Pat Nevin makes bold prediction about Chelsea over Christmas

Pat Nevin believes that Chelsea will start to reap the benefits of their lack of European football this season when the hectic festive schedule in the Premier League approaches.

The Blues do not have the distraction of European football this season after they slumped to a 10th-placed finish in the Premier League last term.

That means that Antonio Conte’s men have plenty of time to prepare for their upcoming domestic games, unlike many of their Premier League title rivals.

And former Chelsea star Nevin feels that the Blues will start to benefit from their extra rest when the fixtures start to pile up in December.

Writing in his column for Chelsea’s website, Nevin said: “As ever it is better to stand back a bit for a wider picture.

“Our arrival at the top of the league was certainly deserved on our recent form, but it was just as welcome when you consider the run of games coming up.

“A few weeks back I was writing in this column that I hoped we could stay on the coat tails of the top four by the time we reached December because there is a run of games around Christmas that provide a fantastic opportunity for a sack full of points.

“The team has surpassed my expectations in the meantime and be honest, probably yours as well, but being in the mix for that cycle of games is now a certainty.”

Chelsea are currently gearing up for their crunch Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge.

The west London side finished 10th last season and without a trophy but are currently top of the Premier League table after 12 games.