Ahead of Chelsea’s big home clash with Liverpool on Sunday, boss Thomas Tuchel has admitted his side must be realistic in terms of where they are on their journey when compared to champions and current Premier League leaders Manchester City.
Chelsea were seen as title challengers before a ball had been kicked this season and began the campaign very well, winning eight of their first 10 games to set the pace in the autumn.
Well Adrift of City
However, things have not gone as well in recent weeks with defeats and draws against the likes of West Ham, Everton, Wolves and Brighton leaving the Blues 11 points adrift of City at the top.
When asked about Pep Guardiola’s side, Tuchel said: “They are good. Very good. They are relentless. We have to admit where we come from one year ago. When you look at 2021 [last season’s league table], we are 20 points behind.
“You have to be careful that you are ambitious but not over-ambitious and do not to get frustrated by not catching Man City in the first half year.”
Lukaku Dropped
Chelsea will be without the hamstrung Reece James against Liverpool, who are a point behind the Blues, while reports say Romelu Lukaku will be dropped after recent comments from the Belgian emerged with the forward suggesting he wasn’t happy at Stamford Bridge.
Ben Chilwell remains out after knee surgery, Andreas Christensen is doubtful with a back problem, while Timo Werner and Thiago Silva have returned to training but may not be risked.
No Klopp at Stamford Bridge
Liverpool will not have boss Jurgen Klopp on the bench in west London after he returned a positive covid test, while three first-team players, believed to include goalkeeper Alisson and forward Roberto Firmino, have also been forced to isolate due to positive tests. Caoimhin Kelleher is in line to start in goal, while Andy Robertson is suspended and Thiago Alcantara, Divock Origi and Takumi Minanmino are all out injured.
Considering the problems in both camps, a draw might be the unwanted outcome both have to settle for, on offer at 49/20.
Villa Without Mings
There are also three games at 2pm on Sunday, including Aston Villa’s trip to Brentford. Villa are without key centre-back Tyrone Mings and the Bees, who caused Man City some problems before losing 1-0 over Christmas, look good value to pick up all three points at 2/1.
Leeds’ injury and covid worries have eased somewhat ahead of their home clash with Burnley. Even though captain Liam Cooper and key midfielder Kalvin Phillips will be out until March because of thigh injuries and striker Patrick Bamford is doubtful for Sunday’s game, Junior Firpo, Diego Llorente and Daniel James are all available again and Jack Harrison has also been passed fit.
Leeds Return to Action
The Whites have not played since December 18 due to a covid outbreak and they will hope the time off has helped as Marcelo Bielsa’s side had lost three on the bounce, conceding 14 goals in the process before the postponements struck. A home win, available at 20/21, will be just the tonic Bielsa’s after this afternoon.
In the other 2pm kick-off, Everton are set to welcome back key striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin to their squad after a long injury absence. The striker is likely to be on the bench against Brighton and his presence should help inspire the Toffees to the three points, available at 8/5.
*All odds correct at time of writing.