Chelsea FC: Top 5 Matches That Could Decide Their Season

Chelsea have had a horrendous season by their standards. A team that used to be strong title contenders now faces an uphill battle for a Champions League position. 

Although an emphatic win over Napoli showcased their prowess and that the season might be far from over for Chelsea, there remain some grueling encounters in the last 10 matches of the season. 

Here are five must-win games if Chelsea intend on securing a top-four finish and an automatic Champions League place next year. 

5. Manchester City vs. Chelsea: 21 March

One of their toughest encounters begins next week. They face an important encounter at the Etihad Stadium against Manchester City. 

Although Chelsea did win their previous encounter, City will be looking to exact revenge on them. 

If Chelsea lose the game, the gap between them and Arsenal (and Tottenham Hotspur) would be widened and might decide their fate. 

4. Chelsea vs. Tottenham Hotspur: 24 March

Things aren't rendered so easy for Chelsea in the last 10 games. After a difficult tie with Manchester City, they entertain Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge. 

The gap between the two clubs is a mere four points, and if Chelsea manage to win they will remain in the hunt for an automatic Champions League spot. 

Given the recent form of Tottenham, I expect Chelsea to walk away with all three points. 

3. Chelsea vs. Newcastle United: 14 April

Newcastle United have been a highly resilient team this season, and it is always going to be an open game between the two. 

As things stand now, Newcastle are only five points adrift of Chelsea. 

With the likes of Demba Ba and Hatem Ben Arfa operating for Newcastle, things are not going to be easy for Chelsea. 

Given the fact that Chelsea face an impossible set of fixtures in the last 10 games, Newcastle might be aiming to finish above them. 

2. Arsenal vs. Chelsea: 21 April

Did I mention that Chelsea's fixtures in the closing stages of the Premier League season are grueling? 

Arsenal are another of the "Big Six" clubs, and it doesn't help that the Gunners are in spectacular form as of now. 

Consider the fact that Arsenal humiliated them the last time they met, this renders things even more difficult for the Blues. 

1. Liverpool vs. Chelsea: 6 May

And would you believe it? Chelsea's penultimate game is against Liverpool. 

Over the last few years, Liverpool have been Chelsea's worst nightmare. 

However, by this time the season might have already been over for the Blues, given the big teams they face before going to Anfield.