Carlo Ancelotti has acknowledged the threat posed by Aston Villa, claiming the Premier League’s third-placed team have the quality to break into the top three.
Chelsea boss Ancelotti reckons Liverpool and even Arsenal should be looking over their shoulders after Villa jumped into third place with victory over Sunderland on Tuesday night.
“Aston Villa are a very dangerous team,” said Ancelotti. “They won against Chelsea and Manchester United. I think Martin O’Neill is doing a fantastic job with this team. Maybe we have to pay attention to them because nobody spoke about Aston Villa in the top four but now we have to pay attention to this team. I think Arsenal have to pay attention to them.”
Ancelotti’s side are joint top with Manchester United, but have the chance to go back ahead on Wednesday night against Portsmouth, who are now led by former Blues boss Avram Grant.
Chelsea could be without 18-goal Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba, who hurt his back in training on Tuesday.
“We had a problem yesterday morning with Drogba,” admitted Ancelotti. “He took a knock on the back and I don’t know if he will be able to play tonight.”
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