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I guess it would make the most sense to start my return to the flag is up with my beloved west london bunch, the Chelsea Blues. It's been a crazy roller coaster of a season but as of this Monday, April 25, Chelsea stands just six points clear of Manchester United, with a crucial matchup looming at Old Trafford on the 8th of May.
Anything is possible in this grand league and the fact that Chelsea is still in it is a testament to resilience and a bit of luck. Of course, in the meantime, Chelsea got eliminated from every other competition they were involved in. However, to win the crown representing that which you work so hard for week in and week out would be just enough to transform an occasionally hellish season into a brilliant one.
Of course, Arsenal are theoretically in the picture as well, but for conversation's sake and probably reality's sake, the EPL title race has room for two horses. Here's a look at what's to come over the final month of the season and what the Blues need to do to win a second consecutive title.
Chelsea Manchester United
-Tottenham -at Arsenal
-at Manchester United -Chelsea
-Newcastle -at Blackburn Rovers
-at Everton -Blackpool
Judging by these final four fixtures for each team, these next two weeks will decide whether or not Chelsea has a shot. If Man U wins even won of those first two games, they will almost surely win the title race. For Chelsea's sake, a draw at the Emirates, followed by a loss at their own hands at the Traf would be the ideal situation. But before concerning themselves with the results of United, Chelsea have a huge game of their own this weekend as they welcome London rivals Spurs to Stamford Bridge.
Anything less than a win, and we'll be watching the red devils start their victory parade early down Sir Matt Busby Way. But this team has found great form as of late, including at long last, an introductory goal from Fernando Torres. Spurs are a fragile and inconsistent bunch but they can definitely put a hurting on anyone if its their day. The key will be to score first and control the energy of the game from the get go.
As for United, they'll be in London as well to take on the Gunners. The main questions here asks what the feeling in the Arsenal camp is at the present. Will they give it one last go for the title? Or are they completely deflated after a seemingly season-ending loss in Lancashire in the past weekend? If they come out and control the energy and flow of the game, there is no reason they can't beat Man U. It's a matter of how much they really want the result.
. . .
Don't worry, I'm not forgetting about the other stuff going on out there. The MLS season kicking into full gear. The Champions League semifinals starting up this week. But I figure I'll cover those events in other posts as I plan to be back for good here at TFIU. We're planning on posting much more regularly as the season comes down the stretch and even have some new developments planned for the blog in the near future so stay tuned!
Keep kicking,
-twil
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