Monday 19 December 2016 22:09, UK
Frank Lampard thinks Chelsea have to be considered strong favourites for the Premier League title after opening up a six-point lead at the top of the table.
The Blues made it a club record-equalling 11 wins in a row when they beat Crystal Palace 1-0 on Saturday and hold a handy advantage over second-placed Liverpool.
Lampard, Chelsea's record goalscorer, admits he has enjoyed watching the team and paid tribute to boss Antonio Conte, who sparked the winning run by switching to a 3-4-3 formation.
Lampard told Sky Sports: "As a Chelsea man it is great to see, all credit to everybody there.
"The manager obviously changed the system after a defeat at Arsenal.
"Nobody would have fancied them to be anywhere near winning the League at that point and now they look the dominant team.
"I don't like to tempt fate but I can't see anyone who has got the consistency to close the gap, so I fancy Chelsea strongly now."
Asked who he saw as Chelsea's leading rivals, he added: "[Man] City are in a decent position.
"And there are teams with quality for sure - City, I think Liverpool are very good to watch this year, and Arsenal.
"I think those will be the group chasing but with Chelsea, when you take that kind of a gap into Christmas, I think barring suspensions or injuries to top players like [Eden] Hazard and [Diego] Costa, I fancy them to carry it through."
Costa has been in superb form, scoring 13 goals, but will be suspended for the Boxing Day clash with Bournemouth.
Asked if he would be missed, Lampard said: "Yes, because he is the form player in the League.
"I watched him first-hand last week against West Brom. It was a tight game and he was the difference.
"He is really on his game and has got everything as a striker. He can finish, he is strong, he keeps going, and I am really enjoying watching him play. The link-up between him and Hazard has been a bit special."
Lampard had another sport on his mind on Monday night however, as he was at Alexandra Palace for the World Championship Darts.
"It's a pleasure to be here," said the former England man. "I have watched on TV, the atmosphere looks great, and I can have a taste of that tonight."
Frank Lampard and John Terry join Fenners and Helen in the Soccer AM studio this weekend.
