It's been a rough past few weeks for both sides at completely different ends of the footballing spectrum. Cardiff were relegated in their previous game, ending what has been a horror season for the Welsh side. Chelsea on the other hand haven't been able to recapture their form and have been eliminated from the Champions League and Premier League title race.
Both teams come into this final day of the season, essentially playing for nothing but to win in their final game of this season. Chelsea, sit in 3rd and have won just once in their previous 3 Premier League matches. Cardiff were relegated last weekend and currently sit bottom of the table, only amassing 30 points in their first year back in the league. Chelsea will be hoping for a similar performance to the fixture at the Bridge in October, the Blues running out 4-1 victors.
Team News:
Chelsea:
The Blues' 1st choice goalkeeper Petr Cech will miss his 3rd consecutive match after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury which required surgery. He is expected to miss 8-10 weeks.
Oscar is questionable after sitting out the 0-0 draw with Norwich at the weekend because of a hip problem.
Mourinho could use this game as an opportunity to give a few of the youngsters and reserve players a run out. As neither team has nothing to play for, it could provide decent experience for those young talents.
Cardiff City:
The Bluebirds' trio of Daehli, Medel and Catherine are expected to return from illness but still remain a doubt on whether they will feature.
Craig Noone is a major doubt with an abdominal strain and Andrew Taylor is expected to miss after picking up a knock.
Cardiff are hoping to end a torrid time in the top flight with an impressive result before they begin their campaign next season in the 2nd tier of English football. A win on Sunday could lift them off the bottom of the table, salvaging some pride for the Welsh club.
Stats:
Cardiff have not beaten Chelsea since the 1961/62 season.
Cardiff have the 3rd worst home record in the Premier League this season.
Chelsea have lost just 4 away game all season, the best in the league.
No matter the result, Chelsea will finish with the best defensive record this season.
Prediction:
Both teams have "nothing to play for" but will look to end the season on a positive note. Cardiff will offer resilience but the quality of Chelsea may deem too much for the Bluebirds. After a string of poor results, Mourinho's men hope to leave their fans eager for next season. Cardiff 0-4 Chelsea.