Chelsea Enter the Festive Period: Can They Maintain Their Momentum?

As the festive fixtures roll in, Chelsea find themselves well-placed in both the Premier League and the Conference League. But with a packed schedule ahead, will the Blues successfully navigate through the chaos of constant matches?

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Strong Start After International Break

Chelsea resumed Premier League action after the international break with a solid 2-1 victory against Leicester City. This win reflects the determination of Enzo Maresca’s side, who currently hold third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 games. However, the league table remains extremely tight, leaving no room for complacency.

The team faces a busy week, starting with a Conference League group stage clash away at Heidenheim in Germany this Thursday, where Chelsea are currently topping their group. After that, they’re back in Premier League action on Sunday, hosting Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge.

Experts See an Outside Chance for a Title Push

Paul Merson believes Chelsea could find themselves in the title race if they build consistency and string together a series of wins. While a nine-point gap separates the Blues from leaders Liverpool, this weekend could provide a big opportunity to close the gap.

“Manchester City doesn’t look convincing, and if they lose to Liverpool, Chelsea could climb to second place with a win,” Merson told Sportskeeda. “If they maintain that momentum, who knows? They might even have an outside shot at catching Liverpool at the top. With some favorable fixtures ahead, they need to make the most of this window of opportunity.”

Merson predicts a 3-1 win for Chelsea against Villa, citing the latter’s heavy involvement in the Champions League as a potential distraction.

Similarly, Simon Jordan thinks Chelsea might emerge as dark horses in the title race if they keep applying pressure on Liverpool.

Concerns Over Defensive Stability

On the other hand, Troy Deeney has pointed out that Chelsea’s defensive frailties could hinder their chances of a league title. Without improvements at the back, their campaign may fall short of championship aspirations.

A Promising Run of Fixtures Ahead

Looking at Chelsea’s upcoming schedule, the fixtures appear favorable for racking up points. They’ll face Aston Villa (8th), Southampton (20th), Tottenham (6th), Brentford (11th), and Everton (15th) in the league before Christmas. This stretch presents a golden opportunity to climb the table and solidify their position.

A Chance to Make a Statement

For Enzo Maresca, finishing in a Champions League spot would be a fantastic achievement in his debut season. However, with a little more consistency and defensive solidity, Chelsea could surprise everyone by finishing higher up the table than expected.

As the busy festive period begins, Chelsea fans will hope their team rises to the challenge and keeps the momentum alive. Only time will tell if the Blues can turn potential into reality this season.