In the top four in the Premier League, Joe Cole made his prediction, backing Chelsea to keep third and Arsenal to beat Tottenham and Manchester United for last place in the Champions League. As Chelsea prepares for their final six games of the season, they will only need seven points to finish in the top four in the Premier League. Third-placed Chelsea has won nine of their last ten games in all competitions and is nine points above sixth-placed Manchester United ahead of Champions League qualification after finishing in the top four.
As a result, Chelsea fell to third place in the Premier League for the first time after the sixth game, behind second-placed Manchester City and Liverpool. Chelsea failed to advance to the last four in the Champions League after losing to Real Madrid in the quarter-finals. Chelsea’s comfortable third-place position has been maintained by Sunday’s last-gasp victory over West Ham United, and as we enter the final month and the last six games, all we need is eight points to guarantee at least fourth place.
Chelsea’s recent record against United is dismal, especially in the league, where they haven’t beaten Manchester United since 2017. Chelsea’s last victory at Old Trafford came in 2013 when a pre-United Juan Mata (former Chelsea player) scored late, and David Luiz had a good laugh at Rafael’s expense.
The Chelsea locker room is becoming incredibly frustrated, so there are growing concerns that Thomas Tuchel might very well leave Stamford Bridge due to the club’s crippling restrictions. Because of the international sanctions on their Russian business tycoon owner, Roman Abramovich, the Blues cannot extend player contracts or make new signings. As a result, the West Londoners are bracing for a defensive exodus, with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen expected to join Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively.
After agreeing to a four-year contract with Real Madrid, Rudiger is set to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season. The Blues were praying to persuade Rudiger to stay in west London, and both Thomas Tuchel and Jorginho have recently lamented his impending departure. Chelsea is already considering their candidates to replace Rudiger, and Saha actually thinks Kounde could be the ideal man to fill the void left by the German’s move to Real Madrid.
Loaned Conor Gallagher of Crystal Palace has already been tipped to replace Jordan Henderson at Liverpool. The 22-year-old has amazed this season while on loan from Chelsea to Palace. The midfield player has eight goals and five assists in 34 appearances throughout all competitions this season. Patrick Vieira, the manager of Crystal Palace, has raised the possibility of his club’s desire to keep Gallagher at Selhurst Park next season. The England international has played a vital role in the club’s excellent Premier League form and ride to the FA Cup semi-finals.
