Opta thinks it is very probable that five teams will all finish above Chelsea in the Premier League this season and have listed them.
It would see Chelsea fail to qualify for the Champions League, with fifth spot not even guaranteed to give passage into Europe’s elite competition next term.
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It is becoming more likely that it will, but Liam Rosenior’s side have a lot of work to do if they want to finish there come May.
A detailed view of the Champions League trophy
Photo by Claudio Lavenia – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Chelsea given lowest probability of finishing in top five
Sky Sports has shared Opta’s probabilities in the race for Champions League football, and it is not good viewing for Chelsea.
According to Opta, the Blues only have a 44.3% chance of finishing inside the top five, which is lower than the percentages that their rivals Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal have been given.
Opta also thinks that Villa have a significantly better chance of finishing above the Blues, which does make sense.
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Chelsea Champions League prize money
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Right now, Unai Emery’s side sit third in the Premier League table and are six points above Chelsea.
It is not the largest gap, but Rosenior’s men have some very hard games coming up, starting with Arsenal. Chelsea will be without Wesley Fofana for that fixture as well following his dismissal in their 1-1 draw with Burnley last weekend.
Liam Rosenior Head Coach of Chelsea FC looks on
Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Chelsea’s next five league games are horrific
After their trip to the Emirates to play Arsenal, Chelsea have another tough away game against Villa.
Following their match versus the Villans, the Club World Cup winners will then face Newcastle United, Everton and Manchester United. These are far from easy fixtures, and by the time Chelsea get through them, they could be out of the race for Champions League qualification.
If the Blues continue to surrender leads and get men sent off as they have done in recent games, their chances of finishing in the top five will definitely be over. This next set of fixtures could easily make or break Rosenior this early in his career as Chelsea manager.
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