Paul Merson claims Chelsea may have an ‘outside chance’ to do one thing this season

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Chelsea enter this festive schedule well placed in both the Premier League and the Conference League, but will they be able to safely navigate such a busy period with so many fixtures?

Chelsea returned last weekend after the international break with a 2-1 away win at Leicester City in the Premier League.

In the current league standings, Enzo Maresca’s side sit third with 22 points from 12 games. It’s extremely congested in the division table, though.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LiverpoolLiverpool	12	10	1	1	24	8	16	31
2	Man CityManchester City	12	7	2	3	22	17	5	23
3	ChelseaChelsea	12	6	4	2	23	14	9	22
4	ArsenalArsenal	12	6	4	2	21	12	9	22
5	BrightonBrighton	12	6	4	2	21	16	5	22
6	TottenhamTottenham	12	6	1	5	27	13	14	19
7	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	12	5	4	3	15	13	2	19
8	Aston VillaAston Villa	12	5	4	3	19	19	0	19

Chelsea return to league action this Sunday afternoon at home to Aston Villa. First, the Blues play away at German Bundesliga club Heidenheim on Thursday evening in the Conference League group phase, which they’re currently top of.

• READ MORE: Enzo Maresca confirms double boost for Chelsea as two players could be fit to face Aston Villa

Paul Merson says Chelsea have outside chance of catching leaders Liverpool

Paul Merson thinks Chelsea now have the opportunity to throw themselves into a title race if they can find consistency and win a string of wins on the bounce.

There’s a nine-point deficit that the Blues have to close to Liverpool at the top, who have a huge showdown at home to Manchester City this weekend.

“Chelsea have a big opportunity this weekend. Manchester City don’t look good and if they lose to Liverpool, a win will lift Chelsea to second in the table. If they manage to remain consistent from there on, who knows they might even have an outside chance at catching Liverpool at the top!” Merson told Sportskeeda.

“Chelsea have decent winnable fixtures coming up so they must look to make hay while the sun shines.

“I’m expecting Chelsea to get another win here. Villa have too much going on for them now with the Champions League as well. Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Aston Villa.”

Similarly, Simon Jordan thinks Chelsea can apply pressure on Liverpool and emerge as unlikely title challengers this season.

However, Troy Deeney thinks Chelsea’s backline is a big weakness that will prevent them from competing for the league crown.

Can Chelsea put together a winning streak?

On paper, Chelsea’s league run in the next few weeks should be a chance to get plenty of points on the board. If they do that, let’s see where the Blues before even thinking about a potential title challenge.

Chelsea should be optimistic about facing Villa (8th), Southampton (20th), Tottenham (6th), Brentford (11th) and Everton (15th) in the top flight before Christmas.

It would be a successful first season for Maresca at Stamford Bridge if he gets the club back in the Champions League. There may be a chance to really shock people by finishing towards the top of the table if they can just find an extra bit in their game, especially as a defensive unit.