Former Chelsea playmaker Joe Cole claims the gap between the best four teams in the Premier League and the chasing pack is the “clearest it’s been in the last 10 years”
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Thomas Tuchel previews Norwich City clash
Joe Cole claimed the Premier League top four has already become “clear” as he picked his former club Chelsea as favourites to win the title.
The Blues are leading the top flight after eight rounds of fixtures having dropped points on just two occasions, drawing with a resurgent Liverpool side and losing to reigning champions Manchester City.
The Reds and City are hot on Chelsea’s trail, with just two points separating the leading three teams.
Manchester United were also near the table’s summit earlier this season but they have slipped to sixth after two defeats and one draw in their last three games.
Nonetheless, Cole is adamant United will finish in the Champions League spots along with Liverpool, Chelsea and City, declaring there is a huge gulf between those four teams and the chasing pack.
Do you agree with Joe Cole’s title and top four predictions? Have your say in the comments!
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“I think it will be quite clear with Man United, Man City, Chelsea, and Liverpool,” said the former England playmaker. “I think they are so strong. It’s the clearest it’s been in the last 10 years; I don’t see anyone getting close to them.”
Cole won three Premier League titles during seven trophy-laden years at Stamford Bridge and he expects the reigning European champions to clinch domestic glory this season.
He added: “My favourites to win the league are Chelsea because they’ve played Man City, Liverpool away, Tottenham away, real tough openers of the season.
“I think they are there or thereabouts. They’ve got a nice run of games after this weekend and going forward until Christmas. I think that if you put your noses in front by January there’s a good chance.”
Cole has been hugely impressed by Thomas Tuchel’s influence at Chelsea and highlighted the “strong core” of his squad as a key asset.
“He’s brought a calming influence. He’s brought a belief. He’s brought a tactical organisation which the players have bought into and believe in,” said Cole of the Blues boss.
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“They’ve won the big one (the Champions League), they know that, giving them the confidence to compete on all fronts.”
He added: “There’s changeovers at Chelsea over the years, each manager brings their own identity and philosophy. I think the core of it stays the same, you know Chelsea are a team that compete, they’re strong and athletic.
“I think he’s (Tuchel) got them so organised; I think it’s a real strong core in the middle of the team.”
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Joe Cole was talking as he participated in the first episode of the second series of Hotels.com ‘s Dream Island. The series will showcase Hotels.com ‘s role as the Official Travel Partner of the UEFA Champions League and will see presenter Yung Filly grill UEFA legends on their fantasy get-away. Fans will enjoy hearing about where the former players’ dream holidays would be, what they never forget to take with them and who would make up their dream beach football team, as well as answering fans’ travel questions along the way. To watch Dream Island, visit Hotels.com Europe on YouTube: YouTube.com/hotelseu
