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Chelsea continued its own race in the Premier League, remaining unbeaten for the season so far. One should never underestimate the power of motivation as Chelsea who have extended their undefeated run to a impressive 14 matches in all competitions, will be tested severely by every opponent they face here onwards as the teams will be motivated to end this remarkable run. This Chelsea team managed by Jose Mourinho has survived the test of Manchester City at Etihad, Manchester United at Old Trafford, two stadiums that rarely allows visiting teams to exit with any points in hand. Of the 14 matches that they played this season, Chelsea have won 11 of them and drawing the other three. Jose Mourinho doesn't believe Arsenal's unbeaten season of 2003-04 will ever be repeated in the Premier League.He added “It's not possible to remain unbeaten. This is the toughest competition in the world. It's not possible.”Here are the five teams which are capable of braking this spectacular run.Note: The views expressed in the article are of the author’s and not of Sportskeeda.
#1 Liverpool
Venue: Anfield
Date: 08-Nov-2014
Current Top Goal Scorer: Steven Gerrard & Raheem Sterling (3)
Chelsea’s impressive unbeaten run will be put to a test at Anfield in spite of Liverpool having a poor start to their season. Having managed just 8 points from their 5 home fixtures this campaign, Liverpool are currently 7th in the table.
Liverpool vs Chelsea is a rivalry that may not be as intense as that of Liverpool against Manchester United or Chelsea vs Arsenal, but it’s certainly a fixture that would bring the best out of both teams.
Misfiring striker Mario Balotelli, who has scored twice in the last 11 appearances, will be a massive mismatch when compared to his counterpart Diego Costa who has been in fine form.
Brendan Rodgers has a big job on his hands as he attempts to motivate his side against the leaders. Liverpool will be hoping to find some form and put in a convincing performance against Chelsea following a poor start to the season.
#2 FC Schalke 04
Venue: Veltins-Arena
Date: 25-Nov-2014
Current Top Goal Scorer: Klaas Jan-Huntelaar (6)
Going on the recent form guide, Chelsea are red hot favourites to beat Schalke in their Champions League game. Schalke having had their worst start to a Bundesliga season ever are a bit low on confidence. And Mourinho will be taking on the only Champions League winning Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo, who replaced Jens Keller and took on the duties of a struggling Schalke side.
One of Schalke’s biggest threats going forward is Julian Draxler. He has the ability to play on either the left or in the middle. He is a great passer of the ball and isn’t bad with his long-range shooting either. Up front, they have goalscorer Klaas-Jan Huntelaar so Chelsea’s defence won’t be taking it easy.
These two sides have met on five previous occasions in the Champions League, with Chelsea winning three times and the other two matches being drawn.
#3 Tottenham Hotspur
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Date: 03-Dec-2014
Current Top Goal Scorer: Harry Kane (6)
A win in Stamford Bridge is always a tantalizing prospect, but with so much at stake, this one could provide a bit of extra intrigue. Tottenham Hotspurs who have not won a league game at Stamford Bridge since Gary Lineker and David Howells scored in a 2-1 success back in February 1990 will be desperate to re-write the record books.
Five of the last eight meetings between these teams have finished level, including three 1-1 scores. In their last meeting, Spurs were drubbed 4-0.
If Spurs manage to focus on their defence to park the bus effectively and stick their bodies on the line, then Spurs do have an outside chance of upsetting the league leaders.
One thing is for sure Tottenham Hotspurs won’t be any push-overs.
#4 Southampton
Venue: St Mary's Stadium
Date: 28-Dec-2014
Current Top Goal Scorer: Graziano Pellè
Southampton have made a blistering start to the season and are currently second in the Premier League table after winning six of their opening nine league games. If the Saints are to get anything out of this game, they will need to ensure that their prolific strikers are in top form.
Southampton would be pleased with the start to the season and had two reasons to be even more pleased as striker Graziano Pelle and manager Ronald Koeman won the player and manager of the month (September) awards.
Chelsea wouldn't play as defensively as they did at Manchester City or Manchester United, as they will be chasing three points against Southampton. It would be interesting to see if Southampton are able to sustain their good start till the end of the year when they meet Chelsea.
#5 Manchester City
Venue: Stamford bridge
Date: 31-Jan-2014
Current Top Goal Scorer: Sergio Aguero (9)
If Chelsea can overhaul their unbeaten run this far, then Chelsea will face its toughest test to sustain their run further when they invite Manchester City to Stamford Bridge.
This game might have a telling effect on the outcome of the league as many see the 2014/15 Premier League title race as a two-horse race between these two clubs.
Sergio Aguero is completely capable of breaking their run single-handedly which Chelsea would be wary of. But the key to Chelsea’s attack is Cesc Fabregas, already unlocking defences better than any other player in the Premier League.
Mourinho may well be on the side of caution, aiming to preserve their run, if at all they are unbeaten till late January.
