Chelsea head into their final game of the season against Bournemouth knowing that a point will guarantee them sixth place.
If Chelsea finish there and Manchester United go on to lose the FA Cup final against Manchester City, Mauricio Pochettino‘s men will qualify for the Europa League.
Their aim before the campaign started would have been Champions League qualification. However, given where the team have been for most of the season, coming sixth or fifth, which is still possible, would be a bit of an accomplishment.
They have got to get the job done first, though, and Pochettino has a weapon who has proven to be so effective against Bournemouth in the past.
Chelsea’s danger men for Bournemouth game
Cole Palmer will be the Chelsea player expected to hurt Bournemouth when Andoni Iraola’s men travel to Stamford Bridge.
The 22-year-old has been one of the best attackers in the Premier League this term, recently claiming the division’s Young Player of the Season award.
In 32 top-flight appearances for Chelsea, Palmer has scored 22 goals and provided 10 assists.
Another player who Bournemouth will have to watch out for is Nicolas Jackson, who has netted 14 times in 34 Premier League outings. Finally, if he plays, the Cherries should be absolutely terrified of Raheem Sterling, too.
Mauricio Pochettino should consider starting Raheem Sterling against Bournemouth
With Mykhailo Mudryk unavailable after suffering a concussion in Chelsea’s 2-1 win versus Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday, there is an opportunity for someone else to start on the left wing.
Sterling has not been in the best of form this season. He has only scored seven goals in 30 Premier League appearances.
However, he recently scored an important goal in his side’s victory over Nottingham Forest and has a great record against Bournemouth.
As per Transfermarkt, Sterling has netted 11 times in 15 games versus the south coast club.
Christopher Nkunku replaced Mudryk in the Brighton game after the Ukrainian had to be taken off because of his concussion, so he is probably the more likely name to start.
But given the above, Pochettino should find a way to get both the Frenchman and Sterling, who Pep Guardiola believes has “special qualities”, in the same team for Chelsea’s final fixture of the season.