Former
Chelsea skipper Ray Wilkins believes Antonio Conte's side are unlikely to
slip up in the run-in for the title as they have already faced their
toughest opponents in Tottenham.
Chelsea are nine points clear of Spurs at the top of the table, and the
Blues have a potentially easier set of fixtures for the remainder of the
campaign than the chasing pack, who are all still involved in European
football.
Wilkins, who was assistant manager to Carlo Ancelotti when Chelsea won the
Premier League and FA Cup in 2010, was impressed by Tottenham's performance
in the 2-0 victory over his old team at White Hart Lane in January.
Spurs' win atoned for their 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge in November, and
with both sides having played each other twice this season, Wilkins - who
also highlighted Conte's tactical changes - believes Chelsea are in control
of the title race.
"I thought we were going to struggle, I thought we were going to have a
really tough season," Wilkins told Premier League Daily.
"But all of a sudden he changes it at half-time [when 3-0 down to Arsenal in
September] to a three and all of a sudden they go on this unbelievable
winning streak.
"And I think the only team in the Premier League, who they don't play again,
that can beat Chelsea is Tottenham.
"They bullied us, they beat us up at White Hart Lane and deservedly smashed
us, I've got to say, and I think they are the only team that can beat
Chelsea from here on in."
The next challenge for Chelsea comes on Sunday with a match against Burnley
at Turf Moor, live on Sky Sports 1.
Although the Clarets are sitting in mid-table, they have an impressive
record at home this season, dropping just 12 points from the 39 available so
far.
But Wilkins believes the energy levels among Conte's squad, an attribute
more associated with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola's teams, has made
Chelsea too powerful for the vast majority of domestic opponents.
And he has been impressed in particular by Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses
for their contribution to Conte's counter-attacking system.
Wilkins said: "The one thing I've noticed about Chelsea, in watching them
all season, is the fitness levels they are playing at. They are the fittest
team in the Premier League.
"I watched City absolutely annihilate Swansea in the first half. They
couldn't keep up that level of fitness for the whole game. Chelsea can.
"Chelsea, when they lose position of the ball, their work-ethic to get back
in is incredible. And they are working so hard for each other.
"I just think Burnley may come a cropper at the weekend. Chelsea on the
counter-attack are lethal.
"And Moses and Alonso as wing-backs have done exceptionally well. They are
probably the unsung heroes of this system in which they are playing, but
they are doing a remarkable job. It's going to be very tough for Burnley."
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