Though Chelsea are still to play Leicester City on the final day of the season, Monday's London derby against Tottenham could be the last meaningful game of their campaign.
Spurs must better Leicester City's Sunday result against Manchester United if they are to stay in the title race and, much to the delight of Blues fans, Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas have both expressed their enthusiasm for spoiling their rivals' dreams of glory.
Supporters would see a defeat of Tottenham as a way of - partially, anyway - redeeming what has been a terrible season for the club, with fans having pointed their fingers at the players every bit as much as at dethroned manager Jose Mourinho.
Guus Hiddink has since steadied the ship but, in advance of the game, has played down the rivalry with Tottenham and says that results against the North London club are not a measure of success for a club as big as Chelsea who need to win trophies.
"We are not just focused on Tottenham," Hiddink told reporters. "Of course there is rivalry but, as long as it is within the accepted environment, then it is okay. We have come from a difficult time from December to feeling safe. It is not specifically [winning against] Tottenham to make the team a success; the team has to compete every season for silverware."
The Dutchman's big-picture thinking is, of course, fair. He is too wise to be drawn into controversy but it is a match which offers Chelsea a springboard; an opportunity to regain confidence going into next season under Antonio Conte, who will take charge after Italy's run at Euro 2016.
Hiddink's comments, however, are not echoed by the fans, who fiercely hate Tottenham and have been building up the match all week. They know that their club are back in the limelight for the first time since they were knocked out of the FA Cup and Champions League and are keen to frustrate Spurs.
In the preceding 4-1 win against Bournemouth, fans were heard reminding the players that "you better beat f***ing Tottenham" - just in case anyone were in any doubt over how seriously the game is being taken.
When Chelsea host Leicester at Stamford Bridge on May 15, fans will cheer loudly and proudly as their players form a guard of honour despite handing over their title to a Premier League competitor.
Hiddink assured the journalists in attendance at his press conference that his side would try just as hard against Foxes as they would against Spurs but Goalhas spoken to fans who would "play John Terry in net" against Leicester or play the entire "FA Youth Cup-winning team".
As the current champions - for now - Chelsea can show Tottenham just how hard it is to win the Premier League title but good performances from the players would also send out a message that they can compete for silverware next season.
It has been 55 years of waiting for Spurs fans, who last won the league in the 1960-61 season, and Chelsea will want to prove that their wait will be not nearly as long. A strong win on Monday might be enough to convince the players that they are world-class again and, more importantly, give Conte a preview of the men on whom he can count next season.
- Goal