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Chelsea need another favour they cannot repay from Rafael Benitez

By George Perry

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 13: A general view of a corner flag inside the stadium prior to during The Emirates FA Cup Quarter-Final match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on March 13, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 13: A general view of a corner flag inside the stadium prior to during The Emirates FA Cup Quarter-Final match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on March 13, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images) /
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Rafael Benitez has a strong record against Tottenham spanning four teams in two leagues. Chelsea need a favour from their former interim boss – and may have something to offer him if Newcastle defeat Tottenham.

Rafael Benitez may some day deserve a banner at Stamford Bridge. He accepted the job at Chelsea knowing he would be no more than an interim manager, and that he would be reminded of the word “interim” at every turn. This, even though he arrived with UEFA Cup (Europa League), Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup titles to his name.

He then led Chelsea to their own Europa League trophy the year after their Champions League triumph. And now tonight he could play an important role in keeping them in the Champions League next season.

If Benitez’s Newcastle defeat Tottenham while Chelsea win against Huddersfield, the Blues will control their destiny on the final day of the season. If Newcastle hold Spurs to a draw and Chelsea win, they will set up a three-way tie for the final two Champions League points. Tottenham and Liverpool have the commanding advantage on goal differential, but Chelsea would have all the momentum and Spursiness on their side.

Of course, if Benitez takes care of Tottenham, Chelsea cannot repay the favour. The Blues travel to St. James Park on the final day of the season, where they would have to slay the very man and very team who gave them such hope.

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Benitez’s history against Tottenham tilts in Chelsea’s favour. Benitez is 9W-5D-5L against Tottenham with Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Newcastle. He defeated them with every team except Chelsea, the single meeting ending in a 2-2 draw. However, Newcastle’s record this season is a dicier proposition.

To call the Magpies streaky would be an understatement. Newcastle have lost their last three games after winning the four before that. Earlier in the season they had two four-game losing streaks interspersed by a single draw. And not long before that they had another three-game losing streak give way to a three-game win streak.

The Blues need Newcastle to reverse their current streak at Tottenham. Unfortunately, two of the three previous three-game losing streaks added a fourth game, and none became five in a row. Those records are the opposite of what would be best for Chelsea.

Actually, there is one way the Blues can show their gratitude to Rafael Benitez. Chelsea have something he and the rest of the Newcastle community very much covet: Kenedy. The Brazilian winger is a favourite of both the fans and the manager, under whom he is flourishing. He spoke recently about how he does not know what lies in store for him beyond Sunday. Nearly everyone involved – Kenedy, Benitez, Newcastle, Antonio Conte – would be happy with him becoming a permanent addition to the Magpies.

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So there’s the deal. If Newcastle defeat Tottenham and then Chelsea beat Newcastle en route to the 2018/19 Champions League, Kenedy’s loan becomes a permanent transfer. That could be one of the rare win-win-win-win-win’s in recent history for both clubs. Over to you, Rafa.

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