The Premier League’s all-time top scorer, Alan Shearer, says Chelsea will miss out on Champions League qualification.

Enzo Maresca’s side are currently sitting in 5th following their dramatic late win over Fulham at the weekend. However, Shearer believes that the Blues’ difficult fixture list could end their hopes of finishing in the top 5.

“Chelsea have got the toughest run-in, do you think?It’s hard enough to predict results anyway but at this stage of the season it’s almost impossible.”

“But my guess will be maybe Chelsea and Nottingham Forest may miss out.”

Who will Chelsea face in the final 5 games?

Maresca’s men take on Everton at home on Saturday before hosting champions-elect Liverpool the following weekend. The Reds could have sealed the title by then, so the match may be easier to negotiate depending on their opponent’s attitude towards the fixture.

Next up will be a trip to Newcastle, which could prove to be season-defining game, considering both clubs are vying for Champions League spots.

The Blues play their last home match of the campaign against Manchester United before travelling to face Nottingham Forest on the final day.

What is the current situation in the Premier League table?

As mentioned already, Chelsea’s victory at Craven Cottage moved them up to 5th, onto 57 points. However, they could drop down to sixth if Forest beat Tottenham on Monday night.

Things are very tight with just two points separating Newcastle in third and Aston Villa in seventh. Based on Shearer’s remarks, he is suggesting that both of those teams, along with Manchester City, will seal qualification.

However, there is a lot to play for over the coming weeks and the win at the weekend has kept Maresca’s team firmly in the mix.

Find out who is in Chelsea’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here