Chelsea’s top 4 Dilemma

Chelsea are currently sitting in 6th in the Premier League, only three points behind Arsenal in fourth. They are also currently in the quarter-final in the Europa League. The dilemma is whether they should focus on making the top 4 or throwing in all their chips in and try to win the Europa League. There are pros and cons to both decisions and even though Sarri will never admit it, there is definitely one that he will focus on more.

The winner of the Europa League gets automatic qualification for the Champions League. This happened two seasons ago when United won the Europa League and it was the first time that there were five clubs from the same country competing in the following Champions League. Chelsea have to face Slavia in the quarter-final which is a draw they will be relatively happy with. If they were to win this match, then they would face one of the Spanish clubs either Villarreal or Valencia in the semi-finals. This means that there could be an all English final if Arsenal make it through. This also presents Sarri with the opportunity to win his first trophy as a manager, which is something that he will want to achieve soon.

The Premier League race for the top 4 is heating up with only eight games remaining. Chelsea have only won one in their last four league games with their latest loss coming against Everton on the weekend. With that being said they are still only three points behind fourth spot. Chelsea still have to face Manchester United and Liverpool away which are two difficult fixtures. The match against United will be even more interesting as the game will be a six-pointer.

Sarri will definitely be happy with the Europa League draw and be thinking to himself that his team can win it. This doesn’t mean he will not focus on the Premier League it just means that he will put a little more emphasis and try to get his team to produce the best that they can give in those potential 5 Europe League matches as well as trying to win the remaining league games and make the top 4.