Micah Richards has delivered his verdict on Chelsea’s chances of finishing inside the Champions League places after losing to Brentford.
Speaking on the BBC Monday Night Club, the former defender backed Thomas Tuchel’s team to seal a top-four place in the Premier League despite Saturday’s setback.
The race for fourth place took several turns across the weekend and another last night, all of the action happening in London.
How is the top four shaping up?
Chelsea’s startling 4-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge to Brentford certainly came as a surprise, perhaps none more so than the chasing European pack.
Tottenham Hotspur managed to move within five points of their capital city adversary after nailing Newcastle United 5-1 on home soil.
They moved ahead of Arsenal on goal difference, but the Gunners were given the chance of an instant reply yesterday evening away to Crystal Palace.
However, Patrick Vieira had other ideas for his former side, as the Eagles swooped to a 3-0 victory.
Meanwhile, West Ham United defeated Everton in front of their own fans, as they continue to pile pressure on those directly above them.
With all this going on around them, Chelsea must be just slightly concerned about the final standings in the table.
Yet, Richards gave his vote of confidence to Tuchel’s men in the race for Champions League qualification.
“Chelsea will be fine,” he said.
“When they need to win, and I’m not taking anything away from Brentford, tactically they are amazing.
“They had an off day against a well drilled Brentford side, I still think Chelsea get top four.”
Which games are left to play?
Whilst it’s nice to know Richards is in our corner, looking at the remaining league fixtures does not exactly fill us with confidence.
Chelsea still need to host both Arsenal and West Ham, alongside welcoming tricky ties with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City.
Not to mention a trip to Old Trafford at some time, which is rarely comfortable.
Tuchel also has to juggle European excursions, as well as an FA Cup final later this month.
Meanwhile, Spurs have no distractions other than the Premier League, but have matches against Liverpool and Arsenal on the horizon.
This must be exciting for the neutral, stressful for us.
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