Chelsea have responded well to the recent defeat to top-four rivals Arsenal, booking their spot in the League Cup final, before swatting away the challenge of Sheffield Wednesday last weekend as they set up a mouthwatering fifth-round tie at home to Man Utd, whom they beat in last season’s FA Cup Final.
Chelsea, 4th, make the trip down to the south coast tomorrow where they battle with Bournemouth, 12th, looking to make it three wins on the spin in all competitions, as they bid to kick-start their pursuit of a top-four finish, with both Arsenal and Man Utd hot on their heels.
Chelsea are actually still in with the chance of winning four competitions this season. Although realistically you’d say it was three trophies, as they are currently 13 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool. However, they are in the aforementioned League Cup final next month, through to the last-16 of the FA Cup, and the round-of-32 of the Europa League where they face Malmo FF, managed by Uwe Rosler.
Make no mistake about it, February is a crunch month for Chelsea who have no fewer than seven matches spread across four competitions in the space of just 26 days. Playing Man City twice, Man Utd, and also Tottenham.
It’s a hectic schedule that will no doubt make or break the club’s season.
The best case scenario is Carabao Cup glory, progression in both the FA Cup and Europa League, and putting distance between themselves Arsenal and Man Utd in the league.
In stark contrast, the worst case scenario they could end up defeated finalalists, plummet out of two cup competitions, and slip out of the top-four.
A lot of ifs and buts, however it’s undoubtedly a pivotal period that boss Maurizio Sarri will hope his side can thrive in, not dive. If it’s the latter the spotlight could be on the Italian in the dreaded Sack Race.
