Claudio Ranieri backs former club Chelsea for top-four finish

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri is adamant that former side Chelsea will turn their season around and finish inside the Premier League's top four places.

The Blues have endured their worst ever start to a campaign, having won just four of their opening 18 games thus far.

A shock 1-0 home defeat to Bournemouth last weekend now leaves Chelsea 15th in the table and a full 17 points behind Ranieri's surprise leaders.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Monday night's meeting between Leicester and Chelsea, the Italian said: "Chelsea are Chelsea and Mourinho is Mourinho. I'm sure by the end, they will be in the top four.

"Until now maybe they have a bit of bad luck, but this will change. I respect them a lot. I watched the game last night, they played fantastically - moved the ball quickly, defended well, and they can do that. They are the champions. I'm sure in a few months they will be back, and they will be ready to fight."

Jose Mourinho admitted after his side's eighth defeat of the season last time out that Chelsea's hopes of finishing in one of the four Champions League places may now be over.