CHELSEA could STILL be relegated from the Premier League this season as they prepare for a nightmare run-in.
Frank Lampard returned to Stamford Bridge earlier this month following the sacking of Graham Potter.
2Frank Lampard has lost all five games since returning to the clubCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
2Chelsea are in a shocking run of form as the end of the season approachesCredit: Getty
But the interim boss, who is only in charge until the end of the season, has lost all five games at the helm.
And Crystal Palace’s 4-3 victory over West Ham on Saturday took them above Chelsea, leaving the 2021 Champions League winners down in 12th place.
They still have a 10-point buffer to the relegation zone – which is occupied by Leicester, Everton and Southampton.
But mathematically they could still succumb to the drop.
And the dread of a remarkable relegation becomes an even more realistic proposition when you consider Chelsea’s run-in.
Lampard’s men face all of the top four in their final six matches of the season.
They travel to Premier League leaders Arsenal on Tuesday, before another away game at Bournemouth – who have won four of their last six.
Chelsea then host Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge on May 13 with Steve Cooper’s side expected to still be fighting relegation themselves.
And if they are continuing to slip down the table after the Forest clash, their final three games look incredibly ominous.
Trips to Manchester City and Manchester United are followed on the final day by a game against Newcastle at Stamford Bridge.
Losing all of their remaining fixtures could leave Chelsea perilously close to the drop and bring about very real fear of relegation down to the second tier for the first time in 35 years.
source: thesun.co.uk