X

Chelsea F.C.'s Next 10 Days Could Decide Andre Villas-Boas' Fate

Dan Renfro@danrenfroX.com LogoCorrespondent IIIJanuary 27, 2012

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 02:  Andre Villas-Boas manager of Chelsea gestures during the Barclays Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at Molineux on January 2, 2012 in Wolverhampton, England.  (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

In the next 10 days, Chelsea will face serious tests, and they could determine Andre Villas-Boas' fate with the club.

Look, I think Villas-Boas deserves a chance. I like him as a manager. I love watching his style. I think he's great for the club, and I think he could win trophies.

However, Roman Abramovich doesn't see things that way. At any sort of unrest, he could show Villas-Boas the door.

It's an unfortunate reality, but it is the reality.

Accepting that as truth, this next week could change Villas-Boas' fate, for better or for worse.

First, Chelsea have an FA Cup tie with Queens Park Rangers.

In addition to being a classic derby, this match has the John Terry/Anton Ferdinand racial abuse case hovering over it. Whether it's true or not, the tension will already be built, and the match could quickly get out of hand.

In relation to Chelsea's season, the FA Cup could be their only chance at a trophy. They're a distant fourth in the Premier League, and the Champions League seems out of reach (seems is probably generous). So, why not go after the FA Cup?

Chelsea have raised the FA Cup three times in the last five years, so why not do it again?

It's only the fourth round, so there's plenty of football to be played, but Chelsea could start focusing on the cup now. After that, Chelsea must travel to Swansea City.

SWANSEA, WALES - OCTOBER 29:  Scott Sinclair of Swansea celebrates scoring his sides second goal as Danny Graham jumps on his back during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Bolton Wanderers at the Liberty Stadium on October 29, 201
Michael Steele/Getty Images

The Swans are a very tough team, and they have only lost one match at home. If the Blues want to earn three points, they will need to be on the top of their game.

At home, the Swans have knocked off Arsenal, deserved a win against Tottenham Hotspur and played Manchester United tough.

That doesn't bode well for Chelsea.

As Chelsea try to battle for the fourth Champions League spot, they need to win tough matches like this. They're coming off a draw, and they need to maintain the five-point lead they have over Arsenal and Newcastle United. In addition, a win would put them in good form heading into the clash with Manchester United.

On Feb. 5, Chelsea welcome the defending champions to Stamford Bridge.

At Old Trafford, Chelsea deserved better than a 1-3 result, but a few mental lapses resulted in a rough loss to the hands of Sir Alex Ferguson & Co.

Again, if Chelsea want to remain in the Champions League, they need to win tough matches. Especially at home.

Last year, Chelsea defeated United at Stamford Bridge, giving the false hope of a Premier League title. This year, it's clear the title is lost, so qualifying for the Champions League is the biggest priority. A win against United would put the Blues in very good position to stay in Europe's top competition.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 31:  Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, smiles as the fans sing happy birthday during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford on December 31, 2011 in Manches
Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Otherwise, it could become a four-team dogfight. Villas-Boas does not want to deal with that.

Chelsea have three of the biggest matches this season coming up in the next 10 days. If they win each of them, Villas-Boas will most likely be back next season. If they drop points in two or three of the matches, Villas-Boas' future could be in trouble.

Essentially, these next 10 days could decide Villas-Boas' fate.

But don't worry, AVB, no pressure.