Story so far… So close but yet so far. Both domestically and in Europe the Blues have come up just short as Jose Mourinho led the West Londoners to the UEFA Champions League semifinals, where they lost to Atletico Madrid, and points dropped against Crystal Palace, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Norwich in the closing weeks have cost them a shot at the Premier League title. Eden Hazard won the PFA Young Player of the Year award and has been Chelsea’s main goal threat. It has been an up and down season, as no silverware for the ‘Special One’ must be a concern. Over the course of the season we’ve seen his infamous cynicism surface on many occasions, no more so than when he lost his 77-game home unbeaten record in the PL to Sunderland.
Mourinho demands success and he hasn’t delivered silverware in his first season back in charge at the Bridge. New signings Willian, Andre Schurrle and Nemanja Matic are finding their feet and Mourinho’s “kids” are alright.
MORE: Head here for all things Championship Sunday
Who do they play and where can I watch it: Chelsea travel to already relegated Cardiff City, as the Blues head to the Welsh capital with their title hopes dashed. You can watch the match live on CNBC at 10 a.m. ET and stream it online via NBC Sports Live Extra.
Form guide: The Blues beat Cardiff 4-1 at Stamford Bridge back in October after going 1-0 down. In recent weeks they have struggled against the lesser teams and their form has been patchy at best heading into the finale.
March 29 – at Crystal Palace, L 0-1
April 5 – vs. Stoke City, W 3-0
April 13 – at Swansea, W 1-0
April 19 – vs. Sunderland, L 1-2
April 27 – at Liverpool, W 2-0
May 4 – vs. Norwich City, D 0-0
What’s at stake: Chelsea have already qualified automatically for the UCL group stages next season, which is what Mourinho kept saying was the goal. They could finish second if they win and Liverpool lose on Sunday, while Arsenal can overtake them only by winning and scoring 18 goals in the process and a defeat for Chelsea. The Blues are looking at third for the second-straight season.
When the final whistle blows: They will still be in third place after facing already relegated Cardiff City on the final day of the season in South Wales. The big question will be if Diego Costa seals his much rumored transfer to West London as Mourinho looks to add two or three key signings.
