Assessing Chelsea’s Season Run-In
Chelsea are one of the most famous and iconic clubs in the Premier League. The Blues have enjoyed title wins and cup success this century though have stuttered in recent seasons. Finishing 12th and sixth in the last two campaign, the West Londoners have again struggled for consistency this time around.
However, despite not winning every week, Chelsea are firmly in the hunt for the top four with two months of the season remaining and going well in the UEFA Conference League. This article will look at the team’s run-in and assess the side’s chances of success come May.
The Story so Far
The Blues under manager Enzo Maresca have enjoyed some strong winning runs this season with eight straight victories in all competitions during November and December but have then faltered during other spells. Those defeats have dented any faint hopes Chelsea had of mounting a title challenge and so qualifying for the Champions League has become the main target for the season.
Cole Palmer has impressed once more though hasn’t been as ruthless in front of goal while Maresca hasn’t been totally convincing but will be given time to improve and implement his ideas on what is a young and talented squad.
If you are keen to see the Blues in action this season or next and searching for Chelsea vs Arsenal tickets, it’s a smart move to plan ahead and create an itinerary for your visit to Stamford Bridge for the ultimate matchday experience. Book your travel and accommodation in advance but be wary of possible fixture changes. Seeing your heroes up close will make for an incredible day of football.
Premier League Fixtures
Chelsea have nine games to navigate in April and May during the business end of the season. With two months of the campaign to go, only five points separate fourth place and tenth and so the Blues will have to show consistent form to secure a place in Europe for 2025/26.
First up in April is a home clash with London rivals Tottenham before staying in the capital for a short trip to Brentford. The Blues will then be heavy favourites when they welcome Ipswich to Stamford Bridge as the Tractor Boys look set for relegation as they sit firmly rooted in the relegation zone.
Chelsea will then face local rivals Fulham at Craven Cottage in another fixture they should be confident of taking points in though Marco Silva’s side are also showing good form. Maresca’s men then host Everton who have enjoyed a resurgence under David Moyes and are nine games unbeaten under the returning manager.
The West Londoners then face a tricky May to end the season with four tough fixtures. First up is the challenge of Liverpool at home with the Reds likely to lift the title this season. The Blues will then travel to Newcastle in a game which could be a direct shootout for a place in the top four as the Magpies are up there with Chelsea. The Blues then play Manchester United in the final home game at Stamford Bridge. On the last day of the campaign, Nottingham Forest are the opposition at the City Ground which could prove to be a classic as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are this year’s surprise package and firmly in the driving seat for a spot in the Champions League.
Route to Conference League Final
With a new format to play, Chelsea finished top of the Conference League table and defeated Copenhagen over two legs to reach the quarter-finals where they will face Polish side Legia Warsaw. With the draw already determined, the Blues know that if they progress they will take on Djurgardens of Sweden or Austria’s Rapid Vienna in the semi-finals. The Premier League side will be big favourites to reach the final which will take place at the Wroclaw Stadium. Should Chelsea reach the showpiece, there they could face LaLiga outfit Real Betis, Jagiellonia Bialystok of Poland, Serie A side Fiorentina or Celje of Slovenia.
It promises to be an exciting and intriguing conclusion to the tournament and the Blues will be eager to add another trophy to the cabinet by winning the Conference League for the first time in their history, 13 years after lifting the European Cup having beaten Bayern Munich in the Champions League final.
What does Next Season Hold?
Chelsea have won the Premier League title on five occasions this century but have not lifted the famous trophy since 2017. The best finish in recent campaigns has been third twice and so the Blues will be eager to push at the top of the table once more and be involved in the title race.
While Liverpool have led the way this season and Arsenal have been in second, Chelsea did set the pace early in the season and will hope they can build a squad capable of going the distance. At the outset of next season, the Blues will be aiming to be firmly be in the top four while being close to first place.
Overall, Chelsea will be hoping players like Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez can show strong form in the final months of the campaign to ensure the Blues finish strongly and in Europe so that the club can build next season.