By the time Chelsea kick-off against Leicester on Thursday evening, their Champions League qualification may already be sealed should Newcastle beat Arsenal on Monday evening. Even a draw at St. James Park would all but secure it, in addition to the knowledge Chelsea only needs one more point from their remaining two games.
Should Thursday go to plan, the final day against Watford will become a dead rubber, something Chelsea have not enjoyed in the Premier League since the end of the 2018/19 season under Maurizio Sarri. Though even if that final day might be devoid of any stress, it is unlikely the mood will be that upbeat.
Since the March international break, hopes of more silverware have been dashed, and a horrendous run of league results has soured the taste of a league season that promised so much in the early months.
