Gary Neville thinks he knows where Chelsea are going to finish in the Premier League table this season.
The Blues recently beat London rivals Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 but are currently outside the top four.
Neville recently criticised Chelsea for being inconsistent following a shock defeat to Sunderland at Stamford Bridge towards the end of last month.
However, the Manchester United and England legend is still expecting them to have what many would deem as a successful Premier League season.
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville at a Premier League match between Tottenham and Manchester United
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Gary Neville backs Chelsea to finish in top four
Neville was quick to point out that Tottenham are still actually ahead of Chelsea in the table despite losing to their London rivals.
However, the retired defender still thinks that the Club World Cup winners will finish in the Champions League places.
Speaking on Peacock via NBC Sports’ YouTube channel, Neville said: “The problem is the Premier League is so inconsistent this year, all the teams are inconsistent. You look at the league table and what happens, the fact of the matter is Tottenham are still in front of Chelsea.
“You look at the table at the end of that game there and Chelsea fans are celebrating in that corner with the Chelsea players and the Tottenham fans have gone off the pitch devastated, but they’re actually still in front of them.
“So it’s been a bit of a mad start to the league this year. I think Chelsea will have enough to get into that top four because I think it’s going to be a bit crazy all season.”
As well as finishing in the top four, Chelsea will also be hoping to win another trophy this term and have a great chance of doing that.
They are into the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup after beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-3 at Molineux last Wednesday.
Jamie Gittens shone against Wolves, scoring one goal and providing two assists, but it was not enough to earn him a start over the weekend.
Chelsea players in huddle before Tottenham game
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Two reasons why Chelsea have to finish in the top four this season
Chelsea really need Neville’s prediction to come true. First of all, Champions League revenue is essential.
Maresca’s side also came fourth last season. Finishing any lower than that would show regression, which would be really disappointing after all the money that the Blues continue to spend.
Chelsea are really going to be under the microscope if they miss out on Champions League football.
Maresca has had to deal with a lot of injuries and suspensions this term, explaining some of his side’s inconsistency. Considering that, it may be too early to judge the Conference League holders.
Whatever the case, Chelsea need that Champions League money and also have to show that they are going in the right direction and not regressing. That is why the club have to finish in the top four.