With Tottenham Hotspur being upset by West Ham United on Friday night, Chelsea FC pretty much have the Premier League title wrapped up. Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino made comments in the postgame media session that seemingly implied concession of the league title already.
Now Chelsea could become champions as early as Friday if they win their next two games. The first of the two clashes is against Middlesbrough, who will be relegated if they fail to beat Blues.
Two Blues stars, David Luiz (groin) and N’Golo Kanté (thigh) are nursing muscular injuries and it could be a game time decision whether or not they play. Go here for the Chelsea FC match injury/fitness report.
Chelsea FC starting XI prediction 3-4-3
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Defense: Gary Cahill, Cezar Azpilicueta, David Luiz
Midfield: Victor Moses, Cesc Fabregas, Nemanja Matic, Marcos Alonso
Attack: Diego Costa, Eden Hazard, Pedro
Odds via Sky Bet
Chelsea – 1/6, Draw – 13/2, Middlesbrough – 16/1
Prediction: Chelsea FC 2, Middlesbrough 0
The league champions-in-waiting are hugely favored, and for good reason. However, Blues boss Antonio Conte still sees this one shaping up to be a great game.
“There will be two teams desperate for a result on Monday,” the manager said. “For this reason, we will see a really good game on Monday.”
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes to WGN CLTV and KOZN.
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