Why Chelsea may finish outside of the top 4 this season

Chelsea could finish last amongst the top six teams and will thus not qualify for Champions League football next season. Chelsea appointed new manager Maurizio Sarri at the beginning of the season, and his refusal to play any other system or style has cost his team a large number of points.

The London team has blown hot and cold, and their level of play has changed drastically over the course of the season. Eden Hazard is rumoured to be potentially leaving for Real Madrid in the summer, has carried the team for many games as he often has to shoulder the burden of leading the team's offence alone.

Chelsea is currently fourth, level on points with Tottenham Hotspur, although they have played a game more than their rivals.

Additionally, Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kanté and youngster Callum Hudson-Odoi were both substituted during the game against Burnley due to injury concerns. Chelsea already boasts a thin squad and injuries to the aforementioned players along with starting centre-back Antonio Rudiger could derail Chelsea's efforts to finish in the top four.

Eden Hazard (l) - On his way to the Spanish capital?

There also appears to be growing inner turmoil within the dressing room. Sarri's man management first came into question when keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga blatantly refused to be substituted during the League Cup final against Manchester City, visibly frustrating the manager.

In their most recent game against Burnley, Gonzalo Higuaín, who had scored on the night, was infuriated at his substitution. He showed his anger by throwing jerseys and water bottles, while heatedly complaining about something. Of course, the rumours that Hazard is looking to move to Real Madrid do not help a dressing room presumably already in chaos.

In contrast to Chelsea's inconsistent domestic form, they have proven to be more effective in Europe, although it can be argued that their run in the Europa League has been incredibly easy thus far.

Sarri may choose to sacrifice their top four chances in order to focus on their momentum in Europe. Should Chelsea win the Europa League, they will have a chance to play in the Champions League. Their road to Europe's top flight competition via the Premier League, however, seems difficult.