The Blues' hopes of finishing third or fourth looked doomed after last Wednesday's defeat to Newcastle that left them four points adrift with just two games remaining.
But the Magpies' loss to Manchester City and Tottenham's draw at Aston Villa on Sunday - coupled with Arsenal's failure to beat Norwich on Saturday - kept alive sixth-placed Chelsea's slim hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League via the Premier League.
They must beat FA Cup final opponents Liverpool for the second time in four days tonight to stand any chance of overhauling two of the three teams directly above them.
Juan Mata: "We have to win and still believe in playing the Champions League next year.
"I have plenty of energy left.
"It is a long season and my first in England, but the benefits of winning easily outweigh the fatigue."
Tuesday 08th May 2012
Liverpool v Chelsea 20:00
Sunday 13th May 2012
Chelsea v Blackburn Rovers 15:00
Everton v Newcastle United 15:00
Manchester City v Queens Park Rangers 15:00
Norwich City v Aston Villa 15:00
Stoke City v Bolton Wanderers 15:00
Sunderland v Manchester United 15:00
Swansea City v Liverpool 15:00
Tottenham Hotspur v Fulham 15:00
West Bromwich Albion v Arsenal 15:00
Wigan Athletic v Wolverhampton Wanderers 15:00