chelsea's Premier League run-in: will Carlo Ancelotti's side finish in the top four?
Chelse have 12 fixtures to secure a top-four finish and Champions League football next season. Telegraph Sport looks at where things could go wrong for Carlo Ancelotti between now and May 22.
Where's it going wrong? Chelsea's draw with Fulham leaves the in fifth place and 12 points behind Manchester United Photo: PA
By Emily Benammar 2:25PM GMT 15 Feb 2011
February 26 Chelsea v Birmingham City
A fixture that pre-slump would have been written-off as a guaranteed three points for Chelsea but they lost 1-0 at St Andrews in November and will go into the match off the back of a midweek trip to Denmark.
March 1 Chelsea v Manchester United
The fixture is yet to be confirmed on this date due to an FA Cup re-match on Chelsea's part and if moved would likely set up a Manchester United double-header in May. Either way it will be one of Chelsea's biggest obstacles to Champions League football next season and the result will have a significant impact on the squad's mentality.
March 7 Blackpool v Chelsea
Should be three points for Chelsea but you just never can tell with Blackpool. They've beaten Liverpool twice this season and came close against Manchester United and City.
March 20 Chelsea v Manchester City
Four days after they host Copenhagen, Chelsea must secure points against fellow top-four contenders Manchester City. Having already lost against Roberto Mancini's side this game is about as pivotal as it comes.
April 2 Stoke City v Chelsea
Currently just four places behind Chelsea, Stoke should not be under-estimated particularly on home turf. Chelsea are likely to rest key players if they have reached the Champions League quarter-finals, the first leg of which would take place three or four days later.
April 9 Chelsea v Wigan Athletic
The first of what should be three simple wins for Ancelotti's squad. They beat Wigan 6-0 in their second game of the season.
April 16 West Bromwich Albion v Chelsea
Another team put to the sword earlier in the season but as with Wigan the week before and West Ham to come, Chelsea will do well to beware of clubs threatened with relegation. Fixture may well be rescheduled depending on FA Cup commitments meaning May risks becoming even more packed.
April 23 Chelsea v West Ham
Another straight-forward fixture on paper but, should they have made it, Ancelotti's thoughts may well be on a looming Champions League semi-final and therefore the need to rest key players.
April 30 Chelsea v Tottenham
Another chance to take points off top four rivals and a tricky game, especially off the back of possible mid-week action in Europe but Spurs could find themselves in the same boat. Harry Redknapp's side will also be fighting for a top four finish.
May 7 Manchester United v Chelsea
At the start of the season it was earmarked the title decider. It now seems that Chelsea's Champions League fate will come down to this clash. Whether each side remains in the 2010-11 Champions League at this stage will carry great significance on squad availability and morale with the fixture coming days after a possible away trip for the semi-finals second-leg.
May 14 Chelsea v Newcastle United
Despite the departure of Andy Carroll. Newcastle have proven themselves a side to be taken seriously. Chelsea should win this one. Fixture could move if Chelsea reach FA Cup final.
May 22 Everton v Chelsea
A tougher end to the season for Chelsea than Tottenham and Manchester City, who play Birmingham and Bolton respectively on the final day. Chelsea will want to be safely in the elite group before this one. Though in truth they may well already be coming to terms with Thursday nights on Five next season.
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