Reputed pundit and former star gives his verdict on Chelsea’s top-4 hopes

Jamie Carragher believes Chelsea have a battle on their hands for the fourth spot

Answering on the Telegraph’s Q and A session (h/t Metro), Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has opened up on Chelsea’s top-four chances.

He believes that the situation is precariously balanced and could go either way. A strong start will definitely boost our chances given our run-in.

It can be argued that we have the toughest fixture list among the teams fighting for fourth place. Not only do we have to face the top three but also the likes of West Ham United and Watford.

The quality of the former three are well-known while the latter two will fight for their lives as they hope to avoid relegation.

The Blues will resume their campaign against Aston Villa this Saturday. The Villans too are heavily entrenched in the battle to avoid the drop. It promises to be a hard-fought contest.

With United just three points behind us, every dropped point will weigh us down heavily.

“Make a good start and if Chelsea get going in the first two or three fixtures then they could make themselves a gap to give them that confidence to finish the job off.”

The trip to Villa Park will be followed by clashes against Manchester City and Leicester City. It is imperative that we score as many points as possible and pull away from our rivals.

Another factor that can affect us is the potential unavailability of Pedro and Willian. The duo is yet to sign an extension and can leave the club after June 30.

More Chelsea News

• Paul Merson backs Timo Werner to lead Chelsea to glory
• Chelsea make an offer to Miralem Pjanic
• Chelsea in talks with Marco van Ginkel over a new contract

The club have been proactive in the transfer market and have signed Hakim Ziyech, while agreeing to pay Timo Werner’s release clause.

Having secured the duo, we will have to ensure that the current crop does the needful so that we finish in the top four.