Alan Shearer: What Antonio Conte will want from Chelsea in Man City clash

Alan Shearer says Antonio Conte will be hoping for a reaction from his Chelsea players when Manchester City make the trip to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

The Blues are seven points clear of second-placed Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League title race after the west London side suffered a surprise defeat at the weekend.

Crystal Palace duo Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke cancelled out Cesc Fabregas’s opener to seal three points for Sam Allardyce’s struggling Eagles side.

Chelsea have still only lost two of their last 23 games in the Premier League to leave Conte’s side with their comfortable cushion at the top of the table.

However, Manchester City could subject Chelsea to successive Premier League defeats if Pep Guardiola’s side can secure three points at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

Speaking to BBC Sport about Chelsea’s home clash against Manchester City mid-week, former England and Newcastle striker Shearer appeared to back the Premier League leaders to beat the Citizens.

“Blues boss Antonio Conte will want a reaction from his side when they play Manchester City on Wednesday and there is probably no better opposition for them to go out and show everyone that they are back on track,” Shearer said.

“It is a huge game for City as well, but not in terms of them catching the leaders – I would be amazed if Pep Guardiola’s side won the title now.

“I don’t think City’s top-four place is in serious danger despite three successive draws but, because of how much they have spent and who their manager is, they simply have to qualify for next season’s Champions League. They cannot really afford to lose.”