Gylfi Sigurdsson believes one more victory will secure Swansea City’s place in the Premier League for another season, but has warned they will need to be at their best to gain it against Chelsea.
The Icelandic midfielder reckons three more points – which would take the club to the recognised safety mark of 40 – is the minimum requirement in their remaining six matches.
The Swans’ 2-2 draw at Stoke City at the weekend has taken them to 37 points, 10 ahead of the relegation zone.
With Chelsea next up at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday, Sigurdsson said: “You never know how things are going to pan out, but I think we need a few more points and one win would probably seal it.
“It’s down to us to keep going and try to pick up as many points as we can so that on May 15 we’re safe.
“It’s kind of hard to set yourself a target. Like the manager’s been saying, there are six cup finals left.
“As long as we’re picking up points regularly and matching what teams beneath us are doing, that’s a positive thing because there will always be one game fewer to play.
“There are going to be some crucial games in the next few weeks.”
Sigurdsson scored his eighth goal in the last 13 games at Stoke, inspiring his team to a comeback that was realised when Italian striker Alberto Paloschi scored his second goal for the club to earn a draw.
It means since Francesco Guidolin took charge, his team have picked up four victories and three draws in 10 Premier League matches.
Swansea drew 2-2 at Chelsea on the opening day of the season when Jose Mourinho was still in charge at Stamford Bridge.
But it was also the day it all began to unravel for the Blues’ former manager as he involved in a touchline row with Eva Carneiro, then the club’s team doctor, over her treatment of players on the pitch during the game.
Mourinho was sacked in December, but under caretaker manager Guus Hiddink they are unbeaten in 14 Premier League matches.
“They didn’t start the season well if you look at the squad they’ve got,” added Sigurdsson
“They’ve improved a bit of late, but whenever you play them you’re going to have to bring your best game.
“Teams have taken advantage of how poorly they started and capitalised on that. But it’s always tough against Chelsea.”
