Chelsea's next four fixtures compared to Man City,…

Chelsea's next four fixtures compared to Man City, Arsenal and Tottenham amid top-four race

Graham Potter could be in for his biggest test yet as Chelsea face three of the country's most in-form sides ahead of the World Cup. The Blues will be hoping to return to winning ways on Wednesday evening as they welcome Dinamo Zagreb to Stamford Bridge for the final Champions League group stage clash.

Ordinarily, with the west Londoners already qualified, the tie would have been the perfect occasion for Potter's side to take their foot off the peddle a little, rotate the side, and gift starts to youngsters - such as Omari Hutchinson - with three huge clashes in the horizon. But, having lost to Brighton, Chelsea will be keen to return to winning ways and pick up some form.

While the Blues' next few games are tough, so are Manchester City's, Arsenal's and Tottenham Hotspurs'. The race for top four is heating up, and Chelsea won't want to be left behind by December.

So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at what Chelsea have left in the calendar before the World Cup.

Dinamo Zagreb (H) - November 2

This is effectively a dead rubber. Zagreb haven't won in Europe since shocking Chelsea on the opening night of the group stage and have just one point from their last four matches. They could still qualify for the Europa League with a win, but for Potter's side, top spot is secured already.

Ahead of some tricky tasks, this may be one that sees a fair deal of rotation and experimentation.

Arsenal (H) - November 6

After a game that can't offer much tangible reward, Potter will be happy to be back at Stamford Bridge after a run of five away games in six.

There will be no let up though, as high-flying Arsenal visit Stamford Bridge having not lost there since 2018. The Gunners are one of the form teams in the table, and despite having a poor week, they still look full of confidence. Potter will need to be ready for his first home London derby, as a loss could set them further back in the league. A win could catapult the season though.

Man City (A) - November 9

One of the most frustrating fixtures on the calendar, just three days before the World Cup break players, will have to be prepared for a huge Carabao Cup test.

With the league and World Cup arguably much more important here, it wouldn't be a surprise to see a heavily rotated side from both managers. Had it not been for drawing Manchester City, this might have been a good opportunity to rest players ahead of a trip to Newcastle, as it is, an away trip before another long journey north is exactly what Chelsea didn't need at this stage.

Newcastle (A) - November 12

The final game before the break could be a cracker, and it could also be mightily important. At the time of writing, Newcastle have still lost just one league game. Eddie Howe's men have scored more and conceded less than Chelsea, albeit in one extra game, but are certainly on the up.

Having already taken points from Tottenham and Manchester City, the Blues know they will be in for a huge test in the northeast, and it could have unexpected Champions League consequences too.

Arsenal's next five fixtures:

Nottingham Forest (H) - October 30

FC Zurich (H) - November 3

Chelsea (A) - November 6

Brighton (H) - November 9

Wolves (A) - November 12

Tottenham's next four fixtures:

Marseille (A) - November 1

Liverpool (H) - November 6

Nottingham Forest (A) - November 9

Leeds (H) - November 12

Manchester City's next four fixtures: