Carlo Ancelotti said tougher games await his Chelsea team after their victory against Blackpool ahead of a run of fixtures which will see them play Manchester City (12/1 Premier League outright), Arsenal (11/2) and Aston Villa (300/1) in consecutive matches.
The Blues have won five out of five in the league thus far and already boast a goal difference of plus 20 in what is a record breaking start by the west London outfit.
Ancelotti’s side were too good for Blackpool on Sunday as they rattled in four goals in the first half.
They also missed a hatful of chances to further boost their goal difference before the Seasiders mounted something of a comeback in the second half.
While Chelsea might have been fortunate with their run of fixtures at the start of the season they have certainly shown their dominance after claiming their third Premier League crown last season.
However, a test of the champions’ credentials is likely to come at Eastlands next weekend when they square off against mega-rich City.
Roberto Mancini’s side are expected to push the Blues and the other title contenders all the way after another summer of spending.
It doesn’t get any easier after the trip to Manchester with Arsenal (1/5 – top 4 finish) making the short trip to Stamford Bridge on October 3, followed by a trip to Aston Villa (10/1) on October 16.
Ancelotti says he is expecting his side to be sorely tested in the coming weeks and claims he is hoping Chelsea will do better in their clash against City this season.
“I learned that we are in a good moment, we’re showing good play, we are fit, everything is okay at this moment,” he told Sky Sports.
“But we will arrive at more difficult games and we have to be ready for the next game.
“We wanted to start like last year, we had a good start last year, and we are doing that [again], now we have to look forward.
“Last year we lost a big game against Manchester City and this year we want to do better.”
The Italian revealed the Blues are expected to be boosted by the return of Frank Lampard and John Terry for the game against City on Saturday.
Both missed the visit of Blackpool last Sunday with their respective hernia and rib injuries but should be back at the weekend.
Chelsea welcome Newcastle (8/1 – 90 minutes) to Stamford Bridge for their Carling Cup third round clash on Wednesday.
Ancelotti is expected to start a number of youngsters in midweek and rest some of his big names ahead of the trip to Eastlands and the return of the Champions League next week.
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