Rating Chelsea’s chances head-to-head against the contenders for top-four

The “survival of the fittest” time of the football is upon us, and the next few weeks will decide the fate of many big players and clubs. How do Chelsea’s odds look in the next run of games, starting with Manchester United?

With the news of Manchester City being banned from UEFA competitions for two years, the race for fourth spot just took a dramatic turn. Now, suddenly at least seven teams can dream about that prestigious fourth spot in the Champions League as those teams are within the gap of seven points. Let’s rate the threats of the coming weeks

1. Chelsea vs. Manchester United: 6.5/10

Getting that fourth spot will be a lifesaver for Ole Gunnar Solksjaer. He wants it badly as he knows there could be the last four months of his stay at United, especially if he lands them in the Europa League (or worse: nowhere).

A win at Chelsea on Tuesday night will put the Red Devils within three points of the fourth spot, but Frank Lampard’s men will not surrender easily. The outcome of this match will shape the confidence of both teams and set the tone for remaining season.

Although the Blues have the better chances of winning this game it is really hard to trust Chelsea’s defense this season. United can make a difference and catch Chelsea off-guard on break, which keeps this game just slightly in favor of the Blues.

2. Chelsea vs. Tottenham: 7/10

Jose Mourinho would sincerely like to teach a lesson to his former side. Since his term at United, the Chelsea fans does not seem to like him anymore, and he is responding with more than the usual aggression.

He will test the nerves of the young Blues at every turn. His team is regaining their confidence, but their lack of creativity will always haunt Tottenham.

This is the area of the game where the Blues will get most of the benefit: their midfielders are far more capable of producing match-winning moments compared to Jose Mourinho’s men. Chelsea’s chances of winning go up a bit as this will be a home game, too.

3. Chelsea vs. Everton: 5/10

Another home game for Chelsea, but this could be a tricky one as Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton are making noticeable progress. Everton are just five points behind the Blues heading into Chelsea’s game against Manchester United. Meanwhile this game falls in the period when Chelsea will be facing Bayern Munich in the Champions League and Liverpool in FA cup.

If something goes wrong around Stamford Bridge before facing the Toffees, then Lampard will be in a survival scrap of his own for the top four. Both teams will have an equal chance of claiming the win.

4. Chelsea vs. Manchester City: 5/10

The results are now hard to predict when it comes to City. Just because they can’t play in Europe doesn’t mean they can’t impact the race.

Manchester City have been fluctuating a lot this season, and now they are banned from the next two Champions League’s and might face domestic penalties, as well. But assuming City would like to prove themselves before leaving, this could be the match of the season. Just because City can’t play in Europe doesn’t mean they can’t impact the race.

5. Sheffield United vs. Chelsea: 7/10

What an unexpected, amazing run by these underdogs. They are clearly knocking on the doors of European football, and one must be foolish to ignore them. The match is not until April, and by then we will have a precise idea of just how important this match will be.

After Sheffield United, the Blues play three more matches: two will be at home and one away. This away match will be against Liverpool, and by then Liverpool will have won the Premier League. Will there be anything interesting about this match then? Well, yes, as Chelsea could be the last team to stop Liverpool from achieving the tag of “Invincibles.”

Chelsea cannot afford to drop any games, but they inevitably will. However, these five games are the ones they must win to reduce the pressure they are already facing to secure a top four spot amongst the seven teams now in contention.