Since leaving Manchester City for Chelsea, Raheem Sterling’s form has dipped. He struggled in his first year at Stamford Bridge as the Blues finished in the bottom half, but there have been positive signs this season under new boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Can the Blues Secure a Top-Six Finish?
Finishing in the top four and bringing UEFA Champions League football back to the Bridge will be a tall order, but can Chelsea secure a top-six finish in the Premier League this term? They have made an indifferent start under Pochettino, but the Londoners have shown signs of life. Odds for football are available right now, and Chelsea are priced at 8/5 to finish in the top six.
Big things were expected of Pochettino when the former Tottenham Hotspur boss arrived in west London. However, the Blues have had a mixed bag of results under the Argentine. In the early weeks of the 2023-24 campaign, Chelsea have already lost to the likes of West Ham United, Nottingham Forest, and Aston Villa.
Sterling on Target in Vital Victory
After drawing with Liverpool and losing to West Ham, Chelsea entertained Luton Town on matchday three. The Hatters are Premier League debutants after winning the EFL Championship play-offs last term.
On paper, it was a game that Chelsea should win, but the Blues had not won at home for 171 days. They proved to be too hot to handle for Town, with Sterling helping himself to a brace in the 3-0 victory. It was a return to form for Sterling, and the England international has vowed to be Chelsea’s top scorer this season.
Focused on Fulham. 🔜 pic.twitter.com/HJQ9n9l2y6
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 30, 2023
Can Chelsea’s No. 7 Get Back into the England Squad?
Sterling was left out of the England squad for the September qualifiers. The news was a bit of a surprise considering how the Chelsea man had started the season. Nevertheless, the forward has been a huge asset to the Three Lions over the years, and Sterling will be looking to battle his way back into Gareth Southgate’s side.
Sterling played three times for England at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, scoring in the 6-2 group win against Iran. The ex-Liverpool and Manchester City man was also one of England’s best players at UEFA Euro 2020, scoring in victories over Croatia, Czech Republic, and Germany.
England should qualify for next year’s UEFA Euro 2024 tournament in Germany. The Three Lions still have games to play before the end of 2023, but Southgate’s side have started well and look nailed on to reach Euro 2024.
Sterling is hoping to be on the plane to Germany, though his full focus will be on continuing his fine form for Chelsea. He may be edging closer to 30, but the attacker has not lost any of his blistering pace and still has an eye for goal.
We go again 🤟🏽 pic.twitter.com/kJncJcaxZk
— Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) August 31, 2023
Sterling is now one of the senior players at Stamford Bridge, and his experience could be vital as the season progresses.
