Chelsea’s final game of the season sees them taking on league champions Leicester. The Foxes have had a brilliant campaign, and they sit 10 points clear at the summit. Will they round off their season with another victory, or can the Blues restore some pride with a strong showing?
Of course, this game was meant to be a send-off for John Terry. The Blues’ captain looks set to leave this summer, so this clash would have been his final game for the Pensioners. But his red card last weekend means he’s missing out here, and he’ll be forced to watch from the stands as this season draws to a close.
It will, however, be a send-off for Guus Hiddink, who is taking charge of his last game. It’s not quite as special as his finale first time round, when he won the FA Cup. Still, the Dutchman has done a solid job since replacing Jose Mourinho, he’s stabilised the club, and guided them into the top half of the table. Things could have been much worse.
Despite that, Blues fans would have been hoping for much better. They’ll be delighted to see the back of this terrible campaign, one that has led to plenty of disappointment at the Bridge. Will this game go the same way, or can Chelsea get one over the newly crowned champions?
Recent form has been mixed for the Blues, they did do well against Tottenham and Liverpool, but they fell apart against Sunderland. For this final game, you’d expect the team will be able to produce something better than their match at the Stadium of Light. They do need to step things up, as they’re facing the champions.
Leicester may have little to play for, but they’re not the kind of side to give up now that the title is won. They were at their best against Everton last weekend, and they’ll be aiming to produce the same again here. They are a team who always gives their all and they’ll be fully focused ahead of this game, with certain individuals still in the hunt for various plaudits.
Jamie Vardy is just a goal behind Harry Kane in the race for the Golden Boot. Kasper Schmeichel is up for the Golden Glove award, with three other keepers level with him in the fight for that award. They’re all locked on 16 clean sheets this term, and if the Foxes’ stopper gets one at the Bridge, he’s guaranteed to at least share that award.
The Blues made their backing of Leicester public a few weeks ago, so they shouldn’t mind giving the Foxes a guard of honour on their visit this week. The clash between the last two English champions will get plenty of attention, even without anything being on the line. Chelsea can put on a strong showing here, ending a poor year on a high note and giving Hiddink a decent send-off.
LCN Verdict: 1-1 Draw