Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has said that Chelsea should finish in the top six of the Premier League this season, though manager Frank Lampard may be aiming to finish in the Champions League places. The west London side have made a mixed beginning to the season but they have still earned plaudits with the exciting introduction of young players in the first-team squad.

Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori are some of the young players, who have been introduced this term and they have already caught the eye of the supporters and pundits alike. Speaking on BT Sport, Ferdinand said that the top six is a realistic aim for the Blues, considering they are going through a period of transition.

However, he added that Frank Lampard has a winning mentality and likes to overachieve and he will no doubt push the Blues for a top four finish in the Premier League, he said: “Top six. Frank will be going for top four, that’s the way he is. He’s a person who wants to win and achieve and overachieve. But top six I think would have been the remit at the start of the season.”

The Blues are currently seventh on the league table but they are just one point adrift of fourth-placed Arsenal. They are scheduled to face Southampton away from home this weekend and a victory could potentially propel them into the top four, should other results during the gameweek go their way.

Meanwhile, they have already registered their maiden points of the Champions League after the 2-1 triumph over Lille on Wednesday night. They are currently on the same number of points as Valencia on the table but they are behind them on the basis of the head-to-head record. Willian was the game changer against Lille with a stunning volleyed winner.