The pity is that the F.A. Cup semifinal between Chelsea and Tottenham is not a Premier League match. With six games remaining, Chelsea leads Spurs by four points, following the Blues' 2-0 loss at Manchester United on Sunday. While no league points will be at stake in Saturday's game between the two best teams in England, it is still likely to have a significant effect on the title race.
Both Chelsea and Tottenham could complete the double next month and the Wembley winners will strike a huge psychological blow. While Chelsea is still in pole position with the easier run-in and the title is the Blues' to lose, pressure can do strange things to a team.
In the past five years, Manchester United and Liverpool have both grasped title failure from the jaws of victory. United was eight points clear in 2012 with six matches to play, but pressed its self-destruct button and Manchester City became champion on goal difference. Two years later, Liverpool had a five-point advantage with three to play yet Chelsea overtook the Reds on the finish line.