The Battle of the Blues
If Chelsea want to be playing in next years Champions League now is the time to show it. They lock horns with a somewhat rejuvenated Cardiff side fighting for survival and after their last few showings look like they might just be able to pull it off.
Chelsea
The blue's have been painfully inconsistent this season and the incredibly stubborn Maurizio Sarri has not been making things easier for himself. Of their last 10 games they have 4 w's, 2 draws and 4 losses which is shambolic for a team containing the likes of Hazard, Kante and Higuain. Whats worrying is not only the fact that they have lost 4 games but how they lost them. They were hammered 4-0 by Bournemouth, utterly savaged by Manchester 'throw money at everything' City with 6-0 and looked totally void of any self confidence during their 2-0 loss to Everton. Despite all the shade i've been throwing at Chelsea they do, despite it all, possess absolutely amazing players capable of doing whatever the hell they want so i wouldn't count them out just yet.
Notable absentees
Fully fit squad
Cardiff
Neil Warnock's side are a hard team to beat at home with the not too shabby stats of 6 wins, 2 draws and 8 losses at the Cardiff City Stadium. The majority of those defeats came against top 8 opposition which is nothing they should feel too blue about, but it is however an indication that the Bluebirds simply have a hard time against teams with a higher degree of quality in their ranks. With Burnley only 5 points ahead and with two games less played Cardiff have everything to play for and will be up for the fight.
Notable absentees
Sol Bamba and Callum Paterson
Betting tip
Despite what is written above, Chelsea's quality and Cardiff's recent injury situation as well as the fact that they have a tough time against top quality opposition makes me believe that Chelsea will edge this which is why i am backing a Chelsea win at 37/100 with Bethard.
Those seeking better value and who like living on the edge could back both teams to score at 23/20 or over 2.5 goals at 37/50.
