
Antonio
Conte is confident Chelsea remain on course to win the Premier League,
despite last Saturday's surprising defeat to Crystal Palace.
The Blues saw their lead at the top of the table cut to seven points
following the 2-1 loss and they will face another stern test of their
championship credentials when Manchester City visit Stamford Bridge on
Wednesday night.
But Conte is pleased to how his players have reacted to the setback and is
confident they are in the right frame of mind heading into the final stretch
of the season.
"It's a very important part of the season for many teams, not only us,"
Conte said. "We have to continue working very hard in the same way, prepare
in the right way for every game and keep the concentration.
"But at this point I'm pleased because I'm always seeing a great commitment
by my players.
"It can happen you can lose a game. I think we didn't deserve to lose the
game against Crystal Palace but football is wonderful also for this type of
result.
"It's normal that with 27 points available, anything can happen in the
league, but we are in a really good position."
Chelsea will attempt to become the first side ever to beat a team managed by
Pep Guardiola twice in one season, following their 3-1 victory at the Etihad
Stadium in December.
That game was marred by ugly scenes at the end of the game when a frustrated
Sergio Aguero was sent off for a late challenge on David Luiz and
Fernandinho also saw red as tensions boiled over in the aftermath.
But Conte insists there will be no bad blood between the teams at Stamford
Bridge - despite the fact Luiz continues to require ongoing treatment on the
knee injury he sustained in the tackle.
"We must understand that when there is a game, if someone is losing the game
it can happen. I have great respect for Aguero, he is a really good player,"
Conte said.
"David Luiz's knee is better than before but for sure he needs to have good
treatment."
Victor Moses is an injury doubt after missing Saturday's game with a toe
injury, while Eden Hazard came through 90 minutes against Palace following a
calf injury which saw him miss international duty with Belgium.
"I don't know if Victor will be able to play tomorrow,' said Conte. "We have
another day to check the situation in the right way. We have a couple of
situations to check and then make the best decision for the starting 11
tomorrow."