Chelsea star Juan Mata still has energy to burn ahead of another potential outing against Liverpool instead of a day off.
Spaniard does not fear burnout ahead of trip to Anfield
Chelsea star Juan Mata still has energy to burn ahead of another potential outing against Liverpool instead of a day off.
Mata looked set to be handed a well-earned day off at Anfield following Saturday's FA Cup final triumph against the same opponents, with most expecting the Blues' top-four bid to have ended on Monday.
But Newcastle's defeat to Manchester City and Tottenham's draw at Aston Villa - coupled with Arsenal's failure to beat Norwich the previous day - kept alive sixth-placed Chelsea's slim hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League via the Premier League.
They must beat Liverpool for the second time in four days to stand any chance of overhauling two of the three teams directly above them, leaving caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo with a real selection dilemma.
The Italian admitted after Saturday's Wembley win that his line-up an Anfield would depend on the outcome of Monday's games.
But he would have been pondering whether to field his strongest possible side - one that would surely contain Mata, who is the only outfield player to have featured in all 18 of his matches at the helm.
Dangerous
After winning the FA Cup in his maiden season in English football on Saturday, exhaustion was the furthest thing from Mata's mind.
"I have plenty of energy left," said the Spain star. "It is a long season and my first in England, but the benefits of winning easily outweigh the fatigue."
Tuesday's fixture is arguably one of the toughest Chelsea could have faced after beating Liverpool on Saturday.
Kenny Dalglish's men will be desperate for revenge and to make amends both for their Wembley defeat and one of their most miserable seasons at Anfield in the club's history.
Mata said: "It's a hard stadium to play away at. Liverpool showed they have a great team and they are dangerous at Anfield.
"We have to win and still believe in playing the Champions League next year."
Frank Lampard insisted Tuesday's game would have been harder if Chelsea had lost on Saturday.
"Less difficult than losing, without a doubt," he said, referring to the respective confidence both sides now have as a result.
