Chelsea goalkeeper Marco Amelia has suggested that his new teammates will recover from their early-season woes and lead the Premier League table by February.

Jose Mourinho's men have endured a troubled defence of their title so far, winning eight points from a possible 24 to sit 16th in the table.

Ten points separate them from leaders Manchester City, but Amelia, who joined on a Bosman last week, says that the Blues will be back where he feels they belong shortly.

"I hope to win. I want to win. I'm a winner. I've won [titles] at all the teams I've played for in my career," the 33-year-old told Chelsea TV.

"Now it is a strange situation for Chelsea but I think we can do better. And Chelsea, in January or February, will be with the top team of the season."

Mourinho and co welcome struggling Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.