Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has been discussing Chelsea and Nottingham Forest’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League.
It was a bad weekend for Chelsea and Forest, with both Premier League clubs dropping points.
The former lost 2-0 away at Newcastle United, while the latter drew 2-2 with relegated Leicester City at home. Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis could not hold in his frustration, coming onto the pitch after the game to berate manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
As for Chelsea, Enzo Maresca was not a happy man either. Maresca could not even look at Nicolas Jackson after his red card in the Blues’ loss against Eddie Howe’s side.
Jamie Carragher expects Chelsea to miss out on top-five finish
Chelsea remain in fifth place for now and Carragher even expects them to beat Manchester United on Friday.
However, the former defender is not optimistic about their chances of beating Forest on the last day of the season and predicted both teams to finish outside the top five.
Speaking on Sky Sports following his old side’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal, Carragher said: “Chelsea will beat Man United. It’s whether they can beat Nottingham Forest away. There will be a big atmosphere there.
“Maybe even if they can’t get Champions League football, I think Nottingham Forest, last game of the season, the supporters will be desperate to say almost like a big thank you for the season that they’ve had. They’ve got European football, great achievement. I actually think it’ll be Chelsea and Nottingham Forest who miss out and Aston Villa get in.”
Jackson is largely to blame for Chelsea’s defeat at St James’ Park following his red card. Ex-Chelsea defender Jason Cundy discussed Jackson’s dismissal during the game, describing what the Senegal international did as “idiotic”.
Jamie Carragher’s prediction before Newcastle vs Chelsea
Even before Chelsea’s loss to Newcastle, Carragher had doubts about the Blues’ ability to finish in the Champions League places.
When Carragher spoke about Chelsea in April, he said: “I think Nottingham Forest will just do it. I think Chelsea will miss out; I think they’ve got the toughest fixtures. I think Newcastle will make it. I think Manchester City will just make it as well… I think Aston Villa still has the FA Cup and at least two Champions League games, so Aston Villa will just miss out.”
It is still in Chelsea’s hands — thanks to their goal difference — and that is all you can ask for really. Beat United and Forest, and Maresca’s men will be in Europe’s elite competition next season.
Ruben Amorim’s side have been terrible this term and are only thinking about the Europa League right now. They have not even hit 40 points yet.
Chelsea should at least win that match. If they do not, then the club do not belong anywhere near the Champions League.
