John Mikel Obi, a former Super Eagles captain, has predicted that Chelsea will finish in seventh place in the Premier League this season.
The Blues finished in sixth place under Mauricio Pochettino last term.
However, Pochettino has since been replaced by Enzo Maresca.
Speaking to beIN Sports, Mikel Obi claimed Chelsea will perform worse.
He said: “I’ve always said I predict Chelsea to finish seventh in the Premier League this season because I just don’t see them winning that many games.
“I think it’s going to be a tough season, and when the going gets tough, I want to see how Enzo Maresca is going to deal with it.
“I don’t think he’s been in that situation before, and that’s going to be tested.”