Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is hoping his side will clinch a Europa League spot by securing a favourable result against Bournemouth on Sunday.
The Blues will secure a European ticket if the club avoids a defeat against the Cherries and will increase the side’s unbeaten run to six games.
Pochettino believes Chelsea has all it takes to achieve a good result against Bournemouth and he is optimistic his side can aim for a fifth-place finish.
Pochettino said: “I think it’s really important for us to finish in the way we are going now, with the confidence and the way we are playing in the last few months.
“It’s really important for the team, the players and the club to achieve one of the objectives which was to play in Europe next season.
“The most important thing now is to think about performing and be sure we are going to compete in the best way against Bournemouth.
“It’s going to be a very tough game because they are doing so well and Andoni Iraola is doing a fantastic job – it is a tough game.
“The important thing is to finish well and after we see if we have the chance to be fifth, which would be amazing for us.”
Chelsea captain Reece James will be absent against Bournemouth, after he was sent off against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The defender recently rejoined Pochettino’s side after recovering from a surgery, following a hamstring injury he suffered.
The Argentine tactician is confident that his side can garner the needed points without the involvement of James.
Pochettino continued: “It was a very difficult season but now we need to help him move on and then accept the punishment that for sure will be there in the next few days.
“The most important thing is that we back him, we trust him, and for sure he needs to be ready for pre-season to train and to build his fitness. Then the talent is there and next season for sure he will be one of the best players in the Premier League again.”
