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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment