Despite all the turmoil and tumult this season for Chelsea, they’re actually very likely to reach the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League. In fact it’s a near certainty. Let’s take a look at the current Group G standings, and the chances of advancing beyond the group stages according to the ESPN FC Soccer Power Index.
Porto, 10 points, SPI chances to advance beyond group play 96%
Chelsea, 7 points, 92% chance to advance
Dynamo Kiev 5 points, 12%
Maccabi Tel Aviv, 0, eliminated
So, despite all the rumors and reports that Chelsea will sack boss Jose Mourinho tomorrow/next week/after the next loss/after the next two losses, the season has not been a total disaster at Stamford Bridge. Maybe yesterday’s 2-1 win over Dynamo Kiev will spur them on bigger and better things now?
This weekend’s fixture is against Stoke City, the team that bounced the Blues from the League Cup last week. No doubt Mourinho and his Chelsea side will have plenty of motivation in this one.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and sometimes writes The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. The website is also featured on News Now.
Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes to the Chicago Tribune RedEye. He also appears regularly on numerous television and radio talk shows all across the country. Catch him Tuesdays on KOZN 1620 The Zone.