FA Cup to keep Chelsea in Europe

 FA Cup to keep Chelsea in Europe

Raheem Sterling of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Chelsea and Preston North End at Stamford Bridge on January 06, 2024 in London, England.(Image-Getty)

Chelsea's position in the Premier League points table is not very good. At the end of 20 matches, they are at number 10 with 28 points from 8 wins and 3 draws. The difference is 11 points with Tottenham, which is number 5 in the points list.

That is, it is very difficult for Chelsea to finish the league from the top four or five after being behind by so many points after so many matches. In that case, Chelsea has no chance of playing in the Champions League. And to play in the Europa League, Chelsea's hope is now the FA Cup. Chelsea will play against Preston at home today in that FA Cup match. Before this match, Chelsea coach Mauricio Pochettino said that his team has the ability to win the FA Cup.

Chelsea also reached the semi-finals of the League Cup. If they win that tournament, they can play in the Europa Conference League. Asked if Chelsea can win the FA Cup, Pochettino said, 'Of course (we can win the FA Cup). We want to go far in the Carabao Cup (League Cup) and the FA Cup. But we want to start that way step by step, the first step of which is Saturday. It is a very important competition for us.

Pochettino added, "We are in a position in the Premier League where we have to improve a lot if we want to play in the Europa League next season. We can achieve this through the FA Cup and the League Cup.'

The last Premier League season was one to forget for Chelsea. The former champions were 12th in the 20-team league. Chelsea hired Pochettino to overcome such a situation. However, Pochettino cannot be called successful in that work so far. The big proof of which is to be number 10 in the points list of the Premier League after half the season. So this FA Cup match is very important for Chelsea.