“I haven’t changed my mind on them” - Alan Shearer predicts where Chelsea could finish in the Premier League this season
Football pundit Alan Shearer has insisted that Chelsea are not in the Premier League title race this season. He believes the Blues will finish between fourth and eighth and not higher.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer admitted that Enzo Maresca had done a good job at Stamford Bridge. However, he does not think the manager can make them title contenders this season, saying:
"I think he's doing a good job Maresca because he's fighting a lot of fires there at Chelsea in terms of the size of the squad. There's no doubt that they would have taken fourth after seven games. I don't expect them to challenge for the title. I haven't changed my mind on them. They could finish anywhere between fourth and eighth."
The Blues have lost just once this season but have dropped points at home to Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest. They are fourth in the table – four points behind leaders Liverpool and three behind Manchester City and Arsenal.
Chelsea can challenge for the Premier League title, claims Pundit
Jamie O'Hara has predicted the exact opposite of Alan Shearer, stating Chelsea were in the title race. He believes that the Blues are capable of going all the way because of their attacking prowess. He said on talkSPORT:
"Chelsea look good. Cole Palmer is an absolute joy to watch, every time he gets the ball something happens. Chelsea are the real deal. I don't care what anyone says. Everyone was digging them out at the start of the season for what they were doing and how they were treating players. It looks like they've got it right. What a squad they've got. I'm telling you, they can fight for the title. They are that good.
"The one issue they have is Robert Sanchez and the back four. But going forward they are frightening."
Another football pundit, Jason Cundy was also on the show and dismissed the Blues' chances of fighting for the title. He believes his former side can finish third but not higher. He said:
"Top four, absolutely, maybe third. To get past Arsenal, who are way down the line than we are, and City too is too much. We've got a chance of getting in the top four, that's our battle. We are not quite ready to win it yet."
The Blues face Liverpool after the international break and then take on Newcastle United, Manchester United and Arsenal in their next three league games.