Kyle Walker has sparked debate among Chelsea fans after publicly casting doubt on the Blues’ chances of finishing in the Premier League’s top five this season. The former Manchester City right-back, known for his honest assessments, made it clear he doesn’t see Chelsea as one of the favourites to secure a Champions League spot.

“If I were to say now, I’d probably go Newcastle, Villa,” Walker told reporters, suggesting that those two sides are more likely to break into the top five, alongside the usual suspects Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City.

It’s a bold claim considering the current Premier League table. Chelsea are fifth on 63 points, level with Newcastle United and just ahead of Nottingham Forest (61) and Aston Villa (60). The margins are slim, and the stakes couldn’t be higher, with the top five earning qualification for the expanded Champions League format next season.

Walker’s scepticism about Chelsea’s credentials seems to be rooted in the competitiveness of the league rather than a direct swipe at the club. “I still think it’s a flip of a coin for all of them,” he added. This underlines the unpredictable nature of this season’s run-in, where form, injuries, and remaining fixtures could make all the difference.

However, he also made one clear exclusion: “I think Forest, my personal opinion, no. I think they’ve just fallen off it.” While Forest are still mathematically in the race, Walker clearly doesn’t see them as a serious threat.

The question remains: is Walker right to rule Chelsea out? The Blues have momentum on their side and will be looking to prove him wrong. But with just a handful of games left, every point now matters more than ever.

One thing is certain — the race for the top five is heating up, and Chelsea must rise to the challenge if they are to silence the doubters and secure a place at Europe’s top table.