With seven Premier League games remaining until the turn of the year and the season’s halfway stage, we take a look at how we think Chelsea will fare up until the start of 2016.
Vs Norwich City (H), Nov 21
The Blues’ wretched form has got to grind to halt at some point! Perhaps next Saturday’s opportunity at Stamford Bridge against fellow strugglers Norwich City is the ideal scenario. Despite the Canaries securing their first league win in seven games at the weekend over Swansea City, Chelsea should have enough firepower to dampen their spirits back at home for their first victory since mid-October.
Shoot Says: Win
Vs Tottenham (A), Nov 29
With Spurs flying high, unbeaten since the opening day, dreaming of gatecrashing the Premier League’s top four and Harry Kane rediscovering his goalscoring form; all the signs point towards a Tottenham win in this thrilling London derby.
Shoot Says: Lose
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has now lost seven league games in a campaign for the first time as a manager following Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Stoke City.
Vs Bournemouth (H), Dec 5
An enormous task awaits the newly promoted club; especially without top goalscorer Callum Wilson, to salvage anything at Stamford Bridge in early December. Despite the Blues’ horrendous start to the campaign, Chelsea should be experienced enough to hold off Eddie Howe’s debutants.
Shoot Says: Win
Vs Leicester City (A), Dec 14
Ex-Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri will relish facing his former club at the King Power Stadium next month, especially given the miserable start opposing manager Jose Mourinho has overseen so far. The likes of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez will give the Blues’ back four a stern test, but Chelsea should have improved by mid-December and be worthy of nicking a point.
Shoot Says: Draw
Vs Sunderland (H), Dec 19
With Sunderland firm favourites to finish in the Premier League’s bottom three at the end of the season; with just one win to their name so far, Chelsea should ease to all three points against the Black Cats inside Stamford Bridge, even if Sam Allardyce tries to ‘park the bus’.
Shoot Says: Win
Vs Watford (H), Dec 26
Could Chelsea secure back-to-back league victories for the first time come Boxing Day? We think so. Despite Quique Flores’ defensive masterclass at the Hornets so far this season, the Blues should become unstuck during the festive period and send Watford home empty handed.
Shoot Says: Win
Vs Manchester United (A), Dec 28
What a fixture to round of 2015! Jose Mourinho’s side should arrive at Old Trafford in much better form than their early season horror show. Chelsea always perform in the ‘big games’, so we fancy a repeat of last season’s 1-1 stalemate at United, where Robin van Persie hit a last minute leveller.
Shoot Says: Draw
Overall Points: 25
League position: 11th
