Former Chelsea star Graeme Le Saux says he believes his old side will miss out on the top four.

The Blues won the Premier League last season, with Antonio Conte’s side lifting the trophy in record winning fashion having won 30 of their 38 top flight games.

The Italian’s second season in charge at Stamford Bridge has not been such plain sailing however.

Chelsea currently sit in fifth place in the Premier League, two points behind fourth placed Tottenham Hotspur and 22 behind league leaders Manchester City, who they face this afternoon at The Etihad Stadium.

And speaking ahead of Chelsea’s trip to City, former Blue Graeme Le Saux says he thinks his old side finishing within the top four come the end of the season is a goal now out of reach.

“Looking at the form guide you would say Chelsea won’t finish in the top four, while Arsenal now obviously look out of the running completely,” Le Saux said.

“Clearly Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham are all in better form however there are some big top of the table clashes over the coming weeks that could have a big impact on the standings, although you don’t want to be relying on other people’s results to get you there.

“If by the end of the season Chelsea have not won anything or made the top six then of course that will be seen as a very poor season given what they achieved last year, but the reality is that competition between the top six is huge.

“Teams like Liverpool and Spurs have really improved this year and that has put a lot more pressure on Chelsea and Arsenal.”