Chelsea can take a considerable step towards qualifying for next season's Champions Leaguer with victory over struggling Manchester United on Friday night.
The Blues are currently perched in fifth and would secure a return to Europe's premier competition as things stand, but last weekend's 2–0 defeat to Newcastle United leaves them at threat of missing out on a top five finish.
But victory over the Red Devils could see them move three points ahead of Aston Villa depending on their result at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Friday, putting them in a commanding position heading into their final day encounter with Champions League hopefuls Nottingham Forest.
The good news for Chelsea is that Man Utd will have both eyes firmly fixed on their upcoming Europa League final against Tottenham this coming Wednesday. Ruben Amorim's 16th-placed outfit would secure a surprise return to the Champions League by clinching continental silverware, earning some redemption following a truly dismal Premier League campaign.
Man Utd could rotate ahead of the showpiece fixture with Spurs and Chelsea could be the beneficiaries. The Red Devils have failed to win any of their seven league matches since the March international break and won't be excited by the prospect of a Stamford Bridge visit.
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