Antonio Conte explains why Manchester City’s Champions League defeat is bad news for Chelsea

City suffered their first defeat of the season away to Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek
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Simon Johnson8 December 2017

Antonio Conte fears that Manchester City’s defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk was the worst thing to happen for Chelsea’s chance to close the gap in the title race this weekend.

Manchester city lost their first game of the campaign in the Champions League at Shakhtar on Wednesday night, just four days before their League derby with Manchester United.

Pep Guardiola’s side go into the game boasting an eight point lead in the top flight over Manchester United with Chelsea, who face West Ham on Saturday, a further three points back.

But Conte said: “It’s very difficult to see two defeats in a row for a great team. At the same time, Manchester United can beat Manchester City. But it would be better if Manchester City didn’t lose against Shakhtar for this circumstance.

In Pictures | Champions League gameweek 6 | 2017-18

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“For sure I'll watch the game at my house. I love football and I like to watch this type of game.

“It will be a big game. Both teams are very strong, very good. Maybe the best in this League. For this reason I think it will be right to watch this game.

“I must be honest, first of all it will be important to try to take three points in our game. And then you can see this game is a big game.

“The best result is to win against West Ham and then anything can happen in the derby, the Manchester derby. For me the best result is our result, to try to win in a difficult game.

“It will be right to win, who deserves more to win. I love to see football in this way. To win the best. It's not important if I'm supporting Manchester United, Manchester City. It's not important.”

Chelsea take on a West Ham side that are second bottom after going eight matches without a victory.

David Moyes replaced Slaven Bilic as manager last month and Conte admits he has been surprised at their struggles this term.

He said: “It's a bit strange to see them in this position in the table. For sure they have the potential to do better.

“I hope not from tomorrow, but after our game. For sure this team is a really good team with good players.”

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