Chris Sutton has cast doubt on Chelsea’s ability to finish in the Premier League’s top four, predicting an unlikely team, Bournemouth, will secure a spot instead.
The race for Champions League qualification is heating up, with Liverpool and Arsenal seemingly locked in. Nottingham Forest, the season’s surprise package, sits just behind the title contenders on 44 points. Manchester City and Newcastle are on 41 points, while Chelsea and Bournemouth are neck-and-neck on 40 points. Aston Villa follows closely with 37.
Chelsea’s hopes of securing their top-four position were dealt a blow after a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City. Despite taking an early lead at the Etihad, Enzo Maresca’s side couldn’t hold on, marking just one win in their last seven games—a stark contrast to their earlier title-contending form.
For former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton, the decline signals trouble. On the It’s All Kicking Off! podcast, he named Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Bournemouth as his top-four picks. “Bournemouth’s season has been incredible,” Sutton noted. “A 5-0 thrashing of Nottingham Forest shows their potential, and they’ve managed it despite significant injuries.”
Bournemouth, under Andoni Iraola, is making history. Currently seventh, the Cherries are in contention for their first-ever European qualification, a monumental feat for a club whose best Premier League finish is ninth.
Meanwhile, Gary Neville pointed out Chelsea’s lack of killer instinct. After their loss to City, the Manchester United legend remarked, “Chelsea have the talent—players like Caicedo, Fernandez, and Reece James—but they didn’t capitalize on City’s vulnerabilities. That mentality needs developing.”
Chelsea, now fifth in the odds for a top-four finish at 17/20, must bounce back as they host West Ham on Monday. With Bournemouth flying high at 11/2 odds, could this be the season they rewrite Premier League history?
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