Paul Scholes now believes that Chelsea could win the Premier League title this season, but only if they keep Romelu Lukaku fit.
Scholes had previously backed a two-way title race between current holders Manchester City and 2019/20 champions Liverpool, and at the same time ruling Chelsea out of contention.
‘I think it’s a devastating day for the Premier League,’ Scholes said following Liverpool’s 5-0 win over Manchester United last month.
‘Seeing Liverpool go to Old Trafford and win so convincingly, I think it will make City worry.
‘Chelsea… I’m not sure, they have been great and I think they are better than I actually give them credit for but I think it’s between Liverpool and Manchester City.
‘I think City watching that today, in the Champions League or the Premier League, that will frighten them.’
Since then, the Blues have won two and drawn two of their last four league matches to remain at the top of the table, and one point ahead of City in second.
Chelsea have also been without star striker Lukaku for much of that run, after the Belgium international picked up an ankle injury during Chelsea’s 4-0 win over Malmo in the Champions League last month.
With Lukaku back in contention, former United midfielder Scholes finally believes that Chelsea have a genuine chance of winning their first Premier League title since 2016 this term.
‘I think Lukaku is a big difference to him [Tuchel]. They need to get him fit, if he can play the rest of the games this season, they are going to have a great chance,’ Scholes told Premier League Productions.
‘I really didn’t fancy Chelsea at the start of the season. I’m not sure why looking [back] now.
‘Look at that coach, the way he speaks, the way he coaches his team….
Source : metro
