Chelsea Poised - Football (Soccer) News And Picks

Chelsea Poised
By Anthony Marinetti
Posted:6:00 am PDT 2007-01-29

The chosen one got his wish last week. After faltering against a surging Liverpool side, Jose Mourinho and Co. needed Arsenal to take down Manchester United to stay within striking distance of the top spot in the EPL. The Gunners did their part in dramatic fashion, and so the Blues remain six points down with 14 games to go in the Premiership.

Two-time defending champions Chelsea still believe they can overtake Man U by the end of the campaign, and this notion does not seem very far-fetched anymore.

A major factor in Chelsea's quest for their third straight title will be the return of John Terry. The Blues' defense has been shaky and porous without its captain, but Terry may be back sooner than was originally expected.

"JT is training with the group and that is a big step forward," Mourinho said. "So if he is playing in a short period time, it will not be a surprise."

Wayne Bridge also looks to be on his way back from a knee strain, and while Joe Cole and Arjen Robben may not see the pitch for some time due to injuries, the overall health of the club is improving. Terry's presence will do wonders for the Blues' confidence if he can be inserted within the next week or two.

In addition to fast-healing players, Chelsea have a favorable schedule leading up to the showdown with Man U in mid-April at Stamford Bridge. Of their next seven EPL fixtures, five are against teams in the bottom half of the table, including Watford and Charlton in 19th and 20th place, respectively. Their toughest challenge will be at Portsmouth on March 3.

Meanwhile, Man U also have upcoming fixtures with lowly Watford and Charlton, but also have to play at Tottenham, at Liverpool, and home vs. Bolton before traveling to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea. The Red Devils have a much tougher road and subsequently are more likely to slip up once more.

Sir Alex Ferguson still favors his squad's chances following the Arsenal defeat, however.

"Both of ourselves and Chelsea will drop points. It is the name of the game. But how we cope is important," insisted Ferguson. "Only true champions can come out of such disappointments and show their worth and I expect us to do that. We are still six points clear and we mustn't forget that."

Chelsea are -400 favorites over enigmatic Blackburn on WagerWeb.com for the Jan. 31 fixture, with +350 for the draw. As expected, WagerWeb has Man U an even bigger favorite to win at -700 home vs. Watford.

If Chelsea can pick up W's and avoid any blemishes going into the Man U fixture, they will be in very good shape. I think United could very well go down at Liverpool, and if that happens and Chelsea take care of business, Mourinho's boys will be a mere 3 points down and poised to even things up with a win over United in April.

The race is far from over, and chances are still very good that there will be some excitement this spring as the EPL comes down to the wire.

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