Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has issued a warning that Chelsea could be at a disadvantage in the race for a top-five Premier League finish this season.
While the title race appears to be settled, with Liverpool and Arsenal expected to secure the top two spots and Champions League qualification, the battle for the remaining Champions League places remains intense.
Clubs including Newcastle United, Manchester City, Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, and Aston Villa are all in the mix for a top-five finish, which this season would be enough to earn a Champions League spot.
However, Shearer has raised concerns about Chelsea’s prospects due to the difficulty of their remaining fixtures, calling it the “toughest run-in.”
“Looking at the fixtures, there’s no doubt in my mind that Chelsea have the toughest run-in,” Shearer said on Premier League Productions.
“The league might be done for Liverpool. Obviously, Newcastle is a huge one.
“And that last game against Nottingham Forest—they could be playing for everything, including who secures a Champions League place. So, for me, that’s the toughest run-in.”
Chelsea’s remaining five Premier League games are against Everton, Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester United, and Nottingham Forest.