Chelsea have a key couple of months coming up that might define Maurizio Sarri’s future at the club.
The Blues are currently three points behind Arsenal, who occupy the fourth spot in the Premier League table, and are also a point behind Manchester United.
Despite a strong start to the season that resulted in pre-mature deductions that Chelsea were set to challenge for the title, the Blues haven’t been consistent enough in the second half of the season.
Defeat to Manchester City in the EFL Cup final put more pressure on Sarri, and if the Italian is to keep his job as the Chelsea boss, the Blues simply have to finish in the top four this season.
With that in mind, here are three of the toughest league fixtures Chelsea have in the coming months.
#3 Leicester City away – Final matchday
Brendan Rodgers is now in charge of Leicester, and even though the Foxes aren’t in contention for a European spot, their manager will be keen to exact revenge on the club that dented his title hopes when he was in charge of Liverpool.
Leicester have usually stepped up against the bigger sides, and will want to finish an inconsistent season on a strong note when as it’ll be their final game at King Power Stadium before the season ends.
#2 Manchester United away – Matchday 36
It remains to be seen where the two sides will be come the final few weeks of the season, but the clash will be huge.
Manchester United will hope to finish in the top four, and will be up for the challenge against Sarri’s side. The Blues managed a late equaliser against United when Jose Mourinho was in charge of the Red Devils, but this one will be a must-win.
A point at this stage of the season is no good, so both teams will go for it, which might result in a fantastic game.
#1 Liverpool away – Matchday 34
Another difficult away clash, and arguably the toughest of the lot as it’ll come against one of the best two sides in the league.
Liverpool are pushing for the league title, and the defeat the stopped them winning it in 2014 still rankles, so this fixture will hold special importance.
Considering this game isn’t far away, Chelsea will have to target three points as they can’t lose two points and risk dropping further behind the teams above them.