The last thing Chelsea’s players will see before they descend the players tunnel at the red citadel of Merseyside on Sunday is English soccer’s most famous proclamation: “This is Anfield.” But the international cast of blue clad Premiership table toppers heading out to confront Liverpool on their hallowed home patch will be focused on something potential more unnerving: “This is the EPL Title.”
On the penultimate weekend of the EPL season, a Chelsea victory at Anfield will halt the swinging pendulum of a remarkable season in England’s top flight. Yes, a Manchester United win at Sunderland later in the afternoon would see the title race go to the last day, but that would only prolong the inevitable. Chelsea host relegation escapees Wigan on the final Sunday, but an upset of Belo Horizonte proportions isn’t going to happen at the Stamford Bridge climax. So, in the latest example of the soccer god’s twisted sense of humor, United need Liverpool to do them a favor on Sunday and not lose.
The Hatfields do not help the McCoys. But this weekend, more than anything, Liverpool must help themselves. Mired in massive debt (reportedly £250 million and counting) and seeking new ownership, with Rafa Benitez the favorite to move to Juventus in the summer, plus all-manner of transfer rumors swirling around the Reds two most valuable players, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, this would not be the season to miss out on a UEFA Champions League berth. And losing to Chelsea would ensure that.
Thursday night’s dramatic, deflating Europa League semifinal elimination by Atlético Madrid means the Liverpool trophy cabinet is bare again this season. It almost defies belief that the once mighty Reds haven’t won the league title since the 1989-90 season. After pushing their arch nemesis close last year, the Kop thought their heroes were poised to end the EPL title drought this time around. Instead, the Kopites face a worse dilemma than a starving vegetarian in a burger joint: a victory over Chelsea would keep Champions League hope alive, but in all likelihood hand the Premiership title to United, giving the denizens of Old Trafford a record 19th English championship, breaking the current tie they share with, yes, Liverpool.
Now, Benitez has to pick his players off the floor—at least those that are not injured and sitting in the stands with Torres.
But while everyone on the red side of Stanley Park has a lot on their minds, Chelsea are only thinking about winning. They are five for five against the other members of the so-called “Big Four” this season, and there is no reason for them not to complete the season sweep.
After stumbling against Spurs two weeks ago, the Blues righted the ship in convincing fashion in the 7-0 route of Stoke City last Sunday. Carlo Ancelotti has been a maestro at making adjustments during the campaign. At the beginning of the season, he was lauded for his innovative midfield diamond formation that allowed Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka to form the successful scoring tandem that most pundits thought impossible. But when it became clear that Chelsea talisman Frank Lampard was struggling at the point of that diamond, Ancelotti reverted to a 4-3-3 formation that allowed Lampard to play deeper and score more goals—25 and counting.
The biggest revelation in West London this season, however, has been the play of Florent Malouda. Ancelotti has given the Frenchman the freedom to roam the left flank, delivering width, telling crosses and a much-needed spark of unpredictability. Malouda was outstanding in Chelsea’s 2-1 win at Old Trafford at the beginning of April, and he will be the player to watch on Sunday. Glen Johnson is not backwards in coming forward for Liverpool or England, but his defensive frailties are well known.
And Ancelotti’s Chelsea know how to exploit vulnerable (and very tired) defenses. The Blues have scored 93 goals in the EPL this season, 12 more goals than nearest rivals United, and have had no trouble breaching the Liverpool defense of late: scoring nine times in the teams’ last three meetings. And on Sunday, they once again conquer what was once fortress Anfield, and get set for their May 9th EPL title coronation celebration at the Bridge.
