The Centre Circle

As we go into the Easter period, Carlo Ancelotti probably can’t believe his luck just two weeks after things were looking so bleak for his prospects. The Fabregas and Rooney injuries have removed the two kingpins from Chelsea’s main rivals. They are still in the FA Cup and gearing up for the last seven games after plundering 12 goals in their last two games against Portsmouth and Aston Villa.

This Saturday Chelsea face a Rooney-less Manchester United in the crunch game of the Premiership so far. Rooney who has suffered minor ligament damage will most probably be out for a month or so, missing the Chelsea game, the Bayern Munich return leg next week and more than like the Manchester derby. Whereas United can more than likely survive his loss against lower teams, I think United will struggle to have a cutting edge against this weekend and I expect Chelsea to at least get a draw and I also expect them to drop points on their visit to Eastlands.

The other title aspirant Arsenal has also got major injury worries. Fabregas has fractured his leg in the epic 2-2 draw with Barcelona ruled out now for at least 6 weeks and Gallas also looks to have suffered a calf injury that may end his season early. Andre Arshavin too suffered a calf strain and despite a favourable run-in I fear that Arsenal may now just come up short in the end.

So advantage Ancelotti. The pressure is on him and his team as Abramovich will now expect no less than major silverware at the end of the season. What a turn around from just a fortnight ago? It’s time for him and his aging team to deliver. For many it may be their last chance.