Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has warned that Chelsea face a disadvantage compared to their Premier League rivals as they battle for a top-five finish in the English top flight this season.
The Premier League title race is all but decided, with Liverpool and Arsenal almost certain to finish first and second, respectively, securing Champions League qualification.
However, the contest for a top-five finish—and with it, a place in next season’s Champions League—is fiercely competitive.
The likes of Newcastle United, Manchester City, Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, and Aston Villa are all vying for a spot in the top five.
A top-five finish will suffice for Champions League qualification, with Newcastle, Manchester City, Forest, Aston Villa, and Chelsea all in contention.
Nevertheless, Shearer has voiced concern for Chelsea owing to their remaining fixtures, which he described as the “toughest run-in.”
“Looking at the fixtures, there’s no doubt in my mind that Chelsea have the toughest run-in,” Shearer told Premier League Productions.
“The league might be done for Liverpool. Obviously, Newcastle is a huge one.
“And that last game against Nottingham Forest—they could be playing for everything, including who secures a Champions League place. So, for me, that’s the toughest run-in.”
Chelsea’s remaining five Premier League fixtures are against Everton, Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester United, and Nottingham Forest.
