Pep Guardiola expects Chelsea to be back challenging for the title in the near future. Chelsea last won the Premier League during Guardiola’s first season at Manchester City in 2016-17. Since then it is City who have dominated the competition, taking the crown in five of the past six campaigns. Chelsea did edge out City in the 2021 Champions League final but there has been plenty of turbulence at the London club since, and they currently sit 10th in the table. Guardiola, who takes his side to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, said: “Chelsea remain one of the more important teams in England. “It’s true that in the Premier League they were not close to winning it in these last seasons but they’re still one of the strongest teams, there’s no doubts about that. “I see that in the last games they are alive, they have good spirit, they are aggressive, they have a good pattern. The quality is there. “It’s one of the toughest games that we have during the season. Sooner or later Chelsea will be there fighting for the titles, and I guess sooner than later.” Chelsea have had a rocky start to the campaign under new manager Mauricio Pochettino but Guardiola has no doubt they will come on strong. He said: “It’s normal. They are getting better. Every manager needs his time – it’s a new club, new players but they’ll be a top contender because the quality in all departments is there.” Two of Chelsea’s better performers this season have been the former City pair of Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling. City academy product Palmer, 21, switched clubs in August having grown frustrated at a lack of opportunities at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola said: “The reason why was that he wanted game time. Now he has it, so congratulations. “He’s a guy who came from the academy and if he is having success it’s good for him and we wish him the best. I’m really pleased for him.” Sterling won four Premier League titles and the FA Cup at City and Guardiola recognises him as a dangerman this weekend. Guardiola said: “He’s playing really good, he’s back in his best moments, best performance, (from) what I’ve seen lately. “He always creates incredible dangers for the opponents.” Read More From Covid to the Copper Box: Maia Lumsden relishes her ‘unbelievable’ return On this day in 2015: Stuart Lancaster resigns as England head coach Mauricio Pochettino: Easier for new players at Man City than ‘evolving’ Chelsea Don’t worry about it – Ange Postecoglou brushes off series of Spurs setbacks Harry Maguire ‘showing he can do the job’ – Erik ten Hag ‘I heard what I heard’ – Tom Curry stands by racism claim against Bongi Mbonambi

American Kyle Kirkwood held off New Zealand's Scott McLaughlin after a restart with four laps remaining on Sunday to win the IndyCar Music City Grand...

In today's Steelers rumors, a veteran corner lands on the hot seat, Colin Cowherd rips Kenny Pickett, and a versatile preseason stud gets heralded.

Ligue 1 side Nice suspended Algerian international Youcef Atal "until further notice" on Wednesday after he shared a controversial post on social media linked to the conflict between Israel...

Ever since Manu Tuilagi made his England debut in 2011, the fleet-footed stocky centre has been considered a key...

Sophia Smith wasted little time in her return from the Women’s World Cup, scoring the go-ahead goal one minute after taking the pitch as a second-half substitute in Portland’s 2-1 victory over North Carolina in Portland, Oregon

Megan Rapinoe of the OL Reign suffered a non-contact injury to her right leg early in the NWSL championship match and needed assistance as she hobbled off the field in the last match of her storied career

Ange Postecoglou has pleaded with frustrated Tottenham fans to back their team as they plan a protest before Saturday's...

A "bitterly disappointed" Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was left to rue the "inexperience" of two players sent off in a 2-0 Champions League loss to Feyenoord but said the Scottish...

The Carolina Hurricanes were the betting favorites to win the Stanley Cup at the start of the Eastern Conference Final, but now, in a blink of an eye, they have to head to Florida for Game 3 while facing an 0-2 deficit.The 'Canes are now in danger of falling to the same fate as the Toronto ...

The Indianapolis Colts paid Jonathan Taylor like they believe he’s one of the NFL’s top running backs

Houston Astros defy expectations and clinch AL West title for the third year in a row.