesc Fabregas made only his second start of the season as he replaced the Serbian, but played a fantastic game and assisted Diego Costa’s equalizer.

Conte states how it’s important to have competition for each position between the team’s players, as Matic is reportedly fit to make a return on Sunday.

Cesc played a good game against City and took his opportunity.

Now for the next game I have a choice of four midfielders – (N’golo) Kante, Matic, Fabregas and (Nathaniel) Chalobah – and I have to take the best decision for the team.

It’s very important that we have good competition. If I have to put out the same line-up it’s not good.

Brazil international Oscar is ruled out due to illness, while John Terry, Diego Costa and Pedro are also doubtful ahead of the game.

Tags push
Chelsea News