Chelsea are facing a real fight to meet expectations and qualify for the Champions League for next season.
The Blues currently sit fourth in the league, and it is expected that five teams from the Premier League will qualify to play in Europe’s elite.
Chelsea have returned to winning ways of late, with three consecutive victories in all competitions, including a hard-fought win over Leicester last time out.
However, tougher games are to come for Enzo Maresca’s men, which will no doubt leave him delighted that he is starting to welcome players back from injury.
Wesley Fofana impressed in his first start for three months, while Romeo Lavia was back in the squad as he was an unused substitute against Leicester.
Photo by Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
With Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke to return after the international break, it looks as if it will be close to full strength for the Blues in the run in.
The Chelsea Chronicle have predicted how Chelsea will get on in their final ten fixtures of the Premier League season.
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Predicting Chelsea’s final Premier League games
Arsenal vs Chelsea
The final game before the international break is arguably the toughest Chelsea will face before the end of the campaign, as they travel across London to face Arsenal.
The Blues did get a draw in this game earlier this season, with Pedro Neto’s first league goal for the club the highlight of the occasion.
Despite back-to-back league wins, the Blues are not playing their best football at the moment, and will welcome the international break as an opportunity to reset.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Chelsea
Chelsea vs Tottenham
The first game after the international break sees the Blues take on arguably their fiercest rivals, and the side they picked up arguably the best result of the season against.
After falling two goals behind in the first half, Chelsea fought back to win 4-3 away from home, keeping up their good run against Tottenham.
Spurs visiting Stamford Bridge has traditionally resulted in a Blues win, and we’re predicting more of the same as the Blues get back to winning ways.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham
Brentford vs Chelsea
Another game in London, as the Blues make the short trip to Brentford to take on the Bees, a side they beat 2-1 earlier this season.
Jackson was the star of the show that day, and he also found the net at the GTech Community Stadium when Mauricio Pochettino took his side there last season.
Seven of Brentford’s 11 wins so far this season have come at home, however we’re predicting Chelsea will get the better of their West London foes in a tight affair, with them likely holding on for all three points.
Prediction: Brentford 0-1 Chelsea
Chelsea vs Ipswich Town
One of the low points for Chelsea this season came when they were defeated 2-0 by Ipswich, a game where Blues target Liam Delap ran riot on a poor defensive performance.
The Tractor Boys are staring relegation in the face right now, and the Blues can be expected to dominate the ball in this game.
We are expecting Chelsea to pick up a relatively comfortable victory at Stamford Bridge, putting them in a good position in their quest for a top five finish.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Ipswich Town
Fulham vs Chelsea
Boxing Day was when Chelsea’s season began to fall apart, with a home defeat to Fulham being seen as a shock result.
Marco Silva’s side are not out of the conversation either when it comes to finishing in the European places. They are only five points away from the expected Champions League spots.
As the Blues continue with short ventures away from home, we are expecting a slender win at Craven Cottage for Maresca’s side.
Prediction: Fulham 1-2 Chelsea
Chelsea vs Liverpool
If results go their way, Liverpool have a chance to win the Premier League before their journey to Stamford Bridge later this season.
The Blues came close to a result at Anfield earlier this season, with Arne Slot naming it his toughest test of the season in the Premier League.
Even if the home fans can get up for the test, we are expecting the champions-elect to have far too much for Chelsea on this day.
Prediction: Chelsea 0-2 Liverpool
Newcastle vs Chelsea
One of the games which could determine the sides who are playing in the Champions League next season, the Blues will need to travel to St. James’ Park to take on sixth placed Newcastle.
Chelsea haven’t travelled well to the North-East of late, and this will arguably be their biggest game against Newcastle in a number of years.
The sides have one win each in the two games so far this season, and we are predicting this time a draw will be the result, which would be a massive point for the Blues.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea
Chelsea vs Manchester United
The fixture that provided arguably the best game of the entire Premier League season in 2023/24, Chelsea would love some of the drama of their 4-3 win from before to go their way again.
Ruben Amorim’s side are likely going to have all their attention on European football if they are still in the Europa League at this point, and this could work in the Blues’ favour.
We are expecting a nervy performance that does not match the position both sides find themselves in the table, although one where the Blues will come out on top.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Manchester United
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea
The final game of the season sees the Blues travel to the surprise package of the season, with Nottingham Forest having their own European dream firmly in their grasp.
The City Ground is likely to be absolutely electric on the final day of the campaign, and Chelsea are up against it if they need a result in this game to secure their place in the top five.
We are not confident about the Blues’ chances here, and believe Maresca’s first campaign at the club will end with defeat in the Premier League.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 3-1 Chelsea
Chelsea’s last ten games:
Wins: 5
Draws: 2
Defeats: 3
Final points tally: 66
Opta makes Chelsea Champions League prediction
Opta’s expected Premier League table at the end of the season sees 64 points being enough to finish in the top five this season.
They also predict Chelsea will take that final place, behind Forest and Manchester City, and ahead of the rest of the chasing pack.
The Blues will be more than aware of the domestic task in hand, however will also have one eye on potential European glory of their own in the Conference League.
Should they progress from the Round of 16 tie with Copenhagen, two-legged ties will be sprinkled in amongst these games, putting a lot of strain on the first team squad.