Chelsea have a pretty tough-looking run-in as they bid for success in Europe and to avoid a bottom ten finish in the Premier League.
The Blues were in Champions League action on Wednesday night as they bid for a third major crown in Europe, but hopes of another surprise triumph are already slim after a comprehensive 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid that perhaps should have been a whole lot worse.
They have, however, been beset with off-field chaos throughout the season, with interim boss Frank Lampard the latest figure to fill the Chelsea dugout following the departures of Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter.
Here’s who they’ve got next.
This is the first of three Stamford Bridge games on the trot for Chelsea, as well as Frank Lampard’s first game back at his old stomping ground since taking temporary control.
Graham Potter didn’t last long enough in the Blues job for a second meeting with former club Brighton, having been beaten 4-1 by the Seagulls on his return to the AMEX in late October.
Frank Lampard never got the chance to play against Real Madrid during his days in Chelsea’s midfield, despite playing in the Champions League regularly throughout his career.
He’ll have a chance to write himself into Blues folklore with an unbelievable comeback here, though reigning champions Real Madrid are already in a comfortable position after their win in the first leg.
Brentford are one of two west London clubs – the other being Fulham – that Chelsea need to usurp in the Premier League table before the end of the season.
A home fixture with the Bees will be challenging, with Thomas Frank’s side still eyeing a late push for Europe. A run of four games without a win has dashed those hopes somewhat, however.
Thomas Tuchel might have fancied a Premier League title charge at the start of the season, but instead it’s London rivals Arsenal who have pushed themselves into first place for the majority of the campaign.
Gabriel’s goal separated the two sides in early November. The Gunners have the edge on the Blues in recent meetings, winning three of the last four league games.
Two decidedly more ‘winnable’ games present themselves to Chelsea before clashes with Manchester City and Newcastle in their final two matches of the season.
The first is a trip to Bournemouth, a side they overcame 2-0 in late December thanks to goals from Kai Havertz and Mason Mount.
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Chelsea’s penultimate home league game of the season comes against Nottingham Forest in mid May.
There’ll be hope a finish higher than 11th is possible by the time this fixture comes around, though there’s every chance pure cynicism will have taken hold all Blues fans.
When are the Champions League semi-finals?
Should Chelsea overcome Real Madrid in the second leg at Stamford Bridge, they’ll take part in the Champions League semi-finals against Manchester City or Bayern Munich, most likely the former after their 3-0 first leg win.
The semi-finals from Chelsea’s side of the draw will take place on May 10 and May 17, though final official confirmation will be made later on those dates.
