Gary Neville has predicted that Chelsea will miss the top five in the Premier League and therefore lose their spot in the UEFA Champions League next season. The Manchester United legend believes Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa will fill the Champions League positions. Meanwhile, Liverpool and Arsenal have already confirmed qualification.
The Blues are fourth in the Premier League on 66 points, equal with Newcastle and Villa, and ahead of City and Forest by a point. They have a crucial final game against Forest, with each side competing for a Champions League position.
While Chelsea beat Manchester United 1-0 in their previous game, Neville is not sure if they will repeat the feat. He spoke on the Sky Sports podcast about each team chasing after Champions League qualification:
“That was a really important win for Nottingham Forest. They’re still up against it a little bit and they’ve got a big game coming up next weekend. Obviously Man City still have two games but they’re two difficult games actually.
“Bournemouth are a tasty opposition and then they’ve got Fulham on the final day. City will be flat after losing the cup final. They need to get themselves back up for those games and finish the job off. There’s a lot to play for in the next week and a lot of money at stake.”
Neville continued, making his predictions and talking about the Blues:
“At the moment I think Man City will just get in there, I think Newcastle will get in there and I think Aston Villa might just sneak in. I think Forest might just hamper Chelsea next weekend and Aston Villa should win at Old Trafford, everyone is beating Man United at the minute.”
Chelsea Boss Enzo Maresca Pushes His Team Forward
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca urged his team to “take responsibility” as they begin the season-deciding final week of the campaign. The manager said:
“There are some games, like now – the one or two, three games we have – that tactics are important but it’s also other aspects. That is players taking responsibility and also showing desire to bring this club – we said many times – where it has to be.”
They also have a UEFA Conference League final to face Real Betis, adding further burden to their chaotic fixture schedule. With how tight the Premier League standings are, the last batch of games will be an emotional rollercoaster ride as the season is about to conclude.