Chelsea’s recent struggles have intensified following Brighton’s 3–0 win over them on Tuesday and Bournemouth’s 2–2 draw with Leeds on Wednesday, results that have left the west London club eighth in the table and in serious danger of missing out on European qualification.
A run of five consecutive league defeats has only added to the concern, prompting the decision-makers at Stamford Bridge to act swiftly by sacking manager Liam Rosenior just four months into his six-year contract. Â
Despite their struggles, the Blues remain just one point behind Bournemouth in seventh and two adrift of Brighton in sixth.Â
A strong finish – potentially sparked by a new-manager bounce – could yet see them secure European football.
Chelsea are 5/2 with Sky Bet to secure a top-six finish in the Premier League this season
That possibility is reflected in the betting markets. Chelsea are second-favourites with Sky Bet at 5/2 to finish in the top six, ahead of Bournemouth, who are priced at 6/1. Only Brighton sit shorter, leading the market at 11/10.
For Chelsea to break into the top six, however, an upturn in their own form will need to coincide with a slip from their rivals.Â
Bournemouth have taken seven points from their last three league matches, while Brighton have won four of their last five, drawing the other – a run that underlines the scale of the task facing the Blues.
Everton and Brentford complete the five shortest-priced teams in the market, with both sides available at 15/2.Â
Brentford currently sit ninth, level on 48 points with Chelsea, while Everton are just behind in tenth on 47 – keeping them firmly in the race for a top-six finish.
Sky Bet odds to finish top six in the Premier League this season:
Brighton – 11/10
Chelsea – 5/2
Bournemouth – 6/1
Everton – 15/2
Brentford – 15/2
Sunderland – 25/1
Fulham – 28/1
Newcastle – 80/1
Crystal Palace – 80/1
- All odds are correct at the time of publicationÂ
