I don't sure with Chelsea performance in this season will get Champion League spot standings because their performance inconsistency and unpredictable result against mediocre teams with losses many points. Current points left with Arsenal on the fourth standings is 12 points and its not easy for Chelsea if can return to consistent performance. Have two consecutives winning matches in Premier League can't guarantee with promising performance for Chelsea on upcoming match Fulham exactly busy schedule match have to play on FA Cup 3rd round against Preston and few days later will face Middlesbrough on EFL Cup semifinal first leg.
Pochettino must make rotation on upcoming two matches because if push main players have to play on first minutes will make them loss opportunity in domestic league.
Chance for Chelsea has yet closed but they likely will need one or two more seasons to enter top four again. This season, Tottenham looks to be stronger than the last season and Aston Villa surprisingly rise a lot and even are participating in title race. There are other clubs like Manchester United, Newcastle United and Chelsea will have to beat at least two or three competitors to participating in top four. With their points and ranking now, it is a very difficult task and neary impossible to achieve in this season.
They have to keep up their hope because it will force them to improve and play better. It will help them to build up their player connections, a stronger squad so if they fail in this season, they will have good preparation for a next season.