Chelsea are 7 points clear with a game in hand, as they sit comfortably in the pole position of the Premier League, however this does not mean that they cannot be beaten to the title. Following Manchester City’s 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace, Arsenal we're able to move into second place and are currently in the hot seat to outshine Chelsea and snatch the title, should Chelsea slip up.
Chelsea have 8 games remaining this season, they have arguably more difficult fixtures remaining compared to anxious Arsenal.
Chelsea’s remaining fixtures:
-QPR Away
-Man Utd. Home
-Arsenal Away
-Leicester Away
-Crystal Palace Home
-Liverpool Home
-West Brom Away
-Sunderland Home
Arsenal’s remaining fixtures:
-Burnley Away
-Reading (FA cup) Away
-Chelsea Home
-Hull Away
-Swansea Home
-Man Utd. Away
-Sunderland Home
-West Brom Home
So what can go wrong for Chelsea?
1. Buoyant QPR
Although QPR haven’t had the greatest season, and have only picked up 1 point from their last 6 home fixtures, after their 4-1 win at West Brom and their 3-3 draw at Villa Park their climb out of the relegation zone is somewhat hopeful. This drive can be a threat to Chelsea when they visit QPR. The West London derby is always full of controversy and surprises, and it certainly would not be a surprise if QPR pull it off and stun Chelsea.
2. The Good vs the bad and the ugly
Chelsea will face three of the top 5 Premier League teams. Mourinho's men will need to defend their advantage Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool. Manchester United, since their loss against Arsenal in the Fa cup, they have been in great form, overcoming Tottenham, Liverpool and Aston Villa. Louis van Gaal feels that although United “probably won't be champions” they can still “give pressure.” This means that van Gaal’s men will be instructed to do all they can to halt Chelsea when they meet at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal are probably the biggest threat to Chelsea. They also have the home advantage. Although Arsenal have lost their last two games against Chelsea, they have since picked up good form and motivation. They also know that this is the most crucial game in their hunt for the title and that can sting Chelsea.
3. Injuries
Diego Costa, has suffered further complications with his hamstring injury during Chelsea match against Stoke, and will be out at least a couple of weeks, meaning that the main striker duties will fall upon Remy and Drogba. However Loic Remy has shown his skill and competence this season, therefore the real problem for Chelsea lies in the boosted Arsenal squad, who will see their three players Jack Wilshere, Abou Diaby and Captain Mikel Arteta return from injuries to help overcome Chelsea push their way to the league title.
Although there are some factors that can hinder the end of the season for Chelsea, we have to be realistic, and realise that Chelsea will not simply throw their advantage away, they will of course do all they can to comfortably claim the title.
Source: DSG
