Chelsea defender Gary Cahill believes that the Blues can leapfrog Manchester City and finish the Premier League season in second place.

The Londoners are only four points adrift of the defending champions, and head to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

With just 12 games remaining, there is every chance the Stamford Bridge club could move ahead of their rivals, who have struggled of late.

Cahill is confident that an encouraging result in the fixture will set up a tight end to the season:

"If we get a positive result on Sunday then that opens it right back up. We're taking it one game at a time but we'll be looking to do that.” He is quoted by Sky Sports.

"It'll be tough game away from home, but if we do get a positive result then obviously second place is within touching distance."

Before their trip to Eastlands, Chelsea will host Sparta Prague in the return leg of their Europa League tie.

The Blues carry a 1-0 lead into the clash from their trip to the Czech Republic, but Cahill says that they must maintain their focus and get the job done:

"You've always got to take teams seriously. They're a quality outfit, and made it tough for us away from home,

"But we got a positive result, the away goal, but we still won't take it lightly. They've got some great players. Our home form in Europe is nine unbeaten, so hopefully that can continue."

The former Bolton man went on to praise team-mate John Terry, who is likely to feature against Sparta:

"He's a massive character and leader for us. He's been struggling with his injury a bit, but has come back again."

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