Points deduction could be a Hammers blow

Chelsea are facing insolvency and could be docked nine points after Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government.

The Times has reported on Friday that the club are genuinely concerned about a possible insolvency event amid their credit cards being frozen by Barclaycard.

That would trigger an automatic nine-point penalty from the Premier League and see Chelsea drop to 47 points from their current third-placed position.

That would leave them level on points with fifth-placed Manchester United and add another wrinkle to the top four race, with the Blues potentially dropping into the fight with the Red Devils, Arsenal, West Ham, and Spurs.

As it stands, a points deduction of that nature would mean Arsenal jumped into third place, as they have 48 points. Manchester United also have 47 points but Chelsea would move into fourth, as they have a better goal difference.

It may not actually help the Irons, as they would have to fight off even more competition for the top four.

It remains to be seen if Chelsea would be able to keep up their current, admittedly decent, form amid their off-pitch turmoil, and add real drama to the top-four race.

That may not be what the Irons want or need.