How Chelsea can still qualify for the Champions League
Following their defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest, it became mathematically impossible for Chelsea to finish in the top five of the Premier League this season. With three more games to go in the competition, they are 10 points adrift of Aston Villa, who sit at fifth. So, does that mean that the Blues’ chances of qualifying for the Champions League are over for good?
Well, not quite. At least not yet. There is still one way for Chelsea to end up playing Champions League football next season.
But for that to happen, a lot of things will need to go their way. Perhaps far too many things for it to be realistic. It is still possible though. Let me explain how.
There is only one way for Chelsea to qualify for the Champions League from here
Firstly, Aston Villa will need to not only finish in fifth but also win the Europa League. If they can do that, sixth place in the Premier League will also become a Champions League spot.
Now, can Chelsea finish in sixth? Well, based on current form, they are a lot more likely to finish outside of the top 10. Mathematically, they can fall as far down as 16th. The Blues are on a six-game losing streak in the Premier League right now.
Their latest defeat came at the hands of Nottingham Forest, the team down in 16th who had fielded their second-string side on the day, thinking of their Europa League semi-final second leg against none other than Aston Villa.
Chelsea’s chances are slim to none
As things stand, Chelsea are four points behind Bournemouth in sixth. Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion are three and two points ahead of them respectively.
So, realistically, can you see Chelsea moving ahead of all three of those teams within a space of three games to finish in the sixth spot in the Premier League? Personally, I cannot. But never say never in football.
At the end of the day, it should have never come down to this, that we are trying to solve mathematical problems, just trying to find a way for Chelsea to finish in the Champions League spot. BlueCo have gotten things badly wrong for it to end up like this. But unfortunately, it has not been surprising and many had predicted it upon seeing their transfer model and club structure. Hopefully, they now see it as well and are ready to change.
Sourav Mahanty has covered teams like Chelsea, Celtic, Real Madrid, Manchester United, PSG and more over a career that has now lasted a decade.
His work has been featured on Sports Illustrated, Athlon Sports, SB Nation, FanSided, The Sportster and aggregated through Bleacher Report and NewsNow.
Outside of football, he is also interested in basketball, cricket and professional wrestling.
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