Chelsea's final fixtures compared to Premier League rivals as Champions League reality clear
by Jake Stokes · football.londonChelsea will be eager to return to winning ways after the international break. The Blues will lock horns with Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge at the start of next month as Enzo Maresca looks to climb the Premier League table.
Chelsea head into the clash following a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal. The west Londoners enjoyed the lion's share of possession at the Emirates Stadium, but they struggled to break the deadlock – like so many teams have this season.
Despite dropping crucial points in the race for Champions League qualification, the Blues are still in fourth place. So, with that being said, football.london has looked at Chelsea's final fixtures and how they compare to their rivals.
Tottenham Hotspur (H) – Premier League – Thursday, April 3
A tough clash awaits after the international break. The Blues defeated Tottenham Hotspur on the road back in December, waltzing away 4-3 victorious. A similar result would be huge for Chelsea in the race for Champions League qualification.
Brentford (A) – Premier League – Sunday, April 6
Another London derby. Thomas Frank has a few big hitters that could cause Chelsea some problems. Bryan Mbeumo and Yoanne Wissa have dragged Brentford to victory on numerous occasions this season, so the Blues will have to keep tabs on the duo.
Legia Warsaw (A) – Conference League – Thursday, April 10
The first leg of the Conference League quarterfinal. A big game on the road in front of a notoriously unforgiving home crowd. Chelsea are, rightfully, favourites to win the competition, but this could be a challenging night for Maresca's young squad.
Ipswich Town (H) – Premier League – Sunday, April 13
Chelsea will be lucky to cram a training session in before they face Ipswich Town. The west Londoners won't have very long to prepare for the tie, so Maresca will likely rotate his squad.
Legia Warsaw (H) – Conference League – Thursday, April 17
The Blues will be hoping to take a significant lead back to Stamford Bridge for the second leg of the Conference League quarterfinal. A win over the Polish giants would do wonders for Chelsea, who are looking for a spark to reignite their confidence.
Fulham (A) – Premier League – Sunday, April 20
Another London derby! Fulham have proven to be no pushovers this season, climbing to eighth in the Premier League. The Cottagers will be desperate to secure European football, so Chelsea mustn't take their foot off the peddle.
Everton (H) – Premier League – Saturday, April 26
Everton have been revitalised by David Moyes, who's steered them away from the relegation zone. The Toffees are currently 17 points clear of the bottom three so, with survival in the top-flight all but wrapped up, they could lower their guard.
Liverpool (H) – Premier League – Saturday, May 3
This will be a huge game in the wider context of the Premier League. Not only could Chelsea make a great statement in the race for the top four and show their Champions League credentials, but the Blues could also throw a spanner in the title race.
Newcastle United (A) – Premier League – Saturday, May 10
Another tough match for the Blues. Chelsea will have to be at their very best when they lock horns with Newcastle United at St. James' Park. It's a tough place to go.
Manchester United (H) – Premier League – Sunday, May 18
Manchester United have struggled to impress this season, so Chelsea will be determined to pile on the misery. While the Red Devils may not be the protagonist in the race for European football, they'll certainly be keen to play the antagonist.
Nottingham Forest (A) – Premier League – Sunday, May 25
What a game this looks to be. The winner takes all. If Nottingham Forest and Chelsea are both still in the race for Champions League qualification come the final day of the season then this will be huge.
Arsenal
April 1 vs Fulham (H) at 7.45pm - Premier League
April 5 vs Everton (A) at 12.30pm - Premier League
April 8 vs Real Madrid (H) at 8pm - Champions League QF
April 12 vs Brentford (H) at 5.30pm - Premier League
April 16 vs Real Madrid (A) at 8pm - Champions League QF
April 20 vs Ipswich Town (A) at 2pm - Premier League
April 26 vs Crystal Palace (H) at 5.30pm - Premier League
Nottingham Forest
March 29 vs Brighton (A) at 5.15pm - FA Cup QF
April 1 vs Manchester United (H) at 8pm - Premier League
April 5 vs Aston Villa (A) at 5.30pm - Premier League
April 12 vs Everton (H) at 3pm - Premier League
April 21 vs Tottenham (A) at 8pm - Premier League
April 26 vs Brentford (H) at 3pm - Premier League
Manchester City
March 30 vs AFC Bournemouth (A) at 4.30pm - FA Cup QF
April 2 vs Leicester City (H) at 7.45pm - Premier League
April 6 vs Manchester United (A) at 4.30pm - Premier League
April 12 vs Crystal Palace (H) at 12.30pm - Premier League
April 19 vs Everton (A) at 3pm - Premier League
April 28 vs Aston Villa (H) at 8pm - Premier League
Newcastle United
April 2 vs Brentford (H) at 7.45pm - Premier League
April 7 vs Leicester City (A) at 8pm - Premier League
April 13 vs Manchester United (H) at 4.30pm - Premier League
April 16 vs Crystal Palace (H) at 7.30pm - Premier League
April 19 vs Aston Villa (A) at 5.30pm - Premier League
April 26 vs Ipswich Town (H) at 3pm - Premier League
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