Ahead of Liverpool’s matchup with league winner’s Chelsea, we sat down with Ryan Darby, editor and writer for Read Chelsea, who gave us his views of the upcoming match and the two clubs in general.
Chelsea defeated Crystal Palace 1-0 on Sunday at home with an Eden Hazard goal before half time to clinch the club’s 4th Premier League title. Although Chelsea are not involved in any other competitions than the league at the moment, they will not hold anything back to finish the season
Ryan, since the league is already won, do you think Mourinho will still start a strong side in order to spoil Liverpool’s top 4 hopes?
“He has already mentioned the fact the we need to remain professional. For the respect of the rest of the Premier League, however, he has also gone on to mention in a recent interview he will provide opportunities for the ‘fringe’ players. I think you could expect the likes of Luis, Cech and Cuadrado to start. Regardless of the changes, I think it’ll be the strongest team we put out for the three remaining games.”
Which Liverpool player do you think poses the biggest threat for Chelsea?
“Philippe Coutinho. For me, this is an easy choice. I think he has been the bright light in a season that most Liverpool fans will want to forget quickly. He is gradually adding goals to his game and he has scored some great goals too. His vision and dribbling abilities could cause us a few problems, I am hoping he has a quiet game however!”
Are there any players in the Liverpool squad you would be glad to see in the starting XI because they might be easy for Chelsea to deal with?
“Unfortunately, Lazar Marković. Every time I have seen him, he does not look entirely comfortable in the right midfield/wing back role – something that is evident in his defending. Should Marković neglect his defensive duties, it would allow more time and space for Eden Hazard. The Belgian winger is the one player you do not want to be giving time on the ball to.”
Who will Chelsea’s Man of the Match be against Liverpool and will we see any major signings/sales from Chelsea this summer?
“The man that is in great form at the moment, Willian. I feel he can have a great game should he start against Liverpool. He has gone under the radar for large parts of the season, especially considering he started the season behind Andre Schurrle. He has improved as the season has unfolded and becoming an integral part of the way we play.”
“In terms of transfers, we have to make major signings. We’ve seen with Manchester City when they have won their two respective Premier League titles how important it is to improve when you’re on top. The likes of Bale and Pogba are unrealistic with the new FFP restrictions. I think we are going to need another central defender, Varane being one stand out target. I think it will be tough to prize him away from Madrid, however. I would love to see Koke at Stamford Bridge, with him in the team, I feel we would reach a new level. He would fill a position in which he have struggled to find consistency this season in behind the striker but could also play deeper. There will be more big names leaving the Bridge this summer, it looks increasingly likely both Petr Cech and Didier Drogba could be on their way out of the club. Two massive club icons that will be hugely missed. I always felt Drogba’s return was more sentimental but he has gone on to play an important part come the end of the season. Cech has been with us for over a decade, people tend to forget he only joined us for £7m in 2004! Possibly one of the greatest transfers the league will ever see in terms of value for money.”
What will be the final score and where do you think Liverpool will finish in the table?
“I am going for a 1-0 victory, I just cannot envisage Liverpool scoring at the Bridge. For Liverpool, I cannot see them catching the coveted fourth spot. I believe they will remain in their current position (5th) and will have to deal with the Europa League next season.”
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Regardless of who Chelsea put on the pitch, Liverpool still have a slight Champions League hopes to hold on to, and Chelsea have nothing left to play for this season. Thanks to Ryan for taking the time to sit down with us and pick through those.
