It is almost back, Chelsea need just another victory to bring the Premier League crown back to Stamford Bridge and it will be a sweet one for Chelsea, well all title wins are sweet but this one would hold a special place as the Special One would have done it again. In his second season in charge during his second stint, Jose Mourinho should lead his team to the Premier League title, all they have to do is defeat a plucky Crystal Palace side, who are more or less safe from the drop but will be looking to play party poopers as they take part in this derby. While the party hats might be lining up at Stamford Bridge, here are three things you need to keep an eye out for during the game.
Chelsea to win the title but in style?
Boring, boring Chelsea, was the cry heard or complained about by other managers or manager (Wenger) but the truth of the matter is winning a Premier League crown, no matter how you play should be considered a great success. Jose Mourinho’s team might not have played free-flowing attacking football, especially in the second half of the season, but no one actually cares as long as they win the league. Boring football but effective football, that (success) is what people need ultimately and Jose has brought that to Chelsea this season.
Alan Pardew, the bogey manager?
A stat that might have worried Chelsea fans had the title race been closer like last season’s, Alan Pardew has won 4 of his 6 games that he faced against Chelsea while he was Newcastle manager and his Crystal Palace team have not done too poorly this season either after bringing the cult figure as manager. Palace have never won at Chelsea in 33 years and if anyone can break that jinx it would be Alan Pardew. The English manager would love to get one over Jose and keep his record in the positive but it does look highly unlikely that Chelsea would let such a great chance to wrap up the title with 3 games to go slip by.
A tense atmosphere
Chelsea have had a pretty decent season, apart from the rather dire performance at home against PSG, their season can be considered as a success, yet there always remains a question about the backing and vocal support the team is provided by their fans. Sure Chelsea might not have the most boisterous fans in the world, but there seems to be a lack of atmosphere when Chelsea play at Stamford Bridge, which even Jose Mourinho has acknowledged. As long as Chelsea seem to be winning, no one minds and if they win the Premier League, the fans will be cheering loud but as long as the game remains tied or if Crystal Palace somehow manage to score and lead, a tense atmosphere is set to fall at the bridge.