ASMIR Begovic insisted former club Chelsea were still firmly in the hunt for the Premier League title despite their indifferent start to the season.

The reigning champions, currently nine points adrift of leaders Manchester City, face Cherries on the back of having lost two of their past three games in the top flight.

Antonio Conte’s men, who suffered a shock opening-day defeat against Burnley at Stamford Bridge, have also been beaten by City and bottom-placed Crystal Palace.

Goalkeeper Begovic was restricted to just 19 league games in two years with the Blues following an £8m move from Stoke in 2015.

The 30-year-old, who received a Premier League winners’ medal after featuring twice last season, joined Cherries for £10m in the summer.

He told the Daily Echo: “They are a great team and we know we are in for a huge test against them.

“It is a game we are looking forward to, especially following the Stoke win. We needed that and it will give us confidence.

“We will go into the Chelsea game with nothing to lose and give it our best.

“It is a long season and there are still almost 30 games left.

“Manchester City are flying at the moment but so many things can happen.

“You can have injuries, suspensions and a loss of form. I wouldn’t rule out Chelsea just yet.”