With just three games to go, and four points separating us from the Premier League’s top four, the unenviable task of taking three points from Stamford Bridge is surely a must, should we wish to play in next season’s Champions League.
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Chelsea finally confirmed the inevitable last week, as their victory against Crystal Palace made them champions. So perhaps, we can rely on the Blues to allow a little complacency to creep into their game with their season effectively over.
Nevertheless, the quality in Jose Mourinho’s side means that we will have to be very near out best if we hope to win the game. Here are five key battles that may help to decide Sunday’s result:
Emre Can vs Eden Hazard
If Brendan Rodgers decides to play with four at the back to allow for the second wave of attack, that comes from just behind the striker, to be thwarted, then it is likely that it’ll be Emre Can who has to stop the PFA Player of the Year, Eden Hazard. The Belgian has given defences a torrid time for much of this season, but Can has given plenty of indications this season that he will be able to handle his trickery.
But don’t expect this battle to only take place in our half, as Can does offer an option going forward, and if Hazard is forced to track with him, it may blunt Chelsea’s immediate attacking threat.
Martin Skrtel vs Loic Remy
The Blues’ injury problems in the striking position make it very difficult to guess who will be featuring up front. However, The Guardian suggest that it will be the Frenchman starting at Stamford Bridge. Although he has been largely unable to prove it this season, the former Newcastle man has plenty of quality in the finishing department, so Skrtel will need to make sure that he has very few chances from which to test Simon Mignolet.
Steven Gerrard vs Cesc Fabregas
The victory over Queens Park Rangers last time out proved that Steven Gerrard still has the hunger and desire to make sure that our future without him is as bright as possible. As his farewell edges closer, this is arguably his final big clash, and so no words of motivation are likely to be needed to fire the former England captain up.
However, he will have to contend with one of the league’s most productive midfielders this season in Cesc Fabregas. The Spaniard leads the league’s assist charts, and whilst he has arguably tailed off in recent months, that quality is still evident.
Raheem Sterling vs Gary Cahill
With Daniel Sturridge out of the game against his former club, it may fall to Raheem Sterling to lead the line of attack. The 20-year-old used his pace to give his international teammate all kinds of issues during the Capital One Cup semi-final, and there’s no reason he can’t do it again this time around.
With the aerial capabilities of the Chelsea back four, it would probably be best to use the speed and intricate passing of our front three to break them down.
Philippe Coutinho vs Kurt Zouma
With the title wrapped up, it may not be a surprise to see John Terry rested, and Kurt Zouma recalled. The defender looked solid when he was given a few games earlier in the season, however, his opportunities have been restricted recently. If there’s one player in our team that will exploit any rustiness to the maximum, it is the Brazilian magician, who is terrorising the most experienced of defenders this campaign.