da bet vitoria： There is no denying it has been a dismal season at Stamford Bridge. The curious incident of Eva Carneiro, Jose Mourinho’s sacking and unbelievable drop in form of Eden Hazard have been some of the highlights.
da dobrowin： Despite fortunes changing since the arrival of Guus Hiddink – with Chelsea going on the longest undefeated run of any Premier League team this season – the Blues are still set for their worst top flight finish since 1996, a season in which they finished 11th.
Success has been a-plenty at the Bridge since the Abramovic’s takeover in 2003. Four Premier Leagues, four FA Cups and a Champions League are amongst the 15 trophies acquired by the Russian’s ensemble in 13 sweet years for the Londoners.
The appointment of Antonio Conte next season has been a boost for the club, and has given fans and perhaps players alike an excuse to look ahead to the following campaign with seemingly nothing to play for remaining this year.
However, after what has been a Blackburn-esque attempt at retaining their crown, it seems the current champions could still have the final say on who takes their coveted trophy from them.
Both Leicester and Tottenham visit Stamford Bridge before the end of the season in what surely will be a must win fixture for both sides, who currently sit first and second in the table respectively.
It is Spurs’ turn first, who will march across London on May 2nd and will certainly be looking for an improvement on the 0-0 played out at White Hart Lane earlier in the season. Claudio Ranieri then returns to his once home on the final day of the season, with his side having already beaten Chelsea at the King Power Stadium just before Christmas.
This leaves the Blues in a position of power, with the two clashes potentially having a huge impact on the whereabouts of the title next year, provided neither team slips up elsewhere.
Cesc Fabregas, who appeared on Monday Night Football earlier in the week was rather frank with his disdain at the thought of Spurs winning the title.
“I think Leicester will win it,” said the Spaniard. When asked if there could be another twist in what has been a turbulent season across the board, the former Arsenal man’s response was met with laughter.
“Hopefully not, I don’t want Spurs to win it! I have to be honest.”
Chelsea are likely to have more than one vested interest in Spurs not winning the title too. Claudio Ranieri remains a popular figure at the Bridge due to the success he brought to the club during his tenure. However, the Italian failed to win a Premier League title with the club and was replaced with the special one at the start of Abramovich’s second season as chairman.
Should Hiddink’s side somehow dismantle Pochettino’s charge towards the title in two weeks time – and I’m certain the Dutchman’s side will do everything in their power to do so – the question arises: what is Chelsea’s position on the final day?
Being a morally upstanding club and set of players with values greater than London rivalry, Chelsea will try to win the game. Of course they will, it would be unsporting not to. Fabregas told Carragher on Monday that the squad “owe it to the fans” to give it there all in the remaining fixtures as compensation for what has been a tough season for the Stamford Bridge faithful.
However, say Leicester travel to south London knowing a win could secure them what would be the most unforgettable of titles; does Hiddink release the hounds and aim to ruin the Foxes’ dream, or does he give his youngsters, albeit impressive, some much needed match practice before ending his second spell at the club before making way for the incoming Conte?
If that were to be the case, I for one would not be surprised to see the likes of Loftus-Cheek, Traore, Miazga and Clarke-Salter take to the field on the final day. Don’t get me wrong, these lads are certainly the future of the club, will cause the visitors plenty of problems and will be out to win the game without a doubt.
Some I’m sure would just like to see Chelsea win their final four games, regardless of the impact elsewhere, and provide a positive end to a generally negative season.
Which option the former Ajax manager takes remains to be seen and depends on both sides’ results over the next few weeks. One thing is for certain, it would become a more bearable season for the Blues if they were to stop their least favourite London neighbours from stealing away their title. Food for thought.
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