Tottenham Hotspur head coach Antonio Conte has told Football.London that he considers Graham Potter’s Chelsea and Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United genuine challengers for the Premier League top four this season.
Conte has said that despite Chelsea not having the best of seasons, the Blues could still make a late challenge for the UEFA Champions League places in the Premier League table this season.
The former Chelsea boss has also outlined the threat posed by Newcastle.
Conte made the comments after Tottenham beat Nottingham Forest at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday.
Spurs are now fourth in the Premier League table with 48 points from 27 matches.
Liverpool are fifth with 42 points from 26 games.
Newcastle are in sixth place now.
Eddie Howe’s side have collected 41 points from 24 matches.
Chelsea are way down in 10th with 37 points from 26 games.
Antonio Conte on Chelsea and Newcastle United
Conte said: “Newcastle is a competitor but Newcastle is a different Newcastle to the past. They invest a lot of money and they have a strong team.
“See Chelsea and what happen and their position, but I don’t consider Chelsea outside because Chelsea has the possibility to win the last 11 or 12 games in a row because the squad is really, really strong.”
Tough battle
In our view, it is going to be tough for Tottenham Hotspur to finish in the top four of the Premier League table.
Now, we do not think that Chelsea will be able to end up in the UEFA Champions League places, but Liverpool and Newcastle are both big challengers.
Perhaps even Brighton and Hove Albion could make a late challenge.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
