Ex-Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole does not believe that his former club will finish the season in the Champions League places.

Speaking to Paddy Power, Cole said that the Blues’ recent form, combined with their remaining fixtures, suggests they will miss out on the top 5, along with Nottingham Forest:

“For me, Liverpool and Arsenal are already nailed on for the top two spots, so they are fine. After their last-minute win against Aston Villa, I think Manchester City will finish third, so then it’s a fight for the final two spots between Newcastle, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa.”

“If I was to go with my heart, I would say Chelsea, but I look at their fixtures and the way they’ve performed recently, and I’m not sure they’ll get it.”

“I’m going to go for Newcastle and Aston Villa to get those final two places. I’d love for Nottingham Forest to make it, but if I’m looking at it based on remaining fixtures and how each team are playing currently, I think Chelsea and Forest will miss out.”

What is the current state of play in the Premier League table?

Enzo Maresca’s side are sitting 6th in the table on 57 points, level with Aston Villa in 7th who have played a game more.

Newcastle are two points above in 5th, with Forest in 4th on 60 points. Manchester City’s win over Villa on Tuesday has moved them up to 3rd on 61.

Who have Chelsea still got to play?

As Cole points out, his former team don’t have the easiest run-in. Maresca’s men take on Everton this weekend. David Moyes’ side can be a tough nut to crack defensively, so that will be a tightly-contested affair.

Liverpool are the next opponents, although the Reds may have been confirmed as Premier League champions by then. The three remaining matches are against Newcastle (a), Manchester United (h) and Forest (a).

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