Alan Shearer, a legend at Newcastle United, has cautioned Chelsea that they are at a disadvantage when competing with their Premier League opponents for a top-five finish this season.
With Liverpool and Arsenal virtually assuredly finishing first and second, respectively, in the Premier League, they will both qualify for the Champions League. But it’s going to be a close race for the top five spots and, by extension, a spot in the Champions League next year.
In the race for a place in the top five, you’ll find teams like Aston Villa, Manchester City, Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, and Newcastle United.
Anyone from Newcastle to Manchester City to Forest to Aston Villa to Chelsea can qualify for the Champions League with a top-five finish. Still, Chelsea’s remaining matchups have Shearer worried, calling them the “toughest run-in.”
According to Shearer, Chelsea have the most difficult schedule coming up, according to Premier League Productions. Liverpool may have lost the league. Newcastle, of course, is a massive one.
Whoever wins their last match against Nottingham Forest may decide who gets to play in the Champions League. That is the most challenging encounter, in my opinion.
After their match against Everton, Chelsea will face Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester United, and Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.