The Blues have been handed some serious impetus in their pursuit for a top 4 finish, as they are ready to bring Hazard back into the team for tonight’s all-important game against Spurs, as both the teams are vying for a place in the top 4.
According to Sky Sports, the battle for the 3rd and 4th spot in the table is sure to go down to the final day of the season, with a trio of London clubs Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are all battling it out for the final two spots. It is certain that one of the 3 are set to lose out on next season’s UEFA Champions League.
With Arsenal sandwiched between Chelsea and Tottenham, it is a must win for both the teams. A Chelsea win will almost guarantee their passage into Europe’s elite competition by securing the 3rd spot, whereas a victory for Tottenham will see them leapfrog Arsenal into 4th and send the Gunners out of the top 4 for the time being. Hence, this tie has taken on added importance.
Spurs have been riding on the brilliance of their star man Gareth Bale, who has dragged the team single-handedly into top 4 contention. They will need their PFA Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year to shine yet again for them.
Chelsea too, have got a massive psychological boost as their big summer signing Hazard has won the race against time to be fit for the potential six-pointer.
Hazard has had an impressive first season in English football following his massive £32 million move from French outfit Lille. He, along with Juan Mata and Oscar have formed a fearsome midfield attack for Chelsea this season. The Belgian has been the chief architect for many of Chelsea’s goals this season along with finding the back of the net with regularity.
The inclusion of Hazard in the team (according to Chelsea’s Official Website) will certainly give the Blues a massive lift for tonight’s game, who will be hoping for a victory to secure their Champions League ambitions for next season.
So the Blues are expected to line up as follows in a 4-2-3-1 formation:
1 Petr Cech (c) 28 Cesar Azpilicueta 24 Gary Cahill 2 Branislav Ivanovic 3 Ashley Cole 7 Ramires 4 David Luiz 17 Eden Hazard 10 Juan Mata 11 Oscar 9 Fernando Torres
with subs: 22 Ross Turnbull, 26 John Terry, 57 Nathan Ake, 8 Frank Lampard, 30 Yossi Benayoun, 13 Victor Moses, 29 Demba Ba.