Cole Palmer: Europe a ‘step in right direction’ for Chelsea

A fifth or sixth-placed Premier League finish would give the Blues a spot in next season’s Europa League, while seventh is only good enough for the Europa Conference League.

However, if rivals Manchester United finish outside the top six they could still take a Europa League place by winning the FA Cup.

If that were to happen, the side finishing fifth would also enter the Europa League, but sixth place would instead land a Conference League spot and a seventh-placed finish would miss out on Europe entirely.

With a three-point gap to Tottenham, Chelsea could end the season as high as fifth if results fall their way on the final day.

It would mark an incredible recovery as the Blues were ninth and 13 points behind Spurs when they lost 5-0 to Arsenal last month.

“We talked about patience and when you need to build something you need time,” Chelsea boss Pochettino told BBC Match of the Day.

“But it always looks like an excuse at a big club. We have kept working and being positive and to finish in a good way would be good for the club.”