Chelsea top four bid: Predicted final table and run-in compared

A look at Chelsea’s top four prospects as they look to sneak into the Champions League spots.

Chelsea continue to slip and falter in the top four race, with Liam Rosenior struggling to keep his side in consistent form. A lack of consistency plagued Enzo Maresca during his reign this season, and it looks as though the trend will continue, potentially costing the Blues a Champions League season.

Chelsea can't manage a consistent run of results | AFP via Getty Images

placeholder image — Chelsea can't manage a consistent run of results | AFP via Getty Images

Defeat to Newcastle United was the latest blow, but Chelsea were lucky enough to see Liverpool draw and Aston Villa lose, so the damage has been limited. But what do the results mean for Chelsea’s top four prospects? Here we take a look at the predicted table and the run-ins of each of the hopefuls.

Current Premier League table

Here is how the Premier League table currently looks

3rd - Man Utd - 54pts // 13GD

4th - Aston Villa - 51pts // 3GD

5th - Liverpool - 49pts // 9GD

6th - Chelsea - 48pts // 18GD

7th - Brentford - 44pts // 4GD

Predicted final table

Here is the predicted final Premier League table from OPTA, who use many simulations to put together the most likely final standings.

3rd - Man Utd- 66.30pts // UCL probability - 80.59%

4th - Aston Villa - 64.05pts // UCL probability - 56.49%

5th - Liverpool - 61.69pts // UCL probability - 33.29%

6th - Chelsea - 60.45pts // UCL probability - 23.15%

7th - Brentford - 57.33pts // UCL probability - 5.18%

Note: ‘UCL probability’ factors in the probability of the Premier League gaining an additional qualification place, which would make fifth place an automatic Champions League spot. England would have to be among the two best-performing nations in European competitions this season to secure that additional place.