Six or seven teams are the hunt for this season's Premier League title, according to Chelsea boss Antonio Conte.
That means two or three of them will miss out on Champions League qualification, said Conte, who saw his side go back on top with Saturday's 2-1 win against Tottentham.
"I think in this league there are six or seven teams that can fight to the end for the title," said Conte after goals from Pedro and Victor Moses earned a 2-1 comeback victory .
"Don't forget only the first four places can play in the Champions League. I think two or three teams will have to stay outside."
Although characteristically unwilling to talk up his team's chances of winning the title, Conte said he was surprised at the progress made by the Blues so early into his reign.
"I'm really surprised because we won seven games in a row after two bad defeats, against Liverpool and Arsenal ," said the former Juventus and Italy coach.
"I think now it will be very difficult for any team to win seven games in a row in this league. I think we're doing a fantastic thing."
And Conte said the support of a hyped-up Stamford Bridge crowd was important against a Tottenham side that has not won in that part of London since 1990.
"It's important for our crowd to play the game with great intensity and with passion because they can transfer this to the players.
"I think Stamford Bridge is perfect for this. We're able to create the right atmosphere."
