Steve McManaman predicts where Chelsea will finish this season
Steve McManaman says Chelsea are unlikely to win the Premier League title this season
Steve McManaman has ruled Chelsea out of the Premier League title race in the wake of their 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The Blues slumped to a disappointing defeat at Selhurst Park as they crashed to their second successive loss in the Premier League to leave them in fifth place and nine points behind leaders Manchester City after eight games.
Antonio Conte had been hoping to lead his side to the Premier League title once again after having lifted the trophy last season.
However, it now looks like they are set to face a serious uphill struggle in trying to catch early leaders Manchester City.
And former Liverpool star McManaman believes that their lack of attacking options means that they’re unlikely to be able to win the title this term.
Speaking on BT Sport’s Premier League Tonight show on Saturday, McManaman said: “Chelsea are really short up front. It’s a huge problem for the champions.
“When you’re missing a couple of players, Morata, Kante, you would never think Chelsea, you would never, ever have thought that Chelsea have left themselves short.
“I’m absolutely amazed that a couple of injuries in and they look like a ghost side of where they were last year.
“They were big and strong and powerful last year, they’re not (now).
“I would say it’s over (the title), I didn’t fancy them to win the league anyway from the end of the transfer window.
“I don’t think anybody chose them (as their favourites).”
Chelsea return to Champions League action on Wednesday night with a crunch clash against Italian side Roma at Stamford Bridge.
The west London side have made a strong start to the new season in the Champions League after having won both of their opening two games against Qarabag and Atletico Madrid.
The Blues then return to Premier League action next weekend with a home clash against Watford at Stamford Bridge.
