Some believe the Premier League title race is done, that Manchester United and Arsenal are playing for next season and that regardless of what happens over the next two weeks, there is nothing stopping the inevitability of Chelsea FC winning the trophy.
I, on the other hand, feel like Yogi Berra: “It ain’t over til it’s over”
By http://www.flickr.com/people/gowestphoto/, Tsutomu Takasu [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia CommonsChelsea vs. Manchester United
And you’d better believe Jose Mourinho and his men feel the same way. So for any fans of former American President Bill Clinton – lets do some Arithmetic.
Chelsea’s magic number to win the league is 12 over Arsenal and 11 over United. Arsenal travel to Old Trafford to play on May 17. If Chelsea have not finished the job at that point, they have that game in their back pocket.
If Chelsea win on Saturday the magic number reduces to 9 over Arsenal and 5 over United, and would drive the nail in to the Red Devil’s coffin, much like United did to their noisy neighbors in last weekend’s Manchester Derby. Manchester United have not beaten Chelsea in any competition since October 2012. They’ll be cognizant of this fact and come to play the league leaders with a huge chip on their shoulder. They’ll view this as a statement game – a must win.
But Chelsea don’t have to win. They don’t have to extend themselves. The Blues have earned the right to play for a result – that result being a draw. If they can nick it 1-0 they’ll be elated, however a draw against an in form United reduces their magic number to 11 over Arsenal and 8 over United. It’s the smart play, it’s the safe play and it’s what Mourinho will generally opt for as the pragmatist he is (Reference Man City’s visit to Stamford Bridge on January 31st).
Keep a clean sheet, suck the life out of the game and keep the blue flag flying high.
Pick: United +0.5 goals (-110) and under 2.5 goals (-120)
Everton vs. Burnley
Random Footy Fact: Burnley’s George Boyd has covered over 200 miles this season, the most in the Premier League
Arsenal and Liverpool will be looking to advance to the FA Cup final this weekend, but the likes of Burnley, Leicester and QPR have nothing but cup finals left as they try and avoid relegation. Burnley are the hardest working team in the premier league, having covered more ground than any other team. They are organized and will arrive at Goodison looking for a point minimum. Everton doesn’t score much and neither do Burnley. Feels like a low scoring, unwatchable affair.
Pick: Under 2.5 goals (+100)
By Lluís from Sabadell (Barcelona), España (LFS_14039) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia CommonsLa Liga Special: Barcelona vs Valencia
Only 3 days after another Champions League masterclass, Barca fly home and welcome Valencia to the Camp Nou. Oddsmakers have made Barca whopping 5 to 1 favorites. But this will be their fifth game in the last 2 weeks. None of the big 3, Messi, Neymar or Suarez ever get a rest – nor do they even like being substituted. Much like people say about Mourinho’s Chelsea, at some point the squad will wear down. Valencia, having only given up 2 goals in their last 7 domestic matches, with a week to rest and game plan will be stiff opposition for the Catalans to break down. Valencia sit fourth in Spain, the final Champions League spot and have the red hot Sevilla, breathing down their necks. A point for them here is unlikely, but I believe they can keep it close.
Pick: Valencia +2 goals (-120)
Last Matchday’s record: 3-1 (+3.25 units)
Overall: 40-39 (+7.35 units)