Chelsea's Next 5 Fixtures: A Brutal Test After Spurs Nightmare

Chelsea's 2-0 defeat to Spurs yesterday was more than just a derby loss. With Cole Palmer】 sent off and shown a red card in the 80th minute, Xabi Alonso's side sits 4th in the Premier League and now faces a make-or-break 5-game run.

Here is what comes next:

1. Liverpool vs Chelsea — EFL Cup Fourth Round, Wed 28 Oct, 23:00

The toughest possible bounce-back. Anfield away in a knockout. Palmer will be suspended here after his red — he misses this game, not Man Utd — so Alonso will have to rotate. Liverpool knocked Chelsea out at this stage two years ago. No room for error.

2. Chelsea vs Manchester United — Sat, 31 Oct, 15:30

Straight back into the fire. Old Trafford rivals come to Stamford Bridge for Halloween weekend. This is the game Palmer is available for, and Chelsea need him. United have won two of the last three at the Bridge. A loss here and top four looks shaky.

3. Sunderland vs Chelsea — Sun, 8 Nov, 17:00

The trap game. Newly-promoted Sunderland AFC】 at the Stadium of Light are unbeaten at home this season and just held Arsenal. After Liverpool and United, this is where Chelsea have dropped points before. Alonso can't rotate too much.

4. Chelsea vs Leeds — 21 Nov, 18:00

Leeds are back up and pressing hard under their new system — they have already beaten Liverpool this season. At home, Chelsea should dominate possession like they did vs Spurs, but finishing has been the problem. Need a striker fit — Joao Pedro is still a doubt after missing the Spurs game.

5. Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea — 27 Nov, 23:00

A cold night at the City Ground to close the month. Forest beat Chelsea 1-0 in this fixture last season and are brutal on set pieces. If Chelsea are still struggling for goals, this is exactly the type of game that punishes them.

Verdict: 3 of the next 5 are away, including Liverpool and Forest. Palmer's suspension cleans up after the EFL Cup, but the Man Utd game on 31 Oct will define whether this Spurs loss was a blip or the start of a slide.