24/11/2011

Andre Villas-Boas's five fixtures to save his job

Saturday, November 26: Chelsea v Wolves
Probably the most appealing of their next five fixtures, Chelsea are unlikely to struggle too much against a side that have only recorded three victories this season.
Likely outcome: high scoring victory and timely boost to players' confidence.
Will he stay? Job safe for now.
Tuesday November 29: Chelsea v Liverpool
Given last weekend's 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Kenny Dalglish's side, Chelsea will be out for revenge. Villas-Boas' line-up will ultimately come down to how much progression in the Carling Cup means to the club given the away trip to Newcastle three days later.
Likely outcome: Chelsea to scrape through
Will he stay? Yes, but remaining in the Carling Cup will not be enough to end speculation.
Saturday, December 3: Newcastle v Chelsea
Not an easy tie to be sandwiched between to cup fixtures, harder still for Chelsea when you look at Newcastle's record this season. They've lost just once – to leaders Manchester City last weekend – and have a perfect home record.
Likely outcome: score draw
Will he stay? Roman Abramovich is unlikely to rock the managerial boat just days before a do-or-die Champions League clash with Valencia. Defeat could put the penultimate nail in the proverbial coffin.
Tuesday December 6: Chelsea v Valencia
Chelsea came within minutes of victory at the Mestalla in September. Had it not been for an inspired performance by Diego Alves, Villas-Boas' side could well have scored four of five goals. Home advantage should see them secure qualification but only victory will do with both sides tied on points in the Group E table and Bayer Leverkusen unlikely to lose against Genk.
Likely outcome: narrow victory and group runner's up
Will he stay? Exiting the Champions League will likely be the straw that breaks the camels back for Villas-Boas. This result over any other will prove pivotal to his fate, though victory and qualification won't mean he is home and dry.
Monday, December 12: Chelsea v Manchester City
Villas-Boas will welcome the six-day break between the Champions League and this tie. Injuries permitting he should be in a position to field his strongest side but the focus will fall on Chelsea's defence and how well they cope with a side that has scored 42 goals already this season.
Likely outcome: third home defeat of the season
Will he stay? 
If Chelsea have secured a place in the Champions League knockout stage it will buy him some grace, if not this could be his last game in charge.

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