Chelsea have had a rough season so far, and saying that is an understatement. As of January 27, they sit at 10th in the Premier League table at 8-5-7 (29 points), level with likewise faltering Liverpool and one point above mid-table regulars Aston Villa. So, just what are Chelsea’s prospects?
Thomas Tuchel’s exit from the club surprised many, including me. Replacement Graham Potter, who proved himself a master tactician at Brighton and Hove Albion, has struggled to adapt to life at Stamford Bridge. That said, coaches need time to fit in at their new clubs. In my earlier article about Arsenal, I pointed out that Mikel Arteta needed time to guide his team to the expected level. The grace he was given ultimately paid off, as Arsenal are now top of the table.
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Courtesy Goal.com
But time isn’t on Chelsea’s side. They are in a desperate spot with a quick turnaround needed. The good news is that Potter’s January transfer window has provided him with dangerous attacking players, Mykhailo Mudryk and Joao Felix, the latter on loan to the Blues until the end of this season. The signings may improve things at Stamford Bridge, but I still don’t see Chelsea finishing in the top four this season.
The reason, of course, is the competition. Newcastle, Brighton, Fulham, and Brentford have exceeded expectations so far this year. While I don’t see Chelsea surpassing all of them this campaign, I believe Chelsea will finish in the top seven. That task will be difficult because Christian Pulisic and N’Golo Kante are out until later in the year, but it is not insurmountable.
I predict that Chelsea will finish in sixth place. Of course, that is not what fans hoped for, even expected, but it would represent a successful turnaround.
