There’s no way of dressing up Chelsea’s current form. Especially away from home where the Blues have lost 5 of their last 6 away games.
The lack of victories on the road has cost Chelsea dearly this season. Sunday’s quarter-final win against Leicester had to go down to extra-time. In the end, it may prove to be the most important win of the season.
Chelsea have managed to avoid both Spurs and Manchester United in the semi-finals. A struggling Southampton is the only obstacle in the way of an FA Cup final.
FULL-TIME: LEICESTER CITY 1-2 CHELSEA! (AET)
WE’RE THROUGH TO THE SEMI-FINALS! #LEICHE pic.twitter.com/ruRkdvPnR7
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 18, 2018
Despite Chelsea’s poor form, there have been moments that have gone against them. Situations where they didn’t get the rub of the green.
The Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal was cruel on Chelsea, as the fixture at the Emirates showed how costly a bad bounce of the ball can be.
There’s no way of dressing up Chelsea’s current form. Especially away from home where the Blues have lost 5 of their last 6 away games.
The lack of victories on the road has cost Chelsea dearly this season. Sunday’s quarter-final win against Leicester had to go down to extra-time. In the end, it may prove to be the most important win of the season. Chelsea have managed to avoid both Spurs and Manchester United in the semi-finals. A struggling Southampton is the only obstacle in the way of an FA Cup final.
It was as a similar story against Barcelona over the two legs. The Catalans weren’t at their fluid best but still came away with a 4-1 aggregate win. Largely thanks to Messi and his ability to sniff out the slightest chance.
In a flash, the Argentinian would have the ball in the back of the net. No team had hit the post more in the Champions League than Chelsea. Chelsea were to be denied by the woodwork three times on the night.
Lionel Messi’s goal 2:08 into Barcelona vs. Chelsea is the quickest goal he has ever scored in his career for club or country…
Via @ESPNStatsInfo. #BARCHE pic.twitter.com/HLXabwObze
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) March 14, 2018
There was a strong shout for a penalty on Marcos Alonso after Pique brought him down, too. Instead, Alonso was asked to get to his feet by the ref as play carried on. All of these fine margins went against Chelsea. The individual errors of the players were punished by a lurking Messi.
The performance at the Nou Camp was a terrific one in truth, with lots of running and quick passing. There was a frightening tempo across the field when changing play.
On another night, Chelsea may have progressed. Barca now head through to the quarter-finals as favourites to win the Champions League at odds of 5/2.
This type of misfortune can’t and won’t carry on forever. When the chances come, the Blues have to make the absolute most of them.
They could well arrive in the FA Cup. Chelsea are at odds of 13/8 to win the event outright. Punters who think Conte’s men are able to win the FA Cup can protect themselves from these fine margins by using an introductory offer. Those who bet with the best UK Bookmaker betting sites can claim a £20 free bet from Paddy Power, protecting their investment.
Overcoming Southampton looks an easier task. Southampton are at odds of 5/1 to beat Chelsea in the semi-final. With Spurs beginning to disappear into the distance, Chelsea will need a strong showing in the FA Cup. It will be all hands to the pump to try and win it. Hopes of a top-four finish are fading with the Blues at odds of 5/2.
Chelsea enter a crucial part of the season on the back of some poor form. This sub-standard form has been compounded by their luck deserting them. There is reason to be optimistic that the season can still end well. A few more performances like the one against Barcelona and a change in fortunes will put an end to a dismal run. It may even propel Chelsea to some silverware or a top-four finish.
