Ex-Chelsea Midfielder claims that Chelsea will win the title.

Michael Ballack has given his verdict of the title race this season and has backed his former club to win it with a gap to our rivals and no European football this season.

There is still some way to go and any Chelsea fan will tell you, especially after last season, everything can change in a heartbeat. We have put ourselves in a strong position now as we head into two massive games coming up next week against Liverpool followed by Arsenal and you would have to believe that two victories would put us in a really strong position to go on and win it.

Speaking to ESPN, Ballack was asked of his opinion on Chelsea winning the title and of how Antonio Conte handled the reported bust-up with Diego Costa. He responded by saying:

"I think so.

They look comfortable and eight points clear is a lot.

With not having European games in the week it helps a bit too because you can recover and mentally prepare for the next weekend.

They are playing good football. There is no sign that they should change something. 

Even with Costa, they solved it really well. Conte was hard but correct in my eyes.

He came back he scored immediately which shows he is professional enough to handle that situation. 

So everyone knows they are playing for the title and thats what counts." 

He is spot on in my opinion of every aspect but at this stage, until we get through the next two games, it's too early to talk of the title.

I do agree that not having to play in Europe has been of benefit to Conte and the players as they have extra time together to work on the tactical shape and prepare for games.

I also agree that we do play really, really good football whilst keeping things tight and compact at the back. Some would argue that Antonio Conte has finally delivered what Roman Abramovich has asked for ever since he took over the club.

He also makes a really good point about Diego Costa too and Sunday was important as I have posted earlier.

Chelsea are in such a strong position and if we can build on that in our next two league games then we would have a real grip on his league.