Michael Ballack Says, Chelsea Home Success Could be Decisive in the Title Race

Michael Ballack has indicated their home matches against Arsenal and Manchester United as a big chance to reduce their four-point deficits from the top two clubs. Michael Ballack returned in action in December last year after recovering from an ankle injury and did not take too much time to get his form back. Michael Ballack scored in their 1-0 victory over Reading in their recent league match which moved Chelsea within four points of Arsenal and Manchester United.

With the victory over Reading, Chelsea has remained undefeated at home for 75 league matches, a feat that shows their red-hot form at the Stamford Bridge. The last time they lost a league match was on February 2004 to Arsenal. That is what made Ballack feel confident ahead of their home matches against Arsenal and Manchester United.

Guardian reported:

"It's very close, all the teams are playing well and this year may be decided in the big games," he said. "Even if we win the games, we'd still be one point behind, that's what the table shows now, but yes, the title could be decided at Stamford Bridge because we still have to play United and Arsenal. When the games come, we will be ready. Important players will be back, so we are looking forward to these games. I think Stamford Bridge is like a fortress. Everybody believes in their own stadium and we do, too, especially when you see our record."

Actually, to be honest, Chelsea has not been in their great form so far this season and they are going forward silently to give a hard shot to in the title race. However, the most important this is that they are winning matches and picking up three points regularly. Chelsea is now undergoing with many injury problems. Added to that, some of their African key players are now out on their international duty in African Nations Cup 2008. Almost eight of their regular first team players are now out either with injury or with international duty.

The way Chelsea is approaching to the league title despite all the odds, is enough to make Michael Ballack hopeful about their future in the season. The German midfielder has said his desire that by the time they take on Arsenal and Manchester United at home, their African stars would be back and the injured players would have recovered to be available for the first team contention. So, you can see there are enough reasons Arsenal and Manchester United can wary of. Let us see if German captain can get the taste of premier league title.