The 2019-20 season has been a mixed one for Chelsea in many ways, though ultimately a top-four finish in the Premier League would mark a successful campaign for Frank Lampard.
The Blues found themselves in a Champions League qualification berth at the time of the coronavirus-enforced shutdown last month, three points better off than fifth-placed Manchester United.
Chelsea had failed to win back-to-back games since November, but they had momentum on their side after beating Everton 4-0 in their most recent outing - arguably the finest display of Lampard's tenure to date.
There is still work for the West London outfit to do if the Premier League season is given the go ahead to resume, and here Sports Mole has taken an in-depth look at their remaining nine fixtures.
© Reuters
It remains to be seen what order games will be played if the season does restart in June or July, but Chelsea were scheduled to travel to Aston Villa in their next match on March 14.
That is a fixture the Blues tend to do well in, having won nine of their last 10 league meetings with Villa, including each of the last five.
Chelsea have three other away games to play - trips to West Ham United, Crystal Palace, Sheffield United and Liverpool.
Each of those are difficult in their own right, particularly with the first two being London derbies, but the visits to Bramall Lane and Anfield could be particularly daunting.
© Reuters
Liverpool boast the best home record in the Premier League, collecting 45 points from a possible 45, while Sheffield United had taken 10 points from the last 12 on offer before the shutdown.
The showdown with United would have plenty riding on it, too, given the Blades' current standing of seventh, just five points worse off than Chelsea.
Lampard's men still had some tough games to come at Stamford Bridge, meanwhile, especially the visit of reigning champions Manchester City, followed by meetings with Watford, Norwich City and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Chelsea have lost six of their last seven games against City in all competitions, most recently going down 2-1 to the Citizens in November.
© Reuters
The average overall position of the Blues' nine remaining opponents is 11th, highlighting that Lampard's men are by no means over the line for a Champions League qualification spot.
Indeed, taking all nine of the reverse fixtures into account, Chelsea collected 16 points out of 27 - an indication that, while they are looking down at the chasing pack for now, some consistent results are still required if the season does conclude.
Chelsea's remaining Premier League fixtures
Aston Villa (a)
Manchester City (h)
West Ham United (a)
Watford (h)
Crystal Palace (a)
Sheffield United (a)
Norwich City (h)
Liverpool (a)
Wolverhampton Wanderers (h)
Daniel Lewis
