With Chelsea delivering a brutal statement of intent at their tilt at 4th with the sacking of manager Andre Villas Boas after less than a year in charge, their remaining Premiership games take on huge significance. With old player Roberto Di Matteo in charge it is evident that Chelsea need to start winning in the league, and soon. Sitting 3 points below Arsenal and lying in 5th, every game is huge. We take a brief look at the 5 big matches that the Blues must perform in to stand a chance of retaining their Champions League place next season.
Manchester City (Away) 21st March 2012
Away against Mancini’s men who will be attempting to maintain their title charge, this is a huge test for Chelsea. City have won all their home games so far this season, so to get anything out of this match would be seen as a success. In terms of their pursuits, they must surely at least draw here.
Tottenham Hotspur (Home) 24th March 2012
With Spurs struggling in the limelight of being 3rd and also their manager being touted for the England post, this is a match that Chelsea and Di Matteo will target as a win. Having beaten Spurs regularly at home over the years, expect them to be confidant and up for this one. A draw wouldn’t be a disaster, but a defeat would.
Newcastle United (Home) 14th April 2012
Into the final 5 games and this is one that they simply must win, regardless of the circumstances. Newcastle have had a great season to date and must be applauded for this, but Chelsea must use this as a chance to assert their dominance back into the league and continue a potential surge to clinch 4th.
Arsenal (Away) 21st April 2012
The biggest of the lot, but so much will depend on what has gone on between now and this game. One thing does though remain certain, in that a defeat here for Chelsea would be curtains, so that will play a part in their approach to facing Wenger’s men at the Emirates. At least a draw is needed, but the Blues will search for revenge for their crushing 5-3 reverse at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season.
Liverpool (Away) 6th May 2012
The penultimate game, and it could all rest on it. So Chelsea must get something out of this game, and slip ups this close to the final hurdle would be catastrophic. Throw into the mixer that Liverpool will also be searching for a European place in the top four, and you’ve got yourself a classic. Chelsea must perform here.
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I think you’ll find that Chelsea are chasing third, not fourth place…