Chelsea could reel Manchester City in during upcoming run of games
By Vishnu Raj
With a barrage of Premier League action, the next stretch of games could make or break Chelsea’s season. It starts with a home match against struggling Swansea.
Chelsea have now faced every other team who are currently among top 7 in the Premier League. In the upcoming 14 fixtures, except for one, they face teams who are currently in bottom 13. Even though no match in the Premier League is easy, in reality these are the matches one would expect the Blues to win.
Manchester City are seemingly running away with the title. As such, a winning run similar to the previous year is required for the Blues to have any chance of retaining their title. Apart from a short trip to the Emirates for their first match of 2018, all other fixtures should provide little difficulty. At least on paper.
Chelsea are already on a 5-match unbeaten streak since their surprise loss to Crystal Palace. Their last tough fixture ended in draw with Liverpool at Anfield, so Blues fans will be expecting a run of victories.
Chelsea can spark the run into life with home fixtures against struggling Swansea and Newcastle United. That is followed by a visit to another struggling side, West Ham United. Those 3 games should result in 9 points.
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But it’s not all a cakewalk for Chelsea. They have to contemplate their position in other competitions as well. Atletico Madrid will be visiting Stamford Bridge for the final group fixture. It’s a match the Spanish side must win to have any chance of progressing to the knockout stages of the Champions League. The Blues will be in for a long night.
Chelsea also have a League Cup fixture against Bournemouth to look forward to. Victory against the Cherries will set up a semi-final clash against either of the Manchester clubs or Arsenal. In January FA Cup will commence as well.
A lack of other competitions was one of the factors that really benefited Chelsea during their record-breaking 13 match winning run. Conte has to use his squad wisely provided injuries don’t ravage the team.
It’s important to remember that any winning run will only bear fruits if Manchester City slow down. However, Chelsea should be able to keep the heat on Pep Guardiola’s men. If City falter, the Blues will capitalise.
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What do you think? Can the Blues reel City in? Let us know in the comments below!