Chelsea will go further than Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham in Champions League, says Frank Lampard :-: Metro
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Chelsea legend Frank Lampard believes his former club’s starting XI can rival any team in Europe and says the Blues have the best chance of any English side to win the competition this season.
Antonio Conte’s side will be looking to continue their 100% start to the group stages when they host Roma at Stamford Bridge tonight.
Chelsea’s 2-1 win against Atletico Madrid last time out was their best performance of the season so far but the Blues already trail Manchester City by nine points after eight games.
However, Lampard believes falling behind in the title race could actually help Chelsea and says the Blues can match anyone.
‘Manchester City and Manchester United have both got really strong squads but Chelsea’s first XI can rival anybody,’ Lampard told BT Sport.
‘Manchester City are playing incredibly at the moment, as we all know.
‘But I think the way Chelsea set up to go away in Europe and get results, which you have to do, especially in the latter stages – they have a really strong, organised team that can go and do the job like they did at Atletico.
‘If they lose crucial players it will be tougher. But I do believe if they have a fit squad, they have a great chance of going as far in Europe as any of the English teams.’
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With Chelsea already lagging behind in the title race, Lampard believes the club’s focus will increasingly turn towards the Champions League.
‘It might be a focus at the end of the season if the title is out of reach,’ said Lampard.
‘To consolidate league-wise and concentrate on getting top four, which is massive for Chelsea obviously, and maybe have a real run at the Champions League.’
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