Pep Guardiola has backed Chelsea to be a 'top contender' for the Premier League title 'sooner or later'. While the Blues have struggled to get points on the board this season, the underlying statistics prove that Mauricio Pochettino has implemented a system which should actually see his side rank higher in the English top flight.

The data in question is xG (expected goals scored) and xA (expected goals against) in each Premier League meeting this term. For instance, unlike the west Londoners, Tottenham have chalked up considerably more points than expected this season leaving little room for improvement.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have significantly underperformed in this department and often missed gilt-edged opportunities to find the net. The Blues have no one else to blame but themselves but, as some key players – like Reece James and Benoit Badiashile – begin to finally return to the treatment room, Guardiola has tipped Pochettino to reap the fruits of his labour at Stamford Bridge.

When asked what he's thought of the west Londoners so far this season, the City boss said: "They're getting better, new club, new players. Sooner than later they'll be a top contender, the quality in all departments is there."

Guardiola later added: "Again, any comment about Chelsea, I'm not there but always we remind ourselves, last day we qualify it's normal, celebrate. I said to the players to celebrate because one day maybe we won't be there.

"If we stop doing what we do or the opponents are better than us, we won't be there. What you did in the past doesn't mean you can't go down, and the down is always there. If you are aware of that you are closer to being consistent in Europe for many years."

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Despite Chelsea's misfortunes in recent months, Guardiola insisted that the Blues are still 'one of the strongest teams' in Europe. The Spaniard said: "The achievement is what we have done, not the other clubs.

"Chelsea are one of the most important teams in England, they won the CL with Tuchel against us. It's one of the strongest teams, no doubts about that. They have a good spirit, aggressive, good patterns, it's one of the toughest games we have in the season but still, we go there optimistic.

"We are top of the league right now and we have to try and maintain the quality of the game. But sooner or later Chelsea will be fighting for the title, no doubt about that."

Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer and set to face their former club on Sunday afternoon, and Guardiola has been impressed with their performances since leaving the Etihad Stadium. Firstly on the former, the 52-year-old said: "He's playing really good.

"He's back in his best moments from what I've seen recently. What he did here for us in the early years was really really important."

Then, on the latter, he added: "Really pleased. One of the reasons he left was game time and he's getting it so congratulations to him. He's playing well and all the best. Congratulations to Chelsea and him."