Mauricio Pochettino’s maiden campaign as Chelsea manager has not gone to plan at all. Arriving at Stamford Bridge in the summer, the former PSG boss was expected to revive the struggling Blues and ensure the club challenged for Europe and the top spots following a woeful 12th-placed finish in 2022/23. However, the team has stuttered all season and are still stuck in mid-table.
Having lost the same number of league games as they have won in mid-February, Chelsea are well off the top four and it appears another disappointing Premier League campaign will fizzle out into mediocrity.
It’s not all doom and gloom though. The Blues are going well in the knockout competitions domestically and will play in the Carabao Cup final in February. For bettors assessing bet365 tips for today, Chelsea will be underdogs when they face Liverpool with many of the previews wondering how the west Londoners can win on the day. However, fans will be confident at Wembley as anything can happen in one showpiece fixture.
Also to face Leeds in the FA Cup, let’s take a look at how Pochettino and his team could still end May on a high.
Carabao Cup Final and a Shot at Silverware
Supporters may have been forgiven for thinking the Blues’ Carabao Cup campaign was going to be as disappointing as the club’s league form when the team lost the semi-final first leg against Middlesbrough.
However, Chelsea’s quality shone through in the second leg at home as they blew the Championship side away with a stunning 6-1 demolition to seal their place in the final and set up a hotly-anticipated clash with Jurgen Klopp’s Reds.
The League Cup was Jose Mourinho’s first trophy at the start of his stellar Chelsea spell and Pochettino will be hoping he can win at Wembley to kickstart his own era in west London.
Still Going Strong in the FA Cup
While there isn’t much joy in Chelsea’s performances this season, it’s incredible to think there is a chance the campaign could still end with a double win.
The Blues will host Leeds in the Fifth Round of the FA Cup after knocking out Aston Villa and Preston North End previously and a win against the Yorkshire club would see Chelsea reach the quarter-finals.
With Arsenal and Tottenham already eliminated, Pochettino’s side may still have to get past Manchester United, City and Liverpool if they defeat Leeds but should they reach the last eight, they will be one of the favourites to lift the famous trophy, regardless of their form.
Summing Up
Chelsea supporters will be keen to forget this league campaign but it could still turn out that the 2023/24 season could be a memorable one with cup success.
For a team with the Blues’ aims, the title and European success is always at the top of the agenda, but domestic glory is always enjoyable and could kick this set of players on.
Who knows, lifting the Carabao Cup and extending the FA Cup run could even kickstart the Premier League season.