Chelsea have one more game and one last chance to win a trophy for the 2018/19 season. Here are five things to keep an eye on.
Two familiar foes face each other in a European final for the first time as Chelsea and Arsenal battle it out for the Europa League title. Chelsea is a former winner, while Arsenal will be looking to win it for the first time.
1. Striker or a false 9?
One of Chelsea’s major issues all season was in front of the goal. Their impotence in the box stood in contrast to the chances they create. Only in the Europa league have they fared better.
Even though Olivier Giroud was overlooked in the Premier League he was a mainstay for Europa League matches. He has justified his selection so far by leading the scoring charts. With Arsenal being the biggest opponent the Blues will face in the tournament, Maurizio Sarri has his most challenging decisions about who will lead the line.
Maurizio Sarri has fielded his side with Eden Hazard in the middle of the front-three against bigger opponents. Most of those matches ended in defeats. Sarri’s stubbornness has cost the Blues many points and he may just persist with the false 9 once more.
To take advantage of Arsenal’s troubles in the back, Giroud will be the ideal candidate. Sarri could even pick Gonzalo Higuain, who was brought in just for him, even though the Argentinian has not set things on fire as Sarri expected.
2. Tattered midfield three
Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s injury in a meaningless friendly in the United States was a huge blow for Chelsea, who had N’Golo ante already missing due to injury. Despite being vocal about those matches before the end of the season, Sarri was forced to start his stronger XI there and Chelsea has suffered because of it.
Kante has travelled with the squad and he could be fit enough to start despite a late injury scare. With Kante and Jorginho being the sure starters, Sarri will need to decide who is going to replace Loftus-Cheek.
Despite being in poor form, Ross Barkley offers more in attack than Mateo Kovacic, who has been pretty poor in that aspect. However, Kovacic’s non-stop running can be used to counter Arsenal’s attack and Barkley could be unleashed later in the second half.
3. Sub-standard back-four
Another disappointing performer for Chelsea this season has been Marcos Alonso. He usually struggles against teams with pace, and Arsenal have pace in abundance. But as seen early in the season and against Manchester United at Old Trafford, he has a special knack for popping in the opposition’s penalty box to score crucial goals, which can be invaluable against a team like Arsenal.
Nevertheless, Emerson offers more security in defending and he passes ball better than Alonso. His speed is also something Chelsea will need.
David Luiz is a sure starter and it will be interesting to see who partners him in the center back role. Andreas Christensen is a credible player, but Sarri seems to be not fully behind the Dane. If Sarri picks Azpilicueta to partner Luiz in the heart of back 4, it could open a spot for Davide Zappacosta at right back.
Even though Azpilicueta is an assured defender, he has not been at his best this season. Meanwhile Zappacosta offers more in an attacking sense. Sarri has tried Azpilicueta at center back towards the end of the season, so almost anything can happen in Baku.
4. One last time for Eden Hazard?
Most of the Chelsea faithful have resigned to the fact that Wednesday’s match will be the last time they are going to see the fantastic Belgian in a Chelsea kit. A decision has not been announced, but the writing is on the wall.
Although he missed the match due to injury, the 2013 Europa League was his first title at Chelsea. It would be only fitting if he leaves Chelsea after winning them the same tournament once again.
The PFA player of the year had a notable season in an individual level. He will be keen to leave on a high note.
5. Maurizio Sarri’s future
Maurizio Sarri’s future has been the subject of a lot of chatter. He is linked with AC Milan, Roma, Inter and lately Juventus. Even though Chelsea have confirmed they will not sack him, he could walk away for more lucrative offers from his home country.
It has been a mixed season for Sarri. Although he has ensured Chelsea will be playing in the Champions League next season, the journey have been not smooth. Many of his decisions were questioned by the fans, so much so that it produced a clear division among the fans. The atmosphere inside the stadium has been worse, with away fans regularly heard more than the home supporters.
With the transfer ban looming, many fans want someone at the helm who is more open to integrating the youth, someone like Frank Lampard. After just a season as manager, the jury is still out for the Blues legend, but he is a worthy candidate.
Whatever the manager of Chelsea does, he is the one who gets the most pressure from the media about his future. No matter the result on Wednesday the drama will continue.