Chelsea’s big test

Thursday, 05/05/2011

by Joshua Block, Shoot's Chelsea blogger

Carlo Ancelotti will be feeling a sense of déjà vu when he takes his Chelsea squad up north to the Theatre of Dreams this Sunday as the Blues could overtake the Premier League leaders with a win.

Man United had been coasting at the top since the Christmas period and at the beginning of March, the Red Devils were actually 15 points clear of Chelsea.

But similar to last season when the media had widely dismissed Ancelotti’s chances of bringing the title back to Stamford Bridge, they have put together a fine run of form to coincide with a terrible spell for United which has included losses to Chelsea, Wolves, Liverpool and Arsenal.

It was at this point last year that the Blues left Manchester with what was to be the most valuable of wins thanks to a touch of class from Joe Cole and a powerful Didier Drogba effort.

Of course, a win this time around would mean them leapfrogging United on goal difference and with only Newcastle and Everton left to play, it would leave Ancelotti and co in pole position to retain their title after such an impressive recovery.

John Terry will be eager to rally his troops for the vital clash and revenge will be on the agenda after the disappointing Champions League exit at the hands of United in April.

However, the Blues’ captain believes his side have hit goal scoring form at the perfect time having bagged 11 goals in the last four games, including Fernando Torres’ all-important first goal to finally end his drought.

“It can be pretty daunting for opponents when they see us bringing on players like Nando, Didier, Nico, Sala or Florent. Those front five are so important to everything we are doing at the moment," said JT.

With United having played the extra games in Europe and being knocked back by a fading Arsenal side last weekend, Fergie’s men may well be feeling a little worse for wear as the season draws to a close.

One person who was missing for both the Champions League ties was the enigmatic defender David Luiz, who performed so well in the league meeting at Stamford Bridge back in March in scoring the equaliser and keeping Wayne Rooney under wraps.

With him in the side this Sunday, he could make the difference alongside Terry while Ancelotti has the selection headache that all managers crave – which fully fit forwards to go with. For the sake of the team, he may well be tempted to leave Torres on the bench and go with the most in-form strikers in Florent Malouda, Salomon Kalou and Didier Drogba.

Whatever the selection, come Sunday afternoon the Blues’ hunger and desire to finish the season with a trophy will hopefully lead to a repeat result from last year’s trip and a typically nail-biting finale to the greatest league in the world.

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