Unbeaten since their New Year’s Day mauling at Spurs, Chelsea face one last big test of their title credentials when then travel to Arsenal in the first clash of their double Gameweek 34. Crucially, Jose Mourinho’s men know that wins against the Gunners and Leicester in the next week would bring the title to Stamford Bridge, though the Blues don’y have it easy, with both their upcoming opponents having form on their side.
The Prospects
Since falling to that 5-3 defeat at White Hart Lane, Chelsea have strung together a 12-match unbeaten run, winning nine games and drawing three in the process. Their success has been predicated on a solid defence, with no side conceding fewer goals (seven) than the London club over that period. A largely favourable schedule beyond the double (CRY, LIV, wba, SUN), which includes three home ties, ensures that any prospective investors won’t need to plan an exit route for their new Chelsea recruits.
The Blues head-to-head with Arsene Wenger’s men is shaping up to be a pivotal encounter. Like Jose Mourinho’s side, Arsenal haven’t tasted defeat since they were bested at White Hart Lane, recording victories in all eight of their subsequent league clashes. This exceptional run of form has in part been inspired by Olivier Giroud’s most productive spell at the Gunners, with the French marksman tallying seven goals in as many starts. With Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey also in fine form, Chelsea’s rearguard will be keeping tabs on a bevy of threats.
Mourinho’s men then close out their double with a visit to the King Power Stadium, as Nigel Pearson’s troops strive to climb clear of the relegation zone. The Foxes have discovered their scoring touch in the last four Gameweeks, netting more goals (10) than any other side in that period. Furthermore, Leicester have registered clean sheets in two of their previous three home clashes – demonstrating their resolve to beat the drop. That being said, they’ve still shipped seven goals in their last four match-ups, which plays into the hands of the free-scoring Eden Hazard.
The Likely Lads
Only Harry Kane (50%) can lay claim to a higher ownership than Eden Hazard (44%), who’s delivered attacking returns in all but four of his last 17 starts for Chelsea and now sits 31 points clear of his nearest challenger in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game. The Belgian winger has tallied more goals (four) than any other midfielder in the last six Gameweeks, with only David Silva and Alexis Sanchez (both nine) managing more attempts on target than the 11.3-priced midfielder over that stretch. To further bolster Hazard’s case for inclusion, he’s also notched three assists in seven and scored in both the reverse fixtures – it’s little wonder, then, that he’s the runaway leader in this week’s Captain Poll.
Cesc Fabregas has contributed to 20 league goals (three goals, 17 assists) in his debut Blues campaign – as compared to Hazard’s 22 (13 goals, nine assists) and Diego Costa’s 22 (19 goals, three assists). After a drop off in form, the Spaniard has rediscovered some consistency and served up a goal and two assists in his last four starts – at 9.4, he offers a midfield double-up option alongside Hazard, with doubts now hovering over all three of the Blues forwards as we head towards the double.
Branislav Ivanovic (7.7) tops the Fantasy Premier League defender rankings with an impressive 160 points – due in no small part to the four goals and five assists he’s tallied this term. Despite not producing any attacking returns in his last four outings, the Serbian right-back has offered the biggest goal threat of any Chelsea defender in the last six Gameweeks, attempting four shots at goal.
John Terry (6.9) offers a cheaper alternative to Ivanovic or double-up defensive option, bearing in mind that the Blues have now chalked up back-to-back clean sheets. Although he possesses an inferior points per game average (4.5) to Ivanovic (5.0), Terry has executed more shots from inside the penalty box (three) than his team-mate (two) in their previous six matches.
The Cheeky Punts
With a points per game average (3.8) well below the other regulars in Chelsea’s back line, Thibaut Courtois doesn’t instantly stand out as an alluring acquisition. Nonetheless, Arsenal haven’t failed to score in any of their encounters at the Emirates this season, which suggests a clean sheet is an unlikely outcome for the visitors. In such an event, the Belgian shot-stopper’ save points could be invaluable – Courtois has earned six save points in the Blues’ last seven. The one concern is that if Chelsea win the title early, Petr Cech could be handed matches over the final four Gameweeks, thus lessening Coutois’ appeal.
Having started each of the last six Gameweeks, Gary Cahill has seen off the challenge of Kurt Zouma and established himself alongside Terry once again. At 6.3, he’s a little more budget-friendly than his skipper and, like Courteous, his first-team place looks secure until the Blues clinch the title at least. Cesar Azpilicueta has earned more bonus bonus (four) in the last two matches than any Chelsea defender but Filipe Luis remains a threat to his pitch time at left-back.
After starting 14 of Chelsea’s first 16 fixtures this campaign, Oscar has played a bit-part role of late, clocking an average of 44 minutes in his last four appearances. In spite of that, a deft assist for Hazard’s goal on the weekend could afford the Brazil international increased minutes in the double, as attempts to build upon impressive haul of six goals and eight assists this season. Mourinho could easily field Ramires on the right against Arsenal in an attempt to stifle Sanchez, though, placing question marks over Oscar’s prospects.
At this point in time, the injury situation up front makes it impossible to recommend any Chelsea striker. Third-choice Didier Drogba has started the last two but the severity of his ankle injury is yet unknown, whilst we really need to wait until Friday lunchtime before Mourinho gives us any sort of inclination as to whether Diego Costa or Loic Remy will be able to play any part in either of the upcoming matches.
