Feelings and wildcards: Chelsea’s season thus far, part two of three
Winter Wildcard
Scott: The Jorginho and Kovacic pairing currently is amazing, so much so I am not sure they can be broken up once Ruben Loftus-Cheek returns. And that is a really good for problem for Frank Lampard to have. Both players have raised their level of play this year.
Varun: Sheffield United’s sustainability. A midtable side punching high above their expectations until the winter period of the Premier League is quite a common trend. Being able to sustain the excellent start is extremely rare.
While Leicester City has already become a believable top four contender, everyone seems to be sleeping on Sheffield United’s rise. If they remain in fifth place by the end of winter, they would have inflicted serious damage to every kind of Premier League team, from relegation battlers to title contenders.
Gabe: Injuries to Manchester City. Man City have a super team, but they are incredibly thin at the moment and one more injury could set them over the edge, allowing teams like Liverpool, Leicester and Chelsea to pull away. That’s not to say they are out of the title race, they’re still very much alive, but injuries could derail their season.
Nate: The managerial merry go round. Arsenal, Tottenham, and Manchester United all seem to be near the brink of casting their managers into the abyss. Chelsea have cleverly helped Ole Gunnar Solskjaer keep his job by losing twice to United, and the results against the North London clubs could decide the fates of the spiraling Unai Emery and the increasingly apathetic Mauricio Pochettino.
Olaoluwa: Beating Manchester City at the Etihad. It would not be the first time that Chelsea would beat the champions. The Chelsea players have been very careful when dealing with the praise coming their way. Beating Manchester City would instill a different kind of confidence in them that would benefit them not just in the premier league, but in every other competition. Confidence is underrated in football.
More. Familiar players at the centre of known unknowns. light
Abhishek: The return of Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be the signal for Jorginho to become a part of the midfield rotation. A stronger, more mobile midfield could propel Chelsea into the top two and keep us there till the end of the season.
Barrett: The wildcard is what player comes back when RLC comes back. Is it vintage Michael Ballack Loftus-Cheek? I won’t talk about the other version.
Oliver: Tottenham continue to stumble, Daniel Levy continues to hide his check book and there is a mass exodus at White Hart Lane. Mauricio Pochettino can’t bear it anymore. Harry Kane pulls a Gareth Bale and hops on a plane while Dele Alli has to choose between Germany and the red side of Manchester.
Next. Chelsea need the mentorship and talent of the rejuvenated Willian. dark
What are your feelings and wildcards going into the winter? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!