The title decider, the biggest game of the season. Call it what you will, for both Chelsea and Manchester City this is the game that could ultimately decide their pathways for the season. A win for Chelsea would see The Blues open up an eight point lead with fifteen games left to play, remaining on course for a possible treble. Defeat for Manchester City would give them an all-mighty task in order to catch Chelsea.
Both teams come into this game on the back of being knocked out of the FA Cup against lower division sides, and despite both naming significantly weakened sides it was something that rattled the cages of both camps. However I do expect a great atmosphere at The Bridge, Mourinho called for more from the Chelsea fans. Especially on the back of booking our place at Wembley, it is set to be a great atmosphere in West London.
Jose Mourinho has a great record in the ‘big’ games since his return to Chelsea. Admittedly for us Chelsea fans, big games aren’t always the most aesthetically pleasing. Many have called it ‘parking the bus’ however Chelsea often miss out on the credit of a solid defensive performance. We boast one of the best defensive records in the Premier League, having only conceded 19 goals. Mourinho always has an element of control over the big games; you only have to look back to Manchester City’s defeat to Arsenal. There were large periods of that game, even with the score at 1-0 where it was end to end football. The game at times was completely open for both teams, I don’t think you would ever see a Chelsea side do anything of that nature with a game so tightly balanced.
As a team the players trust their own ability, even when some of the fans have been spectacle. The players will know as long as we stay defensively sound, we will get one or two chances and we will take them due to the immense quality we have going forward. Over recent weeks Chelsea’s defense has been a hot talking point between the fans. Should we play Cahill or Zouma?
I believe from the lack of rotation during the first half of the season, our defensive performances have suffered. Players such as Branislav Ivanovic and Gary Cahill haven’t been on their ‘A-Game’ as of late. With the threat of players like Sergio Aguero and David Silva, the whole team will need performance at their best. Mourinho’s decision to not rotate has caused frustration between some Chelsea fans, as well as not featuring young Kurt Zouma as much as fans would have liked. After starring in Chelsea’s midweek Semi-Final second leg, Mourinho faces a tough decision. Does he continue with the young Frenchman? Or does he go for experience in Gary Cahill? Zouma offers us a great physical presence in the penalty area; alongside this the young defender can shift when needed to. His speed could be vital compared to Gary Cahill’s tendency to drop off strikers.
When it comes to playing against Chelsea, everyone knows were the threats will come from. Obviously you have the flair and immense dribbling ability of Eden Hazard. Hazard who on his day can be unplayable, is improving all the time. Contributing in the big games will really take him to the next level. One player I am hoping to show his true quality again is, Nemanja Matic. The Serbian made his debut against City and dominated in the deeper midfield position. He has solidified the Chelsea team and is the perfect option to try and stop the likes of David Silva finding space in dangerous positions.
You cannot talk about this game without talking about the return of Frank Lampard to Stamford Bridge. So much has been made of this and has defiantly been one of the most controversial topics of the season. A story that has so much to it, whether that be actually signing for City in the first place, to then scoring the equaliser at the Etihad or the extension of the loan. It’s fair to say that this is something that hasn’t rested comfortably with a minority of Chelsea fans. However, the majority, like myself will be very much looking forward to seeing Frank Lampard back at Stamford Bridge. Many wondered how his move to City would affect the legacy he left at Stamford Bridge, and personally I don’t believe it affects it one bit. He will be applauded from the first to the last minute, regardless of whether he starts or not. Even if he were to score I cannot imagine the fans treating him any differently as he will always hold a legendary status at Stamford Bridge.
With Chelsea, there is just something about big games, with Mourinho especially. He does not like to lose these games. Whether that is because he is afraid of failure, bragging rights, who knows. I do not seeing this being the easiest game on the eye. I am anticipating a slow start from Chelsea given they played 120 minutes against Liverpool midweek. I think we will see a tightly contested game with goals for either side. Ultimately though I am going for a 2-1 Chelsea victory.
