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February 10, 2017


Conte: Man Utd A Title Threat  (Sky Sports)

Eden Hazard and Antonio ConteChelsea may be 14 points clear of Manchester United in the league - but Antonio Conte says Jose Mourinho's side can still win the title.

Mourinho's side have drawn three of their last four games but are unbeaten in their last 15 outings and Conte insists they still remain genuine contenders for the Premier League crown.

Speaking ahead of the weekend trip to Burnley, Conte said: "Honestly - there are six teams that are very strong that can fight to win the title. Also Manchester United have a great squad.

"We have [a lead of] nine points but if we think we are very close to winning the title that's a great mistake. We have 14 games left with five teams including Chelsea that can win the title."

After Eden Hazard's spectacular strike against Arsenal last weekend, Conte refused to put a price on the Belgian international while revealing why he substituted the player towards the end of the match.

He said: "When I make a substitution it's always for a reason. In the last game against Arsenal I wanted him to get a good applause from the crowd because he deserved it.

"I am not good with prices but I don't see a problem because we don't want to sell him, so he has no price."

Conte has no new injury concerns and stressed Willian and Csec Fabregas will have important roles to play in the final weeks of the season.

He said: "David Luiz plays with a bit of pain in his knee but he is still performing well."

"To have Cesc and Willian on the bench or on the pitch is very important and also Pedro is playing very well.

"The most important thing is I can count on a squad and every single player is in good form."

Conte is taking nothing for granted at Turf Moor and is wary of Burnley's formidable home record.

He said: "They have their last five home games. They score a lot at the end of the game. The stats show that Burnley are a really strong team at home.

"They're third in the table for games at home. The first is Chelsea the second is Spurs and Burnley is third.

"We must pay great attention. They are in good form. They will want to beat us as we are top."



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