Chelsea in May: Blues have five games to avoid the unthinkable
Chelsea are enduring one of their most miserable seasons in their modern history. Despite spending more than £600 million on new recruits and changing three different managers, they find themselves languishing all the way down in 12th.
The Blues installed Graham Potter after dismissing Thomas Tuchel in September, but the decision spectacularly failed as they picked up one disappointing result after another. However, they regressed even further under Frank Lampard, with the Londoners losing all six matches in all competitions.
Following Tuesday’s 3-1 loss at Arsenal, the unthinkable scenario of relegation has also become a possibility. It is highly improbable that Chelsea will go down to the Championship but mathematically, this worst case scenario could still turn into reality.
The West Londoners are currently just nine points off 18th-placed Nottingham Forest, but losing all their remaining five matches could see them drop into the bottom three. Although for that to happen, Forest, Leeds United and Leicester City would have to earn at least 10 points from their final four games.
Considering their current form, Chelsea could lose all their four matches but the chances of the other three relegation-threatened sides to hit 40 points is highly improbable.
Let’s look at the Blues’ final fixtures this month to have a clearer idea.
Bournemouth vs Chelsea (May 6, 2023)
Bournemouth have seen a remarkable uptick in form in recent weeks and are now almost safe from relegation. Manager Gary O’Neil has led them to four wins from five league matches, with the Cherries’ winning their most recent home clash against Leeds United by 4-1.
With home advantage in their favour, Bournemouth are likely to pick up full points at the expense of Chelsea on May 6.
Prediction: Lose
Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest (May 13, 2023)
The home game against Forest is the one fixture we could confidently say Frank Lampard’s men can win. The Tricky Trees have picked up just one victory from their last 13 league matches and are one of the top candidates to suffer the drop.
Prediction: Win
Manchester City vs Chelsea (May 21, 2023)
City are in imperious form at the moment with a historic treble on the cards for the English champions. They are unlikely to lose any of their remaining Premier League fixtures, including the Etihad Stadium encounter against Chelsea.
Prediction: Lose
Manchester United vs Chelsea (May 25, 2023)
Erik ten Hag’s side have been hit hard by recent injuries but they still boast plenty of quality in their squad, something which is also true for Chelsea. However, United are much more balanced plus they have a world-class manager in Ten Hag.
Prediction: Lose
Chelsea vs Newcastle (May 28, 2023)
The Blues would have been the overwhelming favourites against Newcastle a year ago. But times have greatly changed as the Magpies are now a force to be reckoned with. The fixture will be at Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea’s recent performances suggest they are unlikely to pick up a good result even on home soil.
Prediction: Lose
Conclusion
It is highly improbable that Chelsea will suffer the drop to the Championship, but at the same time, they are likely to lose most of their remaining fixtures. The fact that we are even talking about their chances of relegation shows how much they have regressed. The West London club were the Champions League winners just two years ago and now they are set for one of their worst finishes in the Premier League.