Gary Lineker predicts Chelsea to miss top-five spot

Gary Lineker Chelsea Champions League prediction has intensified debate around the Premier League’s top-five race, with the former England striker suggesting the Blues will fall short this season.

Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge, conceding a 93rd-minute equaliser from Zian Flemming after João Pedro’s early opener. The result, coupled with Wesley Fofana’s second-half red card, prevented Rosenier’s side from creating breathing space in the race for Europe.

With England’s coefficient expected to secure five Champions League places, the battle remains fierce. Six clubs are currently in realistic contention, meaning at least one high-profile side will miss out.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker assessed the congested table and offered his projected top five.

“It’s pretty tight up there for the Champions League spots,” he said.

“I think the way they are going, if they stay injury-free, United will take one of them. They’ve got momentum, belief.”

He added: “If you pinned me against the wall and asked me to give you the top five; Arsenal, City, Villa, Man United and Liverpool, Chelsea just missing out.”

Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are currently separated by goal difference, with United holding a game in hand. Aston Villa sit third, six points clear of that trio.

Lineker pointed to Chelsea’s inconsistency and relative inexperience as key factors.

“Chelsea have got a lot going for them, but a bit inexperienced,” he said. “Liverpool are definitely better than they were in the first half of the season. Defensively, they aren’t giving goals away.”

Manchester United, under interim boss Michael Carrick, remain unbeaten in the league across five matches, registering four wins and a draw. That form has strengthened belief they could surge into the top five.

Having followed Chelsea’s recent fixtures, defensive lapses and late concessions have proven costly. However, their underlying attacking metrics remain competitive with rivals.

It remains too early to draw definitive conclusions. With several head-to-head fixtures still to come, momentum could shift quickly.

Chelsea travel to face Arsenal next, while Manchester United host Everton before key upcoming clashes. Liverpool also remain firmly in contention. The next three to four fixtures could reshape the table significantly, particularly with minimal margin separating fourth to sixth.

Will Chelsea prove Lineker wrong, or is the Champions League race set to claim another heavyweight casualty?