Chelsea have picked up just one point from their opening two matches of the Premier League season. A draw at home to Liverpool on the opening day was followed by a 3-1 loss at West Ham.
Chelsea finished 12th last term and out of European football altogether. Malouda believes it will be another tough season but can see them making the necessary improvements to sneak into the Champions League qualification places, predicting Arsenal and Manchester United to have tough campaigns.
He added: “I think Chelsea will struggle to get in the top four but I think they’ll still do it. Manchester City are above all teams in the league, then I would pick Liverpool, Newcastle and Chelsea after that.
“It’s a transition season for them, but I’d pick them over Man Utd. To make it in the top four now is very difficult. City will be champions again.”