Roberto Di Matteo’s men flew back to England still breathless after a historic, euphoric night in Barcelona, faced with the small matter of two crucial Premier League ties over just three days. With the upcoming clash against Bayern Munich looming large in the thoughts of the players, their prospects for Champions League football next season may ultimately depend on their ability to focus on comparatively prosaic domestic entanglements over the days to come.
The Prospects
On the face of it Chelsea have one of the more tempting double Gameweek schedules, playing host to QPR and Newcastle, but the selection picture is complicated by injuries and suspensions, and the spectre of rotation haunts the thoughts of would-be investors. With double pitch time a doubt for many key players, Fantasy managers may have to look to lesser-established options in attack or scramble to the relative safety of the Blues’ defence.
Conceding only one goal at home in three games under Di Matteo, Chelsea have rediscovered the steely resolution and meanness of defensive spirit that characterised their fruitful seasons under Jose Mourinho. A visit from the morbidly travel-sick QPR should cause the battle-hardened Blues few sleepless nights, but the subsequent clash against Newcastle threatens to prove a very different beast.
Alan Pardew’s men are flying, dominating all comers both home and away and now represent a serious and immediate threat to Chelsea’s top four status. Given that the Magpies clash will be their third match in eight days, physical and emotional drain could become a real problem for a side who have strained every sinew to survive their bruising Semi-Final in Barcelona. A game of potentially huge importance for both clubs, much will depend on the London outfit’s resolve to summon the blood. Factor in an FA Cup Final only three days later, and it’s fair to say that Chelsea schedule leaves Di Matteo – and Fantasy managers – with plenty to ponder.
THE LIKELY LADS
Those with a taste for low-risk investments should look no further than Petr Cech. An institution between the sticks for Chelsea, the Czech stopper is nailed on, screwed down, covered in concrete and employed as a load bearing wall. Decidedly dear at 6.8, his permanence comes at a price, but with two bonus points last time out at Arsenal there’s potential for further rewards if the Blues find themselves in yet another close contest.
The other obvious candidate for investment in the Chelsea defence is captain John Terry. Suspended for the Champions League Final, he looks a very strong bet to feature in both upcoming Premier League games, despite the minor inconvenience of broken ribs. Like Cech he costs a few quid, tipping the scales at an eye watering 7.4, but with four goals to his credit already this season and fortune currently smiling on his adventures, Terry is sure to represent a prime Fantasy target for many.
With both Gary Cahill and David Luiz ruled out of Sunday’s game with QPR earlier today, Jose Bosingwa is suddenly propelled into our thinking. Given that Branislav Ivanovic is also suspended for the QPR game, the Portuguese right-back looks nailed on for at least one start. If Di Matteo decides not to risk the likes of Cahill and Luiz ahead of the FA Cup Final, Ivanovic could partner Terry at the back, with Bosingwa maintaining his full-back position – clearly, though, it’s a move that carries risk.
Juan Mata’s potential is obvious. The Spaniard has proven to be a more consistent Fantasy performer under Di Matteo, producing attacking returns in four of his five starts since Andre Villas-Boas’ dismissal. Problem is, he’s been afforded a substitute role in each of his last two appearances – with the Italian keen to keep him fit and available, there’s doubt over his game time but, if he is handed the opportunity, the summer signing from Valencia could prove to be an inspired choice. Already, 44,000 Fantasy managers have drafted him in this Gameweek.
Rotation issues also make Daniel Sturridge and Salomon Kalou possibilities here. Sturridge has started four of the last five, though with attacking returns in just one of those games, Fantasy managers will hardly be forming an orderly queue to snap up his services. Kalou been picked for the first XI in three of the previous four Gameweeks – again, he has hardly covered himself in glory with just a single assist over those matches but, classified as a midfielder, he is perhaps the most intriguing of the pair. Priced at 6.7, with a 1% ownership, he could be a decent differential.
Cheeky Punt
His season has hardly instilled Fantasy managers with confidence but Fernando Torres still has the potential to deliver. With Didier Drogba likely to be rested ahead of the FA Cup Final, Torres looks set to lead the line for the Blues and has averaged over 5 points per game in his last four. It’s a risk, without doubt, but, as his equaliser at the Nou Camp on Tuesday evening reminded us, there’s still goals left in El Nino’s boots.
