9 games away!

Article by e-Chelsea Correspondent Lee Beevor

Follow e-Chelsea on Twitter here!

Want to write for us? e-mail e-football@live.co.uk

With over three quarters of the gruelling marathon behind us, a tantalising glimpse of the finishing line is visible over the horizon. For Chelsea this view glitters, as the prospect of silverware dominates, with the Premier League trophy poised to return to Stamford Bridge. To make this a reality, there are nine matches to be negotiated. Each carries its own danger, with every side we meet consumed by their own need for precious points.

March 15: Aston Villa (away)

Villa sit in mid-table, but not comfortably. They could still be sucked back into trouble and as such, will be no pushover. Our record at Villa Park is pretty poor and Benteke always seems to raise his game against us. Nevertheless, after a week of rest and training, I expect us to take all three points.
Prediction: 2-1

March 22: Arsenal (home)

This gives us the opportunity to kill off the hopes of one of our direct rivals. Arsenal did okay in Bayern in midweek, but to me they look shot. Giroud is dead on his feet and Wenger seems to secretly hate Podolski, so I cannot see how they can threaten us. This could be easier than expected, not withstanding Tuesday’s Champions League engagement with a certain Didier Drogba!
Prediction: 3-0

March 29: Crystal Palace (away)

Their revival under Tony Pulis has somewhat stalled and whilst this is sure to be a physical battle, we are comfortable with this. Three of our back four love this aspect of the game and in midfield, Matic is a monster of a player. Even our pretty boys are prepared to scrap for the right to play and having established this, I’m confident our class will tell.
Prediction: 2-0

April 5: Stoke (home)

With Mark Hughes as manager, another feisty encounter is assured. When Stoke beat us in December, it was by virtue of three goals from as many shots on target. Our defence has stiffened noticeably since this day and they will not find it so accommodating this time around. Stoke could be relatively safe by this point, as they have winnable games in March. If this finds them less than fully motivated, they will be a far simpler obstacle to overcome. Hopefully, they will provide the perfect opposition to follow what will be a demanding midweek Champions League quarter-final.
Prediction: 3-0

April 13: Swansea (away)

The Swans are another of the many clubs to be looking over their shoulders at the trap door. Like Stoke, they have chances to ease this worry prior to our arrival in Wales. Hopefully they will win their home matches against the hopeless West Brom (never should have sacked Clarkie!) and Norwich and be feeling nice and comfy. If not, this will be one of the potential banana skins that could derail us, particularly as it comes a few days after the second leg of our European tie.
Prediction: a tight and nervy 1-0 win

April 20: Sunderland (home)

This should be another routine home win, albeit Sunderland will still be fighting for their lives at this point. The timing of the first goal will be critical, as much like the West Ham match, the longer it stays goal-less, the stronger the resolve of our visitors will become. Despite this, our formidable home form should see us through.
Prediction: 2-0

April 27: Liverpool (away)

This is a terrible fixture to have to fulfil on this particular weekend. In some respects, it would be a blessing if we are eliminated from the Champions League prior to the semi-finals. If not, we travel to Anfield a handful of days after the first leg and a maximum of three days from the second. Something will have to give and I fear if European glory remains on our agenda we will struggle to get anything from this match.
Prediction: 0-1

May 3: Norwich (home)

Norwich had better get some points in March, as their last four fixtures of the season are likely to yield zero points. They carry almost no offensive threat, score very few goals and will not enjoy their visit to the capital.
Prediction: 4-0

May 11: Cardiff (away)

Will be relegated by the time this match is played. If our destiny is in our hands at this point, the title will be Chelsea’s.
Prediction: 2-0

With a finish of eight wins from our last nine, I pray this will be sufficient to prevail in the race for the Premier League. Should we draw Bayern in the Champions League quarters, this may do us a favour and make that Liverpool game a little less daunting. All season I have felt we could triumph, such is my trust in the Special One and this feeling has certainly not altered in any way. The fact that Manchester City and Liverpool have nothing else to play for worries me, as it is definitely an advantage. However, in my final prediction of the many within this article, I’ll back Mourinho to guide us through and bring the trophy home.

© e-Football 2014 All rights reserved no part of this document or this website may be reproduced without consent of e-Football