Antonio Conte confident Chelsea's title charge remains firmly on track

Antonio Conte is confident Chelsea remain on course to win the Premier League, despite last Saturday's surprising defeat to Crystal Palace.

The Blues saw their lead at the top of the table cut to seven points following the 2-1 loss and they will face another stern test of their championship credentials when Manchester City visit Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

But Conte is pleased to how his players have reacted to the setback and is confident they are in the right frame of mind heading into the final stretch of the season.

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"It's a very important part of the season for many teams, not only us," Conte said. "We have to continue working very hard in the same way, prepare in the right way for every game and keep the concentration.

"But at this point I'm pleased because I'm always seeing a great commitment by my players.

"It can happen you can lose a game. I think we didn't deserve to lose the game against Crystal Palace but football is wonderful also for this type of result.

"It's normal that with 27 points available, anything can happen in the league, but we are in a really good position."

Chelsea will attempt to become the first side ever to beat a team managed by Pep Guardiola twice in one season, following their 3-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium in December.

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That game was marred by ugly scenes at the end of the game when a frustrated Sergio Aguero was sent off for a late challenge on David Luiz and Fernandinho also saw red as tensions boiled over in the aftermath.

But Conte insists there will be no bad blood between the teams at Stamford Bridge - despite the fact Luiz continues to require ongoing treatment on the knee injury he sustained in the tackle.

"We must understand that when there is a game, if someone is losing the game it can happen. I have great respect for Aguero, he is a really good player," Conte said.

"David Luiz's knee is better than before but for sure he needs to have good treatment."

Victor Moses is an injury doubt after missing Saturday's game with a toe injury, while Eden Hazard came through 90 minutes against Palace following a calf injury which saw him miss international duty with Belgium.

"I don't know if Victor will be able to play tomorrow,' said Conte. "We have another day to check the situation in the right way. We have a couple of situations to check and then make the best decision for the starting 11 tomorrow."

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