After another weekend of bungling incompetence from Manchester City, Chelsea are seven points clear at the top of the Premier League and seemingly heading inexorably for their first title since Jose Mourinho’s return.
Is there any way they can lose it? Well, we’ve come up with the most convincing sequence of results we can contrive to suggest there’s still a title race on.
For this to work, we need to assume Arsenal – now Chelsea’s closest challengers – win all their remaining games. It’s not *too* unbelievable – they have two games left against big clubs in Chelsea and Manchester United, but the rest look relatively simple, and they’re certainly in form.
That gives them a total of 84 points. So what do Chelsea have to do to fail to reach that total? Here’s exactly what they have to do…
QPR v Chelsea (April 12)
We can try the “local derby” angle, or claim that QPR are coming into form (winning run of one, which they could extend against Aston Villa tonight) but we don’t think that would convince anyone.
Verdict: Three points (Total – 73)
Chelsea v Manchester United (April 18)
This has the potential to be a dreadful match. Mourinho has shown a propensity to be overly-defensive against bigger teams this season – remember Robin van Persie’s late equaliser in the reverse fixture in October – while United have rarely been compelling to watch. We’re imagining Jon Obi Mikel coming on as a substitute as Mourinho plays for a point and an improving United side taking advantage with a late winner and a 1-0 victory.
Verdict: No points (Total – 73)
Arsenal v Chelsea (April 26)
Arsenal have shown they’re learning how to play against the big boys this season, happy to give up possession – like they did against Manchester City in January – and play without the ball. The Gunners, with Olivier Giroud rampant up front, are in their best form of the season, and they can take three points off a tentative Chelsea if they follow that blueprint.
Verdict: No points (Total – 73)
Leicester v Chelsea (April 29)
This is Chelsea’s game in hand – against the club currently bottom of the table. This could be a crucial game if the Foxes are going to have any hope of staying up – and they are showing stomach for a fight – so we reckon they’ll give Mourinho’s men a game, but we think Chelsea will grind out a win to steady the ship.
Verdict: Three points (Total – 76)
Chelsea v Crystal Palace (May 3)
Palace well and truly derailed City’s title challenge with their victory last night, and the chasing pack will be hoping they can do likewise at Stamford Bridge come May. Alan Pardew has worked miracles since arriving at Selhurst Park, but we think this may be a step too far, especially with a team who have nothing to play for.
Verdict: Three points (Total – 79)
Chelsea v Liverpool (May 10)
Liverpool are effectively out of the hunt for a Champions League place, but would take great pleasure in disrupting Chelsea’s title bid after what happened last season. We’re envisioning some sort of redemption storyline for the departing Steven Gerrard, scoring a free-kick after coming on as a substitute to banish memories of that slip.
Verdict: No points (Total – 79)
West Brom v Chelsea (May 18)
This Monday night match comes the day after Arsenal travel to Old Trafford. We’re going to have to assume the Gunners win that one and pile the pressure on Chelsea. Tony Pulis sends his side out to take full advantage, spoiling the game and leaving Chelsea running out of ideas. An almighty last-ditch effort from the Blues comes up short, and they leave the Hawthorns with just a point – and with their fate out of their hands.
Verdict: One point (Total – 80)
Chelsea v Sunderland (May 24)
We’re imagining a Sunderland side who have just secured their safety in the top flight and are already on the beach. Chelsea ease to victory, sticking five or six past the Black Cats. But it’s out of their hands now – and, amid frenzied split-screen action on Sky Sports, Arsenal hold on for a nervy win over West Brom to seal the title. In the aftermath, Piers Morgan calls for Arsene Wenger to be sacked.
Verdict: Three points (Total – 83)
Source: SNAPPA
