Chelsea vs. Liverpool: Why Blues Must Win FA Cup Final

If Chelsea want to consider this season successful, they must defeat Liverpool in the FA Cup Final.

When the two clubs face off on Saturday, Liverpool probably need the win more, but the Blues need it pretty darn bad too.

Although Chelsea have had a great run in the Champions League this year, they might not be back in Europe's biggest competition next season. With that possibility still in doubt, Chelsea need to win as many games this year as possible.

Including the FA Cup.

Chelsea aren't the overwhelming favorites over Liverpool, but the Blues are certainly some sort of favorite. Liverpool have been in disarray all year, whereas Chelsea were able to turn around their troubles in early March.

Although they've turned things around, Chelsea haven't gotten all the way back to their dominant ways. They've been winning matches, but it seems like most of the team is just trying to get to the summer to heal up.

Chelsea have picked up knocks, and it's starting to show. I know it happens to all teams, but Chelsea have looked especially tired, and rightfully so.

The Blues have played nine games in 30 days (from April 4-May 2). To put that in perspective, Tottenham Hotspur have played six games in that span, and Manchester City have only played five.

Chelsea are looking exhausted, but an FA Cup victory would make it (almost) all worth it.

Additionally, winning the FA Cup would be a huge boost before the Champions League Final. Playing Bayern Munich in Germany will be a tough task. Plus, the Blues will be missing four starters, giving the squad an even bigger hill to climb.

And that's why Chelsea need to win at Wembley on Saturday.

They are the favorites, meaning a loss would hurt the team morale. A trophy would make this brutal past month a little more bearable. And this would be a huge momentum boost heading into the Champions League Final.

There is a lot on the line, and Chelsea need to come away with a win.

They're more than capable. It's just a matter of getting the job done.