Rudiger rates Chelsea's chances for a top-four finish

As many as nine teams are in contention for Champions League qualification, and the competition only gets more intense each week.

Antonio Rudiger is hopeful of Chelsea’s top-four chances with the defender stressing that “the battle is still in our own hands”.

Chelsea were far from consistent in the first half of the season and dropped down as low as 10th in the Premier League standings.

Frank Lampard ultimately paid the price for the team’s undesirable position and shambolic displays as he was sacked and replaced with Thomas Tuchel in late January.

The Blues have significantly improved since then. They are currently only a point adrift of fourth place, sitting at fifth with 44 points after 26 games.

While a top-four finish appears likely for them, they face intense competition. Manchester United sit second, a point above third-placed Leicester City while West Ham occupy the final Champions League spot. Everton and Tottenham and even Aston Villa and Arsenal are seeking a top-four finish.

“It depends on us,” Rudiger told the official club website. “We still have a lot of games to play and also against direct opponents so the battle is still in our own hands.

“What the coach has brought is his way of playing, detailed work and the defensive shape is very good at the moment.

“Our aim is to arrive in the top four. We don’t need to look at Man City at this moment because they are far ahead but with the top four, everything is open.”