It can’t get any worse for Sarri
It has taken less than two weeks for the optimism generated by a 12-match unbeaten start to Maurizio Sarri’s reign at Stamford Bridge to fizzle out and this weekend he faces his biggest test when Manchester City visit.
In fairness to Sarri, he stressed throughout early autumn that Chelsea were not equipped to challenge City for the title and ahead of tomorrow’s clash a 10-point gap has opened up.
On Tuesday, Pep Guardiola’s City maintained their searing pace at the top with a win against Watford. Twenty four hours later Chelsea went down 2-1 at Wolves – their second defeat in three Premier League games.
Sarri said his side had only played well for 55 minutes and knows they will have to be at full tilt for 90 minutes if they are to have any chance of halting the City juggernaut.
He said he expects a “big reaction” tomorrow but already appears to have settled for a top-four scrap along with London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal rather than chasing down Liverpool and champions City.
Liverpool, who like City are unbeaten, started without Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane at Burnley on Wednesday but still won 3-1.
Victory would take the Reds top, at least until City’s later clash with Chelsea. Barcelona following on Tuesday – a game they have to win to reach the last-16 of the tournament.
Fifth-placed Arsenal have no such concerns as they host Huddersfield Town.
Manchester United, who are 18 points behind leaders City and eight adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea after three successive draws, are at home to bottom club Fulham.
United boss Jose Mourinho has made 46 changes to his starting lineup already this season and all eyes will be on his selection again as he comes face to face with the original “Tinkerman” Claudio Ranieri, now at the helm at Fulham.
Also tomorrow, Burnley host Brighton and Hove Albion while new Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl will be in the coach’s dugout for the first time as his side take on fellow strugglers Cardiff City.
West Ham United will be seeking a third consecutive win when they host Crystal Palace in a London derby. – Reuters