Chelsea’s season feels over already, but we do still have at least one more match to play, tomorrow against Bayern Munich at their stadium.
Normally, this would feel like a big occasion, but the circumstances, the timing, and of course the scoreline from the first leg take away significantly from it. Chelsea lost the first leg comprehensively, 3-0, at Stamford Bridge way back in February. While the world and football has changed drastically in the 5.5 months since, that still remains a nigh-impossible deficit to overturn — especially against one of the best teams in the world in their own backyard.
Just to make things more difficult and more in need of a second Miracle in Munich, Chelsea will be without our (by far) best player since the Restart, Christian Pulisic, our previously indestructible captain, César Azpilicueta, and both of our veteran wingers, Willian and Pedro. Ruben Loftus-Cheek and N’Golo Kanté might be available once again, but Jorginho and Marcos Alonso will not be — they’re both suspended, for yellow card accumulation and a sending off, respectively.
Their absences could open the door for more fresh blood from the Academy, with up to three players potentially in line for their senior debuts, Lewis Bate, Henry Lawrence, and Dynel Simeu.
Choose wisely! Or choose just to have fun. It all works in this one.