How Chelsea could still define the Premier League run-in despite late-season capitulation

They can no longer mathematically qualify for the Champions League, even with five spots on offer, as they sit 10 points behind fifth-placed Aston Villa with only nine left to play for.

Even the Europa League may be out of reach for the Blues.

While they’re four points behind sixth-placed Bournemouth, Chelsea’s form means the Cherries will be more worried about Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Brentford currently occupy the Europa Conference League spot, although Brighton are breathing down their neck with just one point separating the two sides.

That effectively leaves Chelsea facing the prospect of missing out on Europe altogether.

Even if the Blues can recapture their spark in the final three games, they’re still not guaranteed a European spot unless results elsewhere go their way.

It’s a disastrous situation for the two-time Champions League winners. But they can still end the campaign on a high, and make themselves a nuisance for others with ambitions worth chasing.

The final four fixtures

The fact that Chelsea could still end up with a trophy despite their ongoing turmoil speaks volumes about the club’s deep-rooted desire to win.

That might be the only piece of the historic club that the new owners haven’t uprooted yet. But it’s one thing to be in a final, and it’s another to get over the line.

Before their blockbuster FA Cup final clash with Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, Chelsea could hurt Liverpool’s Champions League aspirations when both sides lock horns on Saturday.

The Reds have been a shadow of themselves but are still on course to secure Champions League football, sitting fourth on the table and four points clear of Bournemouth.

With the Cherries on the ascendancy, a Chelsea win at Anfield would set Liverpool up for a nervy last two games, especially if Bournemouth capitalises on a potential drop off.

Chelsea then head to Wembley for a fixture that could reignite hope among the distraught supporters or further deepen the gloom around the club at the moment.

Despite being one of the most successful clubs in the FA Cup, Chelsea’s recent record at Wembley hardly inspires any confidence in their ability to outwit City, who are chasing a domestic treble.

The Blues have lost six consecutive finals at the iconic venue – three in the FA Cup and EFL Cup each.

Interestingly, City are responsible for one of those six defeats, but it’ll take something special for Chelsea to exact vengeance on May 16.

The outcome of the final could define the mood in the dressing room ahead of the final two games against Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland.

But Chelsea wouldn’t want to pass up a chance to impact Tottenham’s relegation battle.

Even at their lowest, Chelsea always seem to get a result against Tottenham and have won the last five consecutive meetings with their North London rivals.

Another win for Chelsea could threaten Tottenham’s survival hopes, especially if West Ham United are still within touching distance.

Chelsea could also get Regis Le Bris sacked as Sunderland manager on the final day of the season, with the Black Cats seriously considering the Frenchman’s future after failing to secure European football.