Former Blue Asmir Begovic has insisted that Chelsea are still in the title race this season, and will catch up with leaders Manchester City in time.

Chelsea sit nine points behind City in 4th place, and the Sky Blues look as if they are going to run away with the league if things remain the same. But Begovic, whose Bournemouth side host Chelsea this weekend, says the Blues are most certainly not to be counted out of the race, and expects them to reduce the deficit in time.

Begovic won the Premier League with Chelsea last season, but left the club to join Bournemouth for £10m and play more regular football. Speaking in an interview before the clash with his former side, the Bosnian international said:

“They are a great team and we know we are in for a huge test against them.

“It is a game we are looking forward to, especially following the Stoke win [the 2-1 win at the Bet 365 Stadium last Saturday, Bournemouth’s first away win of the season]. We needed that and it will give us confidence.

“We will go into the Chelsea game with nothing to lose and give it our best.

“It is a long season and there are still almost 30 games left.

“Manchester City are flying at the moment but so many things can happen.

“You can have injuries, suspensions and a loss of form. I wouldn’t rule out Chelsea just yet.”

Bournemouth are struggling so far this season and their recent results against Chelsea especially have been rather poor – losing their last three Premier League matches against them and conceding 10 goals.
[Quote via Bournemouth Echo]