After Chelsea’s 2-0 loss to Newcastle United on Sunday, Jamie Carragher has cast doubt on the Blues’ chances of securing a Champions League spot next season.
With the race for a top-five finish intensifying, Carragher believes Chelsea will fall short in the battle for Europe’s elite competition.
Newcastle’s Win Changes the Landscape
The match at St James’ Park saw Newcastle United emerge victorious with goals from Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.
Chelsea, reduced to 10 men, couldn’t cope with the pressure, and the defeat has left them in a precarious position.
With just two games left in their season, Chelsea now finds themselves at risk of missing out on a Champions League spot, currently sitting on 63 points and in fifth place.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa, who had a crucial victory over Bournemouth, are now breathing down Chelsea’s neck.
Villa’s win means they’re level on points with the Blues, making the final few games even more critical for Chelsea’s European ambitions.
The Supercomputer’s Predictions Fall Short
Before the weekend’s matches, predictions from Opta’s supercomputer suggested Chelsea had a stronger chance of finishing in the top five compared to Aston Villa.
The Blues were expected to edge out Nottingham Forest for a spot in the Champions League, but with Forest’s recent stumble against Leicester, things have taken a different turn.
Carragher’s Doubts About Chelsea’s European Return
Carragher, who famously won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005, is less optimistic about Chelsea’s chances.
While he does believe Chelsea will win their next match against Manchester United, he’s uncertain about their ability to get past Nottingham Forest away on the final day of the season.
“I think Chelsea will beat Man United. It’s whether they can beat Nottingham Forest away.
There will be a big atmosphere there,” Carragher said to Sky Sports.
“Even if they can’t get Champions League football, I think Nottingham Forest’s supporters will be desperate to show their appreciation for what has been a great season.
“I actually think Chelsea and Nottingham Forest will miss out, with Aston Villa making it in.”
The Final Stretch for Chelsea
Chelsea’s path to the Champions League hinges on their upcoming matches.
Their next fixture is against 16th-place Manchester United, which will be their final home game of the season.
After that, they’ll travel to Nottingham Forest, who have already secured European football for the first time in 30 years.
Aston Villa also has a tough run-in, facing Manchester United and Tottenham, the other Europa League finalists, but their superior goal difference of 19 compared to Chelsea’s seven puts Villa in a strong position.
Chelsea still controls their own destiny, but with Forest just a point behind, they could finish as low as seventh if they fail to win their last two matches.
What’s Next for Chelsea?
The final days of the season will determine whether Chelsea can reclaim their spot among Europe’s elite or whether they’ll miss out once again.
The pressure is mounting, and with their fate still in their hands, Chelsea must deliver results to avoid a disappointing end to a season full of ups and downs.