Pat Nevin made bold prediction about Chelsea and Enzo Maresca in August, he was absolutely spot on

Add as preferred source on Google

Chelsea had a lot of doubters going into this season, with not many expecting them to qualify for the Champions League.

However, Enzo Maresca‘s side were able to do that on the final day of the Premier League campaign after beating Nottingham Forest 1-0.

Levi Colwill scored the game’s only goal to secure Chelsea‘s return to Europe’s elite competition.

While a lot of people doubted that they could actually do it, one of the club’s former players had a bit more confidence.

• READ MORE: Enzo Maresca went straight to ‘unbelievable’ Chelsea player after the final whistle of win vs Nottingham Forest

Pat Nevin tipped Chelsea to come fourth

Chelsea have another huge game on Wednesday, taking on Real Betis in the Conference League final.

While silverware is up for grabs, Pat Nevin never wanted Maresca to rest players for that match, and the Chelsea head coach did not in the end.

Chelsea were practically at full strength for their tie against Forest and managed to win to secure fourth place following Newcastle United’s defeat to Everton.

Back in August, Nevin actually predicted Chelsea to come fourth in a prediction piece for BBC Sport.

He was one of few pundits who backed Chelsea to finish in the top four, which the club have now achieved.

It is something that Maresca’s men can be really happy about, especially considering that some thought that they would not even finish in the extra Champions League spot.

The other BBC pundits who backed Chelsea to come fourth

There were not too many other people who expected Maresca to guide Chelsea to a fourth-placed finish in his first season.

Former West Ham United defender Matt Upson and ex-Brighton & Hove Albion striker Glen Murray were just a couple of others, with the BBC asking 30 of their pundits in total to make a prediction.

Reece James sent a message to Chelsea’s doubters after his side’s victory over Forest, stating that they had been proven wrong.

Some silverware on Wednesday will be the icing on the cake, though Chelsea were always expected to win the Conference League given the strength of the competition.