Man U is still on top with a game in hand with Liverpool chasing them hard.
I am betting that Chelsea wins the Premiership.
What a difference a couple of weeks can make.
Guus Hiddink is bringing the best out of his players at just the right time. Michael Essien’s return has brought back the toughness that seemed to be missing in the midfield. His presence has unshackled Frank Lampard to roam upfield and he has been on fire even as Anelka’s production has dropped. Didier Drogba has reasserted his old physical style. The iron curtain of John Terry, Jose Bosingwa, Ashley Cole, have conceded only 17 goals, the best in the Premiership.
Chelsea’s deep bench strength also accounts for the fresher legs of the starters late into the season. They have the luxury of drawing players like Kalou, Belletti, Malouda, and Ballack.
Unlike the last two seasons there are no outstanding injury problems that decimated key players in crucial matches. Chelsea also has the advantage of a number of home games, arguably the best schedule amongst the title contenders.
Man U looks like it needs a second wind with injuries and suspensions to key players like Ferdinand, Vidic, Berbatov and Rooney that have sapped them of much needed momentum. Giggs, Scholes, and Neville are carrying their craft on aging legs. But their replacements show a talent gap. Carrick and Fletcher played adequately but I would not bet on them to carry the team.
Liverpool shows an interesting pattern of goal scoring with clumps of wins interspersed with dreary draws. They are due for a patch of dullness which has already begun with the loss to Chelsea. Plus, they live by Gerrard and they die by Gerrard. Even with Alonso, Mascherano, and the wiles of the occasional Benayoun.
Hiddink thrives on these clearly defined missions. Brought into resuscitate a flagging Chelsea and now they are in position to pull off a stunning upset. He then departs in less than two months to resume coaching the Russian team.
He reminds me of Harvey Keitel’s character in Pulp Fiction.