Eddie Howe believed that Chelsea would have enough to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League this season, speaking on Premier League Productions.
Thomas Tuchel’s team are in a very promising position in the table, teetering just a point and a place behind West Ham United, who are in fourth place.
The Blues play Brighton & Hove Albion tonight at Stamford Bridge.
If Chelsea gain a positive result they will leap frog West Ham with a game in hand.
Chelsea then face the Hammers this Saturday, with Champions League action for next season on the line.
Howe, who managed Bournemouth for eight years, suggested that the blue side of London would finish above their claret neighbours.
When asked which clubs would make the top four, he said: “I’m going to stick with Leicester and Chelsea.
“The next few games are key for Leicester because they’ve got a tough final three games.
“Chelsea have been really strong under Thomas Tuchel. I know they’ve got a tough fixture list but I back them to come through.”
After the Brighton and West Ham clashes, Chelsea’s run of matches does not look favourable.
Fulham at home, before a massive match away against Manchester City.
This is followed by two contests at the Bridge with Arsenal then Leicester, finished off by a trip to Aston Villa on the final day.
Tuchel has already seen off Pep Guardiola’s side this campaign, defeating them 1-0 last weekend in the FA Cup semi-final.
Confidence will certainly be flowing within the Blues camp and fear won’t be a factor when facing anyone.
But football is the most unpredictable sport- just ask West Bromwich Albion- so anything could happen between now and May.
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