Chelsea can cope with double title bid: Petr Cech

Goalkeeper confident ahead of Sunderland clash in Premier League.

LONDON: Petr Cech insists Chelsea can cope with the demands of challenging for a Premier League and Champions League double as the Blues face Sunderland at the start of an eight-day period that could define their season.

Jose Mourinho’s side go into the latest round of Premier League matches in second place, two points behind leaders Liverpool.

Victory at Stamford Bridge over bottom of the table Sunderland will ensure Chelsea increase the pressure on Liverpool, who travel to Norwich the following day.

Mourinho’s men will temporarily claim top spot if they beat Sunderland, leaving them in control of their own destiny in the title race ahead of the crucial trip to face Liverpool at Anfield on April 27.

Chelsea’s position was strengthened in midweek by Gus Poyet’s Sunderland, who held third placed Manchester City to a draw at Eastlands, four days after City had lost at Liverpool.

But the west Londoners also have a European campaign to consider, as they travel to Atletico Madrid for the first leg of the Champions League semi-final next Tuesday.

The coming days will test the depth of Mourinho’s squad, although Eden Hazard is the only significant injury concern and the Belgian winger could still recover in time to face Sunderland.

Hazard missed last weekend’s victory at Swansea after limping out of the Champions League win over Paris Saint Germain and may not be risked with the Atletico game looming.

Chelsea’s Czech Republic goalkeeper Cech believes the squad possesses enough experience and know-how to handle the test ahead.

“It’s very tough to play three huge games in a row but that’s why we are a top club,” he said.

Poyet less doubtful of Sunderland’s form

Poyet has not given up hope that Sunderland will escape relegation this season, although even the manager admitted to doubts before their fine performance at City.

They achieved a 2-2 draw which will not alter his belief that a major overhaul of the club is required, but it is possible they will still be a Premier league club next season when Poyet hopes to start the transformation.

“It was an excellent performance by us against City,” said Poyet.

“It’s the sort of performance which gives us confidence. I don’t like using that word, but it is true. It will give us a bit of hope against Chelsea.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 19^th, 2014.

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