EPL round of 20 - Boxing Special

Boxing Day has always thrown up many unexpected surprises, will we see any today? As I have not much time to do research, today I shall only list a few choices for interest.

CHE VS READ

Chelsea has never been in the role of a follower under the reign of Mourinho, as they had always led the pack during the festive period. This is a new experience for many of their players, especially non-English ones like Essien and Drogba, just to name a few, and from desperate times come forth brave heros. Arise from the crowd, we have Robben and Drogba, who have rescued Chelsea from imminent death with their timely goals. With Terry and two keepers out, I foresee Chelsea to have a battle on their hands till they are reinstated to their first team places from injuries.

This match throws up memories of the earlier reverse fixture at Majeski Stadium, where Cech and Cudicini were infamously literally knock out of the game. Hence, this promises to be a clash of equal statue, with Chelsea needing to win the game more so as to catch up to ManU. There will be changes in the team for sure, after they threw away a 2-0 lead at Wigan the last time round. Reading too, will concoct a potion different from the previous meeting as Coppell expects Mourinho to be once bitten, twice shy. Luck is not with them too, as star striker Doyle has not scored in last 4 matches and they failed to win the 4.

Contrary to popular belief that Chelsea will win this with even hands tied behind their backs, I have a gut feeling Reading will put up a fight. Teams just promoted from the Championship have a knack of retaining their battling physical instincts and this will definitely be shown in tonight's game. Coupled with the fact Chelsea has performed professionally, winning by slim margins at their own backyard recently suggests another such result.

With much said, I will go for another slim victory for Chelsea like their last match against Wigan. And expected a rough game too.