Benitez’s big test
It’s all done and dusted now, there’s nothing Chelsea fans can do about it anymore, whether they like it or not Rafael Benitez is here to stay.
There is no time to catch your breath, either, as Chelsea welcome league leading Manchester City on Sunday in what can be accurately described as a heavyweight clash. With it being so early in the season it is difficult to describe certain games as ‘must win’ but Benitez will be thinking to himself that the best way to start quieting all the doubters is by picking up three points against Roberto Mancini’s men.
Even if he were to do that I still think Chelsea fans will remain unconvinced by the Spainard’s appoitment but all Benitez can do is get the team playing well (not that they were playing particularly poorly) and keep pace atop the Premier League.
There is simply no way that he can leave Juan Mata out of the team on Sunday. The playmaker is key to Chelsea’s success and the forward attacking trio of Hazard, Oscar and the Spainard needs to be firing all on all cylinders in order for Chelsea to smother and overrun City’s powerful midfield.
City’s back four has been highlighted as their biggest weakness and for that Benitez must start Fernando Torres up front. Chelsea’s No. 9’s form has dropped in recent weeks but you can bet that Benitez will personally motivate Torres to raise his level for such a big and important game. Hopefully, for Chelsea fans, Benitez will know exactly which buttons to push with Torres having got the best out of the striker during his time at Liverpool.
Chelsea’s back four will have to be resolute also as they will be dealing with the deadly duo of Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero. Without their captain and leader, John Terry, Chelsea’s back four has come under some criticism in recent weeks with David Luiz taking some of the blame. Sideshow Dave is capable of some outstanding performances, though, and he and Cahill will have to be at their best in order to keep out City’s menacing attack.
If Benitez can pull of this massive win against City it will go some way to winning over all those who have aired their frustration and unhappiness at this appointment. If Chelsea lose, though, than the grumblings will only grow louder and the pressure on Benitez will increase ten fold.
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