Chelsea FC: New Life

Article by e-Chelsea Correspondent Lee Beevor

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A couple of weeks ago, I wrote of my general satisfaction albeit with a tinge of sadness, of our efforts this season. At the time Chelsea’s Champions League campaign was in jeopardy and our Premier League title challenge in tatters. The team responded to the European predicament in splendid fashion and has since received help from an unlikely source on the domestic front. As such, from the ashes has risen a realistic chance of a spectacular double, with both major prizes tantalisingly accessible to the Special One.

In the league, Chelsea and Liverpool are faced with a simple scenario; win four matches in a row to become champions. The two sides meet in a head to head at Anfield next weekend, which promises to be nothing less than a coronation for the victors. The home side hold a slender two point advantage that if maintained, will allow them the luxury of a draw to take the plaudits. However, this assumes they can negotiate a tricky trip to Carrow Road, against relegation threatened Norwich. If the Canaries can remember how to score and let’s face it, Liverpool’s porous defence will give them every opportunity; an upset could be on the cards. In the meantime, Chelsea take on Sunderland at Stamford Bridge, with the visitors hopefully exhausted from their incredible result at the Etihad. This should be an easy three points for the Blues, who will be well aware of avoiding the complacency that has dogged us in the recent past.

I expect a slight shuffle of the pack, with Salah and Matic certain to play, given both are ineligible for Europe. Furthermore, I would not be surprised to see Ashley Cole start, given that he will be required in Madrid, with Branislav suspended. To play Ashley on the left, with Az reverting to the right, would give both vital minutes in preparation for Tuesday night. A wounded Manchester City will be hoping there is another twist in the tale, after they lost control of their own destiny in midweek.

Jose had long maintained the table is false, as City held the games in hand to overtake us. Thanks to Connor Wickham and Poyet’s Mackems this is no longer the case, with the advantage of points in the bag once again evidenced. The Citizens road to redemption starts with another home encounter against lowly opponents, in this case West Brom. I have maintained for many months that this Chelsea squad is not ready to compete successfully on multiple fronts.

Too often, points have been dropped following European ties, which seemed to confirm this fear. However, here we are, a month from the end of the season and still in the thick of things. Surely if anybody can mastermind a way past Atletico and plot the demise of Liverpool at their Anfield fortress, it is our manager. Liverpool fans secretly fear it, our players most certainly believe it, so why not? Sunderland and the talent of our players have breathed new life into our season.

Let’s hope the Special One can coax them into making 2013/14 truly historic.

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