Where Opta now predicts Chelsea are most likely to finish in the Premier League this season

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Chelsea were a bit of an unknown going into this 2024/25 season because of another change of management, but they’ve surprised many people with a positive few months.

So far, the Blues have settled quickly under Enzo Maresca as the head coach. There’s no doubt it’s a talented Chelsea squad at his disposal, but it’s worth remembering this is Maresca’s first time managing a Premier League side.

The team currently sits third in the division table to represent a solid opening quarter to the campaign, especially as they’ve already faced last year’s top three clubs (Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool).

Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo admitted his side’s ambition is a top-four finish. Based off how things are currently going, it definitely feels like a realistic and achievable target.

• READ MORE: Liverpool manager Arne Slot said last month whether he thinks Chelsea can challenge for the top four

Opta predicts where Chelsea will finish in the Premier League

There’s been 11 gameweeks in the Premier League during the 2024/25 campaign, which has momentarily paused again for November’s international break.

Sports analytics company Opta has now shared the results from its supercomputer on where each top-flight club is most likely to finish in the league this season.

Interestingly, Chelsea are rated as the most likely side to finish fourth position.

Maresca has been set a soft target by Chelsea of a top-four finish during his debut season to get the club back in the Champions League after a brief spell away from Europe’s elite club competition.

Despite the fact the Blues sit third during the international period, it’s very tight in the top half of the table.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LiverpoolLiverpool	11	9	1	1	21	6	15	28
2	Man CityManchester City	11	7	2	2	22	13	9	23
3	ChelseaChelsea	11	5	4	2	21	13	8	19
4	ArsenalArsenal	11	5	4	2	18	12	6	19
5	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	11	5	4	2	15	10	5	19
6	BrightonBrighton	11	5	4	2	19	15	4	19
7	FulhamFulham	11	5	3	3	16	13	3	18
8	NewcastleNewcastle	11	5	3	3	13	11	2	18
9	Aston VillaAston Villa	11	5	3	3	17	17	0	18
10	TottenhamTottenham	11	5	1	5	23	13	10	16

Chelsea must start quick after the break

On paper, Chelsea have a great chance to consolidate their spot in the top four when they return to action in a couple of weeks time. But if they start slowly during the winter period, they could easily slip down a congested table.

Here is a look at the Blues’ next three matches in the Premier League:

The Blues face two of the newly-promoted sides in the next set of league games, including Maresca’s former club Leicester.

Gary Lineker is impressed by Maresca’s impact at Chelsea so far, but things can unravel quickly if results drop off.