Four remaining fixtures that could shape Chelsea's season.
It is fair to say that Chelsea have seen bigger and better seasons than 2019-20, but this could turn out to be one of the club’s most imp...
https://www.chelseadaft.org/2020/01/four-remaining-fixtures-that-could.html
It is fair to say that Chelsea have seen bigger and better seasons than 2019-20, but this could turn out to be one of the club’s most important seasons to date, and define the club for a generation.
After a decade of spending, the club now seems determined to invest in longer-term strategies and develop the young talent already at the club into a side that can dominate Europe in the future. This new ethos is evident at the top of the club’s coaching structure, where club legend Frank Lampard has taken the reins of the squad and is charged with helping to mould Chelsea’s side into the legends of the future, while still maintaining competitiveness at home and abroad.
The experiment seems to be working, with Chelsea making it through the group stage in the Champion’s League and keeping a top six position in the Premier League for most of the season. Despite a handful of poor results, Chelsea have managed to keep up with the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United while still being something of a ‘work in progress’, though a poor run of form for both those sides probably helped; there is a gulf of points forming between Chelsea and the top three.
There are some important games on the horizon that could help shape Chelsea’s season, as the end of the 2019-20 competition draws nearer and points become even more precious. Here are four games you should keep your eyes out for.
Tottenham Hotspur
This London derby has become extra special this season thanks to a certain someone. Another return to Stamford Bridge for Jose Mourinho, this time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur of all things, adds some extra flavour to a tie that is already shaping up to be a six pointer.
Spurs have had a very ‘iffy’ season that saw the departure of Mauricio Pochettino, a manager who now hovers over many Premier League managers like a human Sword of Damocles (see: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer), and the installation of ‘The Special One’. They now are trying to find their feet again after a few stumbles in the league, and look ripe for three points at Stamford Bridge.
Lampard’s Chelsea defeating Mourinho’s Tottenham would be a milestone for the club and for Frank, and would give the squad a lot of confidence as well as points to take into March, where the business end of the season begins. Bayern Munich will visit the Bridge in the Champion’s League on the following Tuesday, and a win against Tottenham could be the perfect springboard to a win then too.
Manchester City
Once upon a time, Manchester City would visit the Bridge hoping to prove themselves as title contenders, but how times have changed! Manchester City have dominated the league and the transfer market over the past few years, and won their share of league titles.
When they come to Stamford Bridge towards the end of March, they will be desperately chasing points to keep up with ‘La Invincibles’, with Liverpool seeming determined to keep their unbeaten run in the 2019-2020 season. Many fans might turn a blind eye to a poor performance from Chelsea to help City catch up with Liverpool, but they will probably have run away with the league by then and be un-catchable. These three points could be big for Chelsea though.
may be hard to come by for this tie, but you can still get good quality seats for a decent price by using a site like Ticket-Compare. They use cutting-edge algorithms to scour the web for the best prices for football matches and other live events. If you are after Chelsea tickets, they are worth checking out.
Sheffield United
The Blades have had a sensational season in the Premier League since their promotion last year. It is hard to think of a team that has made such an impact and had such success in the last decade or so of seasons.
Their position in the league has put them in competition with Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United for their final league place, and their tenacious squad is capable of getting in the lead and competently shutting up shop to claim the points. When they visit Stamford Bridge in April, both sides will be going for the win - this match could be a six pointer.
Liverpool F.C
The final away game of Chelsea’s season, and the penultimate outing for Lampard’s men is at Anfield. When the blue bus arrives at Anfield Road, Liverpool will likely be the title holders for the first time in the modern era of football.
This is a blessing as well as a curse. With nothing left to play for, many of their biggest players are likely to have taken an early rest for the summer, and as Liverpool’s last home game of the season, you can expect a party atmosphere. Its Chelsea’s job to crash the party. Three points here may be much needed, and could be the difference between the Champion’s League and the Europa League next season.
There is still work to be done this season, but the squad and ethos of Chelsea have progressed well. With a little bit of luck and some goals, next season the side can challenge for the top honours at home, and in Europe.
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