Alan Shearer believes Chelsea will claim a trophy this season, though he’s certain it won’t be the Premier League title.
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Under Enzo Maresca’s leadership, Chelsea had a promising start, sparking discussions about a potential title challenge alongside Liverpool and Arsenal.
However, their Boxing Day defeat to Fulham has cooled expectations. Chelsea now sits second in the table, trailing leaders Liverpool by seven points, with the Reds having a game in hand.
Despite the setback, Chelsea has exceeded expectations after years of struggles since Todd Boehly’s takeover. Their last trophy came in 2021 when they won the Club World Cup. But Shearer is confident the Blues will not only secure a top-four finish but also end their silverware drought this season.
Speaking on Match of the Day, Shearer said, “Absolutely, they’re ahead of the curve. Finishing in the top four would be a brilliant achievement, and I think they’ll win the Conference League as well. Everyone at Stamford Bridge will be thrilled with how things are shaping up.”
Chelsea has been the clear favorite for the UEFA Conference League, dominating the league phase with six wins and an aggregate score of 26-5. Their knockout stage opponents will be one of Gent, FC Copenhagen, Real Betis, or FC Heidenheim.
UEFA Conference League Winner Odds (via Betfair)
- Chelsea – 4/6
- Fiorentina – 5/1
- Real Betis – 9/1
- Vitoria – 14/1
- Rapid Vienna – 20/1
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s FA Cup journey begins with a third-round tie against Morecambe on January 11. Before that, they face Ipswich Town in a Premier League clash on Monday.
Reflecting on their recent loss to Fulham, Maresca stated, “We’re preparing as we always do – to win. It’s crucial to end 2024 on a high, and we hope to bounce back with three points.”
With strong performances in Europe and domestic competitions, Chelsea fans have plenty to look forward to in the months ahead.
