Chelsea know the equation when it comes to what they need to achieve in the final Premier League game of the season against Nottingham Forest.
A win will guarantee them a return to Champions League football, however any other result will see them relying on other clubs to give them a helping hand in their push for the top five.
Enzo Maresca has the mission of juggling his priorities. The final game of the season comes just three days before the Conference League final against Real Betis.
Ahead of the crucial Premier League game, an announcement has already been made that has not proven too popular amongst Chelsea fans.
Anthony Taylor will officiate the final Blues league game of the season, with the English referee having a chequered history when in charge of their games.
Chelsea fans not happy with appointment of Anthony Taylor as referee for Nottingham Forest clash
Thiago Silva is not a fan of Taylor, and it seems the supporters of Chelsea are following in his stance. Blues supporters took to social media to share their disdain at the decision made for him to be in charge.
One user said: “You’ve got to be taking the p— right? I mean are you actually serious?”
Another added: “The x1 referee that the EPL know Chelsea fans hate. To the point that 163,000 fans signed a petition to not have him ref our games ever again. Last game of the season for us to clinch a spot in the Champions League. Who’s reffing the game? Anthony Taylor. Unbelievable.”
A third stated: “We can’t leave anything to chance, make as much noise about this as possible for the rest of the week
“Not just today, not just tomorrow, the WHOLE week, no coincidence 95% of the games Anthony Taylor officiates us well is when all eyes are on him.”
Another user claimed: “Chelsea and Anthony Taylor doesn’t have a good working relationship. History goes far back since Mourinho was gaffer.”
Finally, one user said: “They just had to bring out Anthony Taylor to finish us. smh.”
Chelsea’s surprising recent record with Anthony Taylor
Despite the likes of Jose Mourinho having problems with Taylor in the past, recent results have actually been quite positive when the Englishman has officiated.
He has been in charge of four Blues games this season, and after the defeat to Manchester City on the opening day, they have won the remaining three.
This included beating Bournemouth away from home, when Taylor gave out a record amount of yellow cards across both sides.
The last game Taylor led was the crucial 2-1 win over Fulham, a result which kept up their chances of Champions League qualification in the first place.
