Cech predicts top-three finish

Goalkeeper Petr Cech is confident Chelsea will defy their critics to finish in the top three of the Barclays Premier League.

The 29-year-old, speaking in Dublin as he prepared for the friendly between his Czech Republic side and the Republic of Ireland, admitted the Blues have a fight on their hands to qualify for the Champions League.

Chelsea are currently fifth in the table, level on points with Arsenal in fourth and seven behind third-placed Tottenham, although Cech said: "I think we will finish better than fourth."

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