Chelsea boosts UCL qualification hopes

Chelsea opened up a four-point cushion over Manchester United and Leicester in the race for a place in the Champions League next season.

Olivier Giroud’s header in first half stoppage time secured the Blues a much-needed three points with a trip to champions Liverpool and sixth-placed Wolves visiting Stamford Bridge on the last day of the season.

Leicester can narrow the gap when they host Sheffield United tonight, while United travel to Crystal Palace on Thursday.

Frank Lampard was furious with his side’s lack of fight in surrendering to a 3-0 defeat at Sheffield United on Saturday that plunged Chelsea’s chances of a top-four finish into doubt.

Lampard made five changes from the battering at Bramall Lane with Giroud among those restored to the starting line-up.