BOLTON v CHELSEA: WHO DO YOU THINK SHOULD PLAY?

Here we go again, up next in the Premier League is Bolton away on Sunday at the lunchtime kick off. We know Michael Essien is out injured and Fernando Torres serves the first of his three game ban so he is also out. With more or less the rest of our squad available to play I just wonder how AVB will approach this one.

We have seen AVB rotate players so far this season to keep them fresh and after a hard game in Valencia the other night, he could do the same again.

Good news this week was the return of Danny Sturridge who is now available for selection once more so he needs to be considered.

Will we see Didier Drogba start up front in place of Torres or will AVB stick with using Nico Anelka?. These are all questions that will be answered at around 12:30 on Sunday but for now we can only speculate.

So for me, based on who we are playing, who will be fresher than others and knowing it's going to be a hard game like it always is against Bolton, I would go with the following team:

Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole, Meireles, Lampard, Ramires, Mata, Drogba, Anelka.

I have gone with Bosingwa at right back and Ivanovic in the middle replacing Luiz as Ivanovic was rested the other night. Same thing with Meireles in for Mikel. As Sturridge is coming back from his injury, I don't think he will start. Drogba to play through the middle with Anelka and Mata either side of him.

What do you think? Do you agree with me or who would you like to see starting?

KTBFFH

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LAMPARD "I WASN'T SURPRISED TO BE TAKEN OFF!"

Frank Lampard has also spoken about being replaced at half time in our defeat at Old Trafford. Chelsea were 3-0 down at the time and credit to AVB, he made the bold decision to take Lampard off, change our formation and you have to admit we played much, much better.

Lampard is featured in an interview already covered on here this morning, but this time he was asked about the game and the fact he was replaced. He said:

"I wasn't surprised to be taken off, just frustrated to be part of a team that was losing 3-0 at half-time. You have to accept that when you're three goals down, anyone can probably come off.

I am a man who likes to play consistently and I think I'm always better when I have a run of games. In many years it has taken me a few games into the season to really find my best form.

But that's the manager's decision and all you can do if you're not playing is stay strong and keep yourself in good shape so you're ready when you're called upon.

It means you have to work even harder in training and do extra stuff to keep up with the other lads who are playing the full 90 minutes.

But with the squad we now have, you have to respect the players who might be in the team ahead of you in any particular game.

And when you do play, you have to show the manager 'OK, you want to rotate but I want to be one of the guys you can put your house on that is going to play pretty regularly'."

(source)
Once again, more honesty from Lampard. It's refreshing to hear his attitude towards what has happened for him this season. He could have got the ump with things, sulked and caused a stir at the training ground and with the other players, but like I said earlier today, he is the ultimate professional and is still showing the younger players at the club the right mentality.

It must be hard to be faced with rotation and one of the players who will be rotated often this season. Lampard isn't stupid, he knows at his age and with the players who have come in, AVB will make changes to keep players fresh for games to ensure we always get the right result. If changes need to be made then he isn't afraid to make them even if it means taking off established players like Lampard.

I think deep down, Lampard realises just how big our season could be, realises that no matter who you are at the club, for the time being you will be rotated so for now like he says, he will continue to work hard to ensure he plays regular games.

Credit to Frank as always for his attitude.

KTBFFH

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Chelsea's £20m Real Madrid move?

Reports for some reason are in the media that Chelsea are weighing up a £20m move for Real Madrid's German outcast Sami Khedira.

Khedira has apparently fallen out with Mourinho after Jose blamed him for Madrid losing to Levante after getting sent off. Although he played the other night against Ajax, he has only played 2 La Liga games. The report states that Mourinho is looking to use his two new Turkish signings now in addition to Brazilian Kaka, who seems to have recovered his form and is playing well again.

So, as a result we are now being linked with a possible £20m move for the 24 year old and stated as a potential replacement for Michael Essien who is recovering after his third long term knee ligament injury. It even goes to state that we could make a move in January.

All I want to say on this is first of all the player is overrated. Second of all the fee is ridiculous. Thirdly, even with Essien out injured we don't need him and finally, Essien will come back again and will be strong once again.

I'd rather have a fit Michael Essien over Khedira any day. What do you people think?

KTBFFH

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LAMPARD ON TEVEZ.

Frank Lampard spoke to the media after playing an important role in our 1-1 draw at Valencia by scoring his first of the season. As we all know Frank has been the subject of speculation about his future recently at club and international level and was quick to point out that although he may have been unhappy sitting on the bench, he would never do what Carlos Tevez has done this week!.

He said:

"Everyone knows what happened with Carlos Tevez in Munich the other night and I can't imagine myself ever doing something like that. I'm not going to dig anyone out because I can understand a player's frustration when he's not in the team. Some people might make the wrong decision at the wrong time and then regret it later on.

We all deal with frustration in different ways and I would never turn down the chance to come on and play in a game. I'll always keep working to be involved.

But that doesn't mean I'm happy to be on the bench and I don't think the manager expects that because it would mean I'm content to just stick my bum on the bench and pick up my money."

(Source)
Frank's right and I think the majority of us watching the game in Munich on Tuesday night and see the situation evolve during the aftermath would have been shocked. I'm no fan of Man City at all but you looked at Roberto Mancini and felt sorry for the bloke. Tevez is a disgrace to himself, his team mates, his manager, the club, the fans and to football. I know it's what he wants but I would push to sack him and have the football authorities ban him from playing for a year!.

Anyway, back to Lampard. It just goes to show the difference in the fact that we have the ultimate professional. He will never come out and have a moan or a dig at the club or the manager. Lampard has always had the right attitude and even though it's obvious he wasn't happy with being on the bench, he has never complained, he just gets his head down and works hard to get back in the side.

Tevez, you need to have a look at someone like Lampard and have the respect for the game. Thank god he never came to Chelsea!.

KTBFFH

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CHELSEA'S UNSUNG HERO'S : ASHLEY COLE.

Ask a football fan what he thinks of Ashley Cole and you would have to agree that the majority of opinion would be based on what he does outside of Chelsea away from the football pitch and wouldn't be complimentary to say the least.

However, it's what Ashley Cole does on the football pitch week in, week out that deserves real credit to him as a person and as a world class footballer.

Like I have said, we read reports of Cole's private life more than we read about his performances on the pitch and it's without question or argument, he is one of our most consistent players at the club.

Cole has had another good start to the season and has showed signs of getting back to his best. There is no left back better than Cole on his game and right now, he looks as though he is flying.

The difference between Cole and the others is his ability to defend and attack. He has pace to burn, very rarely gets beaten one on one and always gives his all.

Make no mistake, if Cole wasn't there at left back, all of us would be worried. OK, Ryan Bertrand is waiting in the wings to come in but isn't on a par with Cole yet.

Cole is another player who gives you the impression that he puts the same effort into training and preparing for games as he does in them. He's a winner and has established himself here which wasn't easy coming from the Arsenal with all the fuss made of his move at the time.

I guess in a way, Cole is happy to get on with his football, playing well and at times having a major influence as much going forward as he does defending. Always looking to get forward to get the ball in the box or to get goals himself, he adds to our attacking options.

We hardly read report's of just how well Ashley Cole is playing or has been playing so I just wanted to give it a mention now. He had another good game last night like he did on Saturday and he will play a massive part in our season. It's just a shame he remains one of our unsung hero's at the Bridge!.

KTBFFH

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CHELSEA'S UNSUNG HERO'S : RAMIRES.

We are coming to the end of September now and after two months I just thought it would be nice to give some of the unsung hero's of our Chelsea side this season a mention. As we all know, most of the column pages in the press lately have been filled with rubbish written about Fernando Torres and Frank Lampard. Enough negative press has been said about this two to last all season but there was one player who didn't really grab the headlines last Saturday because of the Torres red card, and that's the first player I want to talk about here, and that's Ramires.

Is it just me, or is this guy really growing as a Chelsea player and getting better and better?. His energy and work rate as we all know is outstanding but to me he has improved so much in three area's of his game since he has been here and that's his first touch, his passing and his goals.

When he came here, Ramires didn't exactly have the best first touch did he. At times he would lose the ball or miss-control and pass played into him and it would be frustrating for him and all of us watching. Now you look at him, especially last night, and his first touch is so much better. A couple of times this season, he has had balls played into him at pace and he has killed the pace of the ball dead at his feet. He doesn't seem to lose possession of the ball much anymore and credit to him.

His passing is also much better. If there was a criticism when he first came it possibly along with his touch, was his passing. He seemed similar to Kalou when he gets the ball as it was head down and couldn't see where his next pass would be. Now, his passing is so much better especially because he has gained in composure and lifts his head up to see players around him when he has the ball at his feet. Even running at players at pace, he has developed quality in possession to lay the ball off or take the ball into the box.

Finally with Ramires, he is scoring goals for us and getting into the box to either get on the end of a move or to create something himself. Last night, another great burst from midfield looked as though he was in on goal before he was dragged back on the edge of the box for a free-kick. In another move, Mata broke into the box down the left and squared a ball towards Ramires waiting for a tap in from six yards that was cleared by some last ditch defending.

There is alot of debate about Lampard's game nowadays and his role in this side and I am beginning to believe that the energy and added quality Ramires now has in his game could be the cause of it. Lamps played deeper than Ramires last night and allowed the Brazilian to get forward.

Credit where credit is due to Ramires in coming to a big club, in a big footballing country, not knowing the language it had to have been difficult. However, he got his head down, worked hard and learnt from the players around him and is well on the way to becoming World Class. I really believe he can be that good.

Very rarely will you see Ramires have a bad game now. In addition to playing well he has started scoring goals and has become a goal threat in his own right. One of our unsung hero's at the club!.

KTBFFH

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VALENCIA 1-1 CHELSEA: KALOU AND THE KEEPER DENY US!

Chelsea drew 1-1 last night away at Valencia which on paper looks like a good point. However, but for the performance of the Valencia keeper in the second half, Chelsea could have won this by three or four.

Chelsea's starting eleven saw three changes to the side that played against Swansea at the weekend. Luiz came in for Ivanovic, Lampard in for Meireles and Malouda in for Anelka.

It was a typical Champions League night and was always going to be a close game as Valencia are a really good side. Both sides had chances in the game and forced both keepers into saves. Cech made a couple of good stops and pushed a late strike wide of the post at full stretch but apart from that, deal with everything else they threw at us and never looked like being beaten.

Valencia scored their equaliser late in the game after Salomon Kalou jumped up to try and head the ball away from a corner. As he did so, being put under pressure by the attacker, he raised his arm and made contact with the ball to take it away from him. The Ref was right on the spot, saw it and had no hesitation in giving the penalty. No complaints about the decision but you have to wonder what the hell Kalou was doing!

Credit where credit is due to Unai Emery the Valencia coach. All three of his substitutions had an affect on the game and caused Chelsea problems. Chelsea's three changes in the second half Anelka on for Torres, Meireles on for Ramires and Kalou on for Lampard did OK. Kalou linked up with Anelka and slid him in to force the keeper to save with his legs when the game was at 1-1 but that was all our substitutes added to the performance really.

I do have to wonder, with a three game domestic ban approaching and also playing well in this one, why AVB took Fernando Torres off. He came to life in the second half forcing the keeper to make two world class saves. OK, as Valencia took the game to us he became a bit part player as we struggled to keep hold of possession in the final third, but I still would have kept him on.

Talking about their keeper, he made eight saves last night and at least four of those were from point blank range. The first world class save came as Bosingwa swung a cross in from the right and in amongst a crowd of players, Torres held off his man and headed the ball low down to the keepers left hand side from 6 yards. Somehow, the keeper instantly reacted, got down low to make the save and push the ball away from goal.

Then Lampard chipped a ball inside the box to Torres dead centre, he took a touch to control the ball in the air, spun and again from six yards volleyed the ball hard at goal. The keeper stuck on his line managed to deflect the ball away with his legs! A foot wider for both of these from Torres would have seen him add to his Chelsea goal tally easily.

Another save came from Ramires who burst through on goal and whether or not he needed to take an extra touch debatable, he did and found himself 8 yards from goal, keeper routed to his line once more and Ramires instead of firing the ball either side of him, blasted the ball straight at the keeper who saved with his chest.

We could be really critical of our finishing last night. I don't think Torres could have done alot more with his volley and certainly not his header, but the Anelka and Ramires we should have done I guess.

When we did get it right it came from Frank Lampard. Malouda (who's work rate was good last night) got in down the right hand side and looked up and passed the ball back out to the far edge of the box behind the likes of Torres, Ramires and Mata, straight to Lampard who had time and space to hit the ball first time into the bottom corner with the keeper finally beaten. It was a great composed finish from Frank and hopefully will now spur him on. Maybe the idiots writing rubbish about his career being over sat up and took notice for once!

So all in all, I was OK with a point as it isn't a bad result at all there. Valencia will more than likely finish second to us in the group (hopefully) and will beat some big teams this year. If only we never gave a stupid penalty away and if only the keeper had a nightmare evening it could have been so much better!.

KTBFFH

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VALENCIA v CHELSEA : It's just a MATA of fact!

In a little under an hour we take on the impressive Valencia and this is no easy game by any stretch of the imagination!. Valencia are doing well in La Liga and will want to make an impression in this one so Chelsea need to be at their very best to first of all cope with the Spaniards, then to get hold of possession and start to dictate play.

Expect Fernando Torres and Juan Mata to start the game. I predict the only changes will be David Luiz for Ivanovic and Lampard for Mikel with Meireles dropping into the holding role.

This game tonight is one that we all would take a draw right now but AVB has a belief in his players, he is trying to instill that into his players and we are getting better game after game.

So, do not expect a defensive Chelsea side taking to the field in Valencia. Expect a forthright, attacking side that will look to put Valencia on the back foot, to attack them and create plenty of chances.

The game is set up as the return of Juan Mata, I just don't think they realise how much he could really hurt them tonight!

Chelsea to win by at least two & Torres on the score sheet at least once!

KTBFFH

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MATA on Valencia and his role in AVB's Chelsea.

Juan Mata took centre stage with AVB yesterday afternoon in the pre match press conference ahead of tonight's mouth watering tie against Valencia in the Champions League. Just five weeks after leaving Valencia to sign for Chelsea, Mata spoke of the game and his return:

He said:

"It is going to be a very special and emotional match for me playing so soon after leaving Valencia. My priority now is to win for Chelsea. But I will try to be very respectful if I do score and not celebrate. The fact of the matter is that I was there for four years and had a wonderful time.

Everything was very positive and I had great team-mates there with whom I still keep in touch. Even though we will be rivals shortly, I am still going to do the best I can.

The Mata moved on to all things Chelsea. He was asked about the role he has in the side and said:

"It's very important for me to have confidence in the manager's ideas. We talked about the different styles that could be used. He is very much in favour of a very offensive dynamic style of play.

He has a very modern way of thinking. He has a system that he believes in and he is trying hard to implement. But once the game begins, it is the character of the players which will define the outcome.

I'm quite lucky in that I can play in different positions, so I can adapt my game and develop my own style of opponents and the position I need to play. It very much depends on the game and you have to adapt to each time you play, depending on the team-mates that you have around you and where they find themselves. It also changes if you are playing against a more closed defence or a more open team.

I think it's a case of moving around to create that space so passes can be made. You need to open up the field a bit more against some teams because they have a very closed defence. As a team looking to attack, we have to consider the importance of our wide players, especially our full-backs, [José] Bosingwa and Ashley Cole, who can open up the game to create more space for passing, which in turn creates more chances to score goals.

Little by little we are gaining confidence and adapting to the manager's idea of the way we should be playing – as a strong fast and dynamic team."

I have to say for me Mata has been a revelation ever since he signed for the club. We have been crying out for that creative player in our side for god knows how long and as each game passes, Mata is becoming more and more of an influence.

The good thing about Mata is like he says, he can play all across our forward line, just out wide or in behind the striker and really has added a new dimension to our play.

Look at Saturday for example, Swansea got men behind the ball in two banks of four defending the edge of their own box. Mata looked up, saw Torres give him the eyes and dinked a great ball into Torres for him to spin and score in the bottom corner. If that was last season we would have played another pass sideways or backwards.

Of course tonight will be an emotional game for Mata as I guess it would be for anyone leaving a club they have loved playing for in the past. I am really looking forward to Mata showing what a world class act he is tonight, setting up a couple or scoring hopefully and then getting the standing ovation from his old fans he deserves.

KTBFFH

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VALENCIA v CHELSEA: WHO STARTS FOR CHELSEA?

So tomorrow night Juan Mata and Chelsea make their return to Valencia for the second of our group games in the Champions League. In what you would imagine an emotional return for Mata, surely he will start the game tomorrow night.

The question remains on who would be the other ten players that start the game tomorrow?. This is never an easy game there and we have seen really tight affairs. Valencia have started La Liga well this season and will look to get at us tomorrow and win the game.

Chelsea need to remain defensively strong but at the same time play to our strengths going forward. We also have to remember that some players weren't involved at all against Swansea or never came on (Luiz and Lampard) so they could start, or will AVB stick with the side that started the Swansea game?

For me, I would play the following eleven based on people being fresh but at the same time, being able to not lose our fluidity in possession and going forward.

My formation would revert back to 4-3-3 and I would play:

Cech, Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Cole. Meireles, Lampard, Ramires, Mata, Torres and Anelka.

Torres and Anelka start as Torres is banned for three Premier League games now so plays, Anelka to start as I don't think Sturridge is fit yet to take his place back.

What do you people think? Who would you like to see start the game tomorrow and who do you think will?

KTBFFH

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ONE CLEAN SHEET IN TEN: WHO SHOULD START AT THE BACK?

It was only when I heard it on Saturday before the Swansea game that I realised we had only kept one clean sheet in our previous nine Premier League games. Then of course we conceed another against Swansea which now makes it only one in ten which is unheard of at Chelsea!.

So what or who is the problem?. I have to say that at left back there is never an issue. Ashley Cole has had a good start to the season and had another good game on Saturday.

We know that JT will play as he is the Captain, and without him there we seem to lack that big voice organising the line. He has to play.

The question for me remains who plays next to him and at right back?.

Jose Bosingwa has also made a good start to the season going forward and getting involved in our attacking moves, however I still feel he lacks real quality in defensive areas. Look at the Swansea goal last Saturday, Ashley Williams rose unchallenged as Bosingwa almost turned away from the ball. Like I say though, at times he has been important going forward.

Branislav Ivanovic will always be solid and although he prefers to play at centre back for me should be playing at right back. He can still get forward and support but for me one clean sheet in ten isn't good enough so we need to change things to remain solid.

Next to JT I would play David Luiz. Some people think he is too rash, and gives away silly free kicks and penalties but for me he plays because of the way he reads the game. Added to that he has pace in his locker is another reason he should play. Luiz will only get better and better in a Chelsea shirt, and if we are chasing a game he could switch with Ivanovic and give us a different option down the right hand side.

I haven't mentioned Alex at all because I believe he is on his way out of the club. He is a good solid defender don't get me wrong and has always come in and done a good job. For example, it was because of his form that Ricardo Carvalho couldn't get back into the side.

However, I think Alex looks like he is a yard short of pace and the sending off against Fulham the other day proved it for me.

So for me our back four should be week in, week out:
Cech, Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry and Cole.

What do you think? Do you agree or do you see it different?. The point I am trying to make here is the fact that we need to start keeping clean sheets again especially in the big games so something needs to change.

What do you the Chelsea fan reading this think?

KTBFFH

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CFCUK Chelsea Football Fanzine - Kindle Edition!

Cfcuk, renowned as the "peoples" publication, has been on the streets since May 1999 when it was originally launched as Matthew Harding's Blue and White Army. Chelsea Football Fanzine, 'the best of cfcuk" Volume One, takes a look back at the first 5o issues showcasing a fascinating selection of articles, interviews and editorial material featured between May 1999 and September 2005, From 'fighting' Ken Bates to 'loving' Mr Abramovich, Chelsea Football Fanzine reflects the changing views and opinions of supporters who followed the Blues during one of the most turbulent and ultimately glorious periods in the Clubs history.

"It's totally amazing to me that a group of illiterates, who know very little about football and even less about writing, can plod along through 100 issues and still keep going. It just goes to show you what a gang of tattooed misfits can do if they put their minds to it." - BRUCE BUCK- CHELSEA CHAIRMAN

For a price of only £2.16 you need to "HURRY UP" and get downloading!.

Click here to take you directly to the download!

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LAMPARD: BLOWN UP OUT OF ALL PROPORTION!!

Common sense amongst Chelsea fans ahead of the Swansea game would have told you that we would have needed to rest the players that played the whole two hours against Fulham in midweek and possibly players that played almost 70 minutes. So why on earth have the media made the fact that Frank Lampard an unused substitute as another obsession with one of our players.

First it was Torres, and still remains and Frank Lampard is right up there with him at the moment and it's doing my head in!.

Listen I am a huge fan of Frank Lampard here at Chelsea, of the player he has been for us and will continue to be and of the man but I am the first to admit that he hasn't been at his best yet this season. I know a fair few of you have been calling for him to be on the bench for a couple of weeks now and that's fair enough.

What we have to remember with last season for example, was the fact that we had no real squad depth and we missed Lampard when he was out injured. This season is different we do now have options in midfield so it was always going to the case that players will be rested in games.

In addition to this, all this rubbish about Lampard storming away from the dugout and down the tunnel is just a joke. Frank Lampard is a true professional and a role model for younger players. This isn't something Lamps would do and I don't believe it was the case on Saturday.

I was pleased to hear AVB's response after the game when asked about Lampard. He said:

"We have to make decisions, I can't go on every week or every three days to discuss the choices I take. Today our thoughts were to send the most amount of players fresh on to the pitch. We had Alex suspended and in the end we decided to go with Petr [Cech] and John Terry but we had almost 11 players fresh on the pitch and this is important when you play every three days.

Lampard is an iconic player and a fantastic player. Yes, for sure, still a key player, no doubt about it. He's been doing magnificently well for the team. He started five games, played 90 minutes in four of them and there's nothing to say. He's a fantastic player and we count on him like we count on the others."

(Source)
I honestly believe it is as simple as that. Like I said, it makes perfect sense when you have a squad of quality like we do, to bring in the players who never played (apart from Cech and JT).

If there is anyone who knows that he needs to up his game then it's Lampard. Arguably his biggest critic, he will know what he needs to do and I can assure you Lampard is not the kind of player to let his head drop. He will work hard to get back in and when he is back in, will want to make it hard for AVB to drop him.

I know he hasn't been great so far this season, but it's still early days.

KTBFFH

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TORRES TALKS TO CHELSEA TV AFTER SWANSEA!

We do not hear from Fernando Torres that often, or should I say we haven't much since he arrived here. However, after scoring and then getting sent off against Swansea, he took the chance to speak to Chelsea TV about his goal, the sending off and the support he continues to receive from the Chelsea fans even when things haven't been going well.



Fair play to the bloke. He has taken so much stick but he is right, we have all supported him since he got here, and finally it's nice to see him looking as though he is back and getting better and better in a Chelsea shirt.

KTBFFH

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Chelsea 4-1 Swansea - Shame sending off made the headlines!

Chelsea beat Swansea on Saturday 4-1 despite playing for 60 minutes with ten men again. With goals from Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba and two from the impressive Ramires in midfield, it's the sending off of Fernando Torres that made the headlines.

Let's be honest Fernando Torres doesn't do things like that. It's the first time he has been sent of since he arrived in England. To me, after scoring his goal the second in successive games and having a hand in our second and Ramires' first, it seemed as though the adrenalin was pumping through his veins, he was eager to build on his good start and got over excited.

Unfortunately, we are reading that he lost his head, has taken another backwards step in his Chelsea career and it's rubbish. Fernando Torres did more than enough to continue to prove to everyone he is back!

I was pleased when the team news was announced and my prediction was spot on. It seemed perfect sense to rest all but two of the players who played the majority of last week so with the news that Cech was passed fit, I always expected JT to start the game. We all know Frank was left on the bench but more on that later.

The worrying thing at the moment for me is our inability to keep a clean sheet. Ashley Williams scored late on in the game after having a further two or three attempts on goal without being challenged. This is something we do need to work on.

Going forward, Chelsea when moving it quicker always looked to cause Swansea problems and our goals were exact proof of that. OK, Torres' goal wasn't exactly a quick flowing move into the final third, but the chip over the top to him from Mata, found Torres in the box one on one with the defender, he brought the ball down with his chest and spun and struck the ball on the turn into the far corner. A great pass, great control and turn and finally a good finish into the corner. Torres is back make no mistake.

Our second was completely different. After winning the ball back down our left hand side, Torres picked up the ball inside our half and slid the ball between two defenders to Ashley Cole who had made a run past him down the wing. Cole brought the ball inside, looked up and had Nico Anelka as one option, but choose to pass to Ramires who had made up the ground just right of centre. Anelka's run took the defender away which left Ramires time to take a touch and fire under the keeper into the net from 12 yards to make it 2-0 Chelsea.

Chelsea saw out the first half despite one or two balls into the box that had us worried but Cech was never forced into a save.

The second half and Chelsea reverted to a 4-4-1 formation with Nico Anelka leading the line. Swansea, to their credit kept playing their football the whole game and to begin with at the start of the second half, started to get their foot on the ball and force Chelsea backwards. A couple of times, balls into the box caused is problems once more with last ditch clearances from Mikel and Meireles knocking the ball to safety.

Like I said, Williams then a couple of chances from crosses into the box that needs to be addressed as they continued to come forward and knock on the door. Credit to them for never giving up.

Chelsea wrapped the game up with the impressive Ramires scoring his second of the afternoon and Chelsea's third. Chelsea breaking forward found a ball into Ramires as he pushed forward to support Anelka. Just again right of centre with the defender committed in making the tackle, Ramires cut inside him and turned the defender. He was through on goal just inside the box and as the keeper came out, Ramires stroked the ball passed him into the empty net to make it 3-0 Chelsea. Game over, or so we thought.

Didier Drogba came on for Nico Anelka and even with Drogba back defending a free kick, we couldn't stop Williams jumping unchallenged at the far post as Bosingwa was caught standing still, and he headed the ball past Cech beaten into the far corner. 3-1 Chelsea.

Swansea continued to come forward but again Cech was never forced into any saves of note I can remember. Chelsea finally put the game to bed in injury time as Florent Malouda on for Juan Mata, brought the ball forward down the left hand side, under pressure, slid the ball into Drogba's feet on the 18 yard line and he took a touch, spun and struck the ball across goal into the near post corner with the keeper beaten to make it 4-1 Chelsea.

Chelsea did play well at times and are back amongst the goals. What we have to remember is that we played an hour with ten men and still scored two goals against a very plucky Swansea side who will beat teams in this League this season.

Everyone played their part which was good. To me again it looked much more like the 4-2-3-1 formation and not the 4-3-3 as Mata was all over the pitch looking to pick up the ball and dictate the game. We just need to get tighter at the back!.

So another four goals, three points and a good home win for Chelsea. Just a shame the sending off took the focus away from that.

KTBFFH

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CHELSEA 4-1 SWANSEA (VIDEO)

Chelsea beat Swansea 4-1 yesterday afternoon with goals from Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba and two from Ramires. Ashley Williams scored for Swansea. Here are the goals from the game below:


szólj hozzá: CHELSEA 4 - 1 SWANSEA CITY

Match report to follow shortly.

KTBFFH

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PREVIEW: Chelsea v Swansea - Expecting better again.

This afternoon is an interesting game for me for many reasons. We all know AVB has said in previous weeks that he wants to see his sides performances get better from week to week and I think we all are looking for the same level of performance as we saw in the second half against United.

I am wondering if he will make 10 changes to the side that faced Fulham this week. The Fulham game would have taken alot out of the players and maybe, all those who were not involved or involved for a only some of the game, will start today.

Also because of our formation. I am wondering if AVB will go with the 4-2-3-1 that impressed us all last week. I want AVB to stick with it as we began to see Fernando Torres finally get the service he has been crying out for at the club. We will see a Torres crisis of confidence after the miss last week or will we see a revitalised Torres put on a performance to re-iterate he is back?.

Finally because we welcome back Brendan Rogers and Scott Sinclair back to the Bridge. You have to give full credit to Rogers for sticking to his guns, his beliefs and principles in the way he wants his sides to play. It was tough for him at Reading, but picked himself up, took the chance at Swansea and has really taken it with both hands.

Swansea play good football. Their first game away at City, although getting beat 4-0, stuck with them for at least an hour and really impressed me. They have some gifted players who have taken on board Rogers' style and believe in their manager which is important.

Swansea won't look to come here and sit back, expect three up front with Scott Sinclair down the left wing. Sinclair has been a revelation hasn't he, but let's be honest most of us knew he would be. He has immense talent alongside his blistering pace and if he continues to develop by playing regular football, he WILL BE a star and a regular for England in the future.

This is no easy game today, Chelsea need to be up and at it once more from the start. We need to play well to earn the right to win this one. I expect Mata to pulling the strings once more and maybe a surprise selection down the right of a Mr Drogba with Torres through the middle once again?.

Swansea a good side and will enjoy their day, but I can't see them having enough to beat us (as long as we sort out our defending). Chelsea to build again on last weeks performance with a improved performance today. Chelsea to win by three today and Torres on the score sheet once more!

KTBFFH

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GRAB A CURRY AT THE MASALA ZONE FULHAM BROADWAY!

Chelsea fans! Why not go and try the brand new Indian Restaurant in Fulham Broadway The MASALA ZONE before or after the game tonight.

The Masala Zone has been awarded the following accreditations:

Best Restaurateur of the Year - Tatler Award
Amaya: Best Restaurant & Best New Restaurant - London Restaurant Awards
Chutney Mary: Best Indian Restaurant - London Restaurant Award
Veeraswamy: Britain's Oldest Indian Restaurant - Established 1926
Masala Zone: "10/10 for food, service & value for money" The Guardian

So if you need food before or after the game then why not head to The Masala Zone (opposite Barclays Bank) and please mention you have seen this advert on my website "Chelseadaft" for me when you go in. 

The Masala Zone - Real Indian Food!

KTBFFH

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ANCELOTTI SPEAKS!!!!

Very rarely do I ever cover a complete interview written in the press or featured in a published interview. I'd rather take a snippet from it and discuss the key point I want to discuss and post a link to the rest of it.

However, Carlo Ancelotti is featured this morning in an interview with Matt Lawton in the Daily Mail and it's an intriguing and interesting interview. So much so, I am going to post all of it on here as I personally feel that it's the least the Italian deserved.

Hold your hand up, most of us expected Ancelotti to get the push after what happened in our second season and especially because of our performances under him in the Champions League. However, none of us thought it would be as ruthless as it turned out to be straight after the game at Everton.

So here in full is Carlo Ancelotti's interview in full:

"Football is the most important of the less important things in life. I love London. I love England. I love the football in England. The culture of the football. The atmosphere at the grounds. The competitive nature of the Premier League.

Right now England is the best country in the world for football. In Spain you have just two teams. There is not the same competition in their championship. Here it is different. There are lots of good teams and I have to thank Chelsea for giving me the opportunity to be here.

If I hadn’t come to Chelsea, if Chelsea hadn’t come for me, I would not have had that experience. I would not know what I know now.

I haven’t said I want to take a year out, I’ve said I’m not afraid to spend one year out, trying to find a solution that enables me to stay in English football. If I can find the right solution, the right team, I will be very happy.

I have been keeping myself busy, working for Italian TV when the Champions League has been on. And I will go to Manchester United and Real Madrid to watch training. I have been a manager for 15 years and this is a chance to go and learn something new.

But now I feel I want to be able to wake up every morning and go training. Until now it has not been so difficult. It was the summer, there were no games. I went on holiday. I went to Vancouver.

I was still on holiday when Chelsea played at Stoke, so I was not so upset. But now it is a little bit strange for me. I need to find a solution.

I thought I could stay longer at Chelsea, I hoped to, because I felt really good there. I was not happy to leave this club and to leave these people. I had a good relationship with the players. I felt we could go on to enjoy more success. But this is football and I knew this before I went there.

I want to say thank you, to Roman Abramovich, to the players, to all the people I worked with there. The first year was fantastic. The second year was not so good. I am not bitter or angry. Absolutely not. I consider Chelsea a really fantastic club.

Look, when I was in Milan everything was fantastic but I knew that one day it would come to an end. Even after being a player there. Even after the success I also enjoyed there as a manager. In the end you have to leave.

I also had other experiences like that in Italy. I had been sacked before. Sometimes it can happen that the owner is not happy and he wants to change things. All the great managers have been sacked. Managers before me at Chelsea were sacked. Fabio Capello was sacked by Madrid after winning the title. Amazing, I know, but this is football.

Never, however, on my c.v. have I been sacked during the season. That is different. I have only ever been sacked at the end of the season. I am proud of this!

If they have something to tell me I prefer to know immediately. Until the end, I felt my future depended on the results. I hoped I would stay. But when Ron came to me after the press conference at Everton and said he needed to speak to me, I knew what was coming.

Ron was very professional about it. The players were on the bus. We were in the dressing room alone. He told me and that was that. I then went to the bus. I did not give a speech. I spoke to my staff, to the players, individually. And then we got on the plane. It is not true that they wanted me to go home in a car. I flew with the team back to Gatwick, we then went on to Cobham and then some of us went into London for a party - my staff, some of the players.

The first season did go well, The team was good, the players were very professional. They helped me when my English was not so fluent and I thank them for that.

I tried to get Andrea Pirlo to join us when I arrived. I wanted to play him in central midfield. He’s 32 now but doing very well at Juventus. He would have been good for Chelsea.

But that season we built a good identity of play, which I think Roman was happy with, and while going out in the last 16 of the Champions League was a disappointment I think it was the catalyst for what we then achieved. There was a fresh determination that propelled us towards the Double.

Lampard, to Terry and to Essien. Drogba had malaria. It was a difficult period and when we started to lose some games we suffered a loss of confidence.

I don’t think that was the reason we started to struggle, Because we did recover, to the point where we still had a chance to win the championship when we went to Manchester United. We won eight games in nine.

Again, we were disappointed about losing in the Champions League. But right now, with Barcelona, that is a very difficult competition to win. I think Inter Milan were a little lucky to beat them.

I enjoyed a good relationship with Roman and I think he supported me as much as I tried to support his philosophy.

He backed me in the transfer market with players like Fernando Torres and David Luiz. I could not have asked for more and while Torres was not fully fit, he will be good again. His problem was a physical one - he is mentally strong - but I think we are starting to see now that the problem is behind him.

But, as I’ve said, if you don’t deliver success year after year there is always a danger he will make a change. I knew that when I went there.’
Ancelotti was dumped for a younger man.

Villas-Boas has good knowledge and that is what you need. Good knowledge and an ability to build a relationship with the players. And an ability to make them feel a sense of pride in the shirt they are wearing. You see that at Manchester United and at Barcelona. You see the Manchester United shirt gives players more power.

That is the way I like to manage. I do not use a whip. I never have. I treat players like adults.

(Source)

So what are your thoughts on Carlo and this interview? One thing is for sure. He will go down in our history as the manager that brought the double to Stamford Bridge and no one can take that away from him.

KTBFFH

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Do you think we were the better side against Manchester United?

I have written my match report on United explaining how pleased I WAS with our performance, and have also written a detailed tactical analysis on how we played in the second half. Now today, AVB has spoken of his surprise at the reaction to our performance. He said:

"I am surprised that people have criticised us being for being naive and stupid at Old Trafford. What happened at Old Trafford was a negative result but you have to be fair and say that we were the best team. We were not the most efficient team but we were the best team. So I thought that was unfair, because we played with essence of football. It's strange that people who know about football don't know how to position themselves on what is best for football and best for fans."

It was an entertaining game. It's a pity that we lost but we were superior for 90 minutes. Now we're five points behind and have to lessen the distance. I don't take defeats personally. Chelsea lost the game and we were unsatisfied because lost game against title contender.

It meant nothing else really. We had a good chance at Old Trafford to surprise everybody. I think we did that but we didn't come away with three points."

(Source)
Like I said at the time, even though we lost I felt so proud of the way we played second half by taking the game to United with our change in formation and created plenty of chances that, on another day, we could have scored five!

So, what do you think? Is AVB right to feel surprised at the negative feedback?

KTBFFH

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CHELSEA v SWANSEA : WHO WOULD YOU START?

So tomorrow we are back to the Premier League and new boys Swansea travel to the Bridge with a couple of familiar faces returning in Brendan Rogers and Scotty Sinclair.

Chelsea will be looking to bounce back after a defeat at United last week that still after a really good second half performance, leaves me feeling optimistic that, if we can sort out our defending and regain our usual solidity at the back, we can attack and beat anyone!.

Let's also not forget the Fulham game on Wednesday. After the game went to extra time and penalties, you would think the likes of David Luiz, Malouda, Kalou, Romeu, Lukaku and possibly Frank Lampard could be put on the bench for this one as AVB looks to the players who were not involved.

No disrespect to Swansea at all but on paper this is a game we should win. Swansea have nothing to lose and you would imagine anything they get from the game would be a bonus. In Scott Sinclair Chelsea would need to remain solid at the back or at least able to deal with the threat of him wide left and Dyer wide right.

So who starts the game for us tomorrow? We know Essien and Sturridge are out. Cech should be ok and Drogba is looking for match fitness.

For me, it has to be our strongest available eleven that starts the game and also in our changed formation of 4-2-3-1. I posted about this new formation that AVB changed to against United in the second half and it really worked with the amount of chances we created so we should stick with it.

So, I personally would go with the following starting eleven:

Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole, Ramires, Mikel, Mata, Meireles, Anelka, Torres.

Mikel and Ramires to sit as the two midfielders, Meireles pushed up behind Torres with Mata left and Anelka on the right.

What do you people think? Who would you like to see us starting with tomorrow?


KTBFFH

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LUKAKU: "It was just a goal I needed, otherwise it was perfect!"

One of the positives against Fulham was the fact that Romelu Lukaku got 2 hours of first team football under his belt which will benefit him in the long term. It was more than likely that he would have only played 65-70 minutes to then be replaced by Didier Drogba making his return but we all know that backfired. As a result, although seemingly out on his feet and suffering towards the end with cramp, Lukaku kept on to the end and credit to him.

After the game he said:

“The experienced players were always helping me - John Terry, Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard were speaking to me almost all the time, They kept encouraging me, telling me to keep on going, and telling me what to do when I had the ball. It makes it easier to play with guys that always talk to you. They give you some kind of look, then I know what I have to do.

From the first whistle I was very focused, I think I played very well and was very helpful for the team. It was just a goal I needed, otherwise it was perfect.

(Source)
We have to remember he is only 18!. He isn't by no means the finished article so we had to remember that. At times maybe we have got slightly frustrated because he has put himself into really promising positions but seems to either fluff or fail to get the right connection with the ball and hasn't yet opened his account here.

That will all come in time. I remember AVB saying something like at the price, age and natural talent he has being available it was simply too good to miss. This is one kid the club needs to stick by, work hard to get his game up to speed and help develop him. We don't want to see him going out on loan, keep him here to carry on learning from the wealth of talent and experience he is playing alongside.

There are signs though of Drogba isn't there. Just imagine the player we will have on our hands in a couple of seasons.

What do you think of Lukaku this early on and how did you think he played the other night?

KTBFFH

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Sir Bobby's Breakthrough Auction and Ball.

A unique ball and auction in memory of former England manager Sir Bobby Robson and brest cancer campaigner Sally Balch are being held this October.

The event aims to raise a fantastic £250,000 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer and the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Please see below press release:

Cancer charities team up to present unique online auction
Breakthrough Breast Cancer and the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation join forces to offer money can’t buy prizes.

An array of stunning prizes is up for grabs in a unique online auction to be held this October, with all proceeds split between Breakthrough Breast Cancer and the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Priceless memorabilia, experiences and treats will go to the highest bidders, with exclusive and luxurious prizes to tempt everyone. The auction is being held in memory of football legend Sir Bobby Robson and breast cancer fundraiser Sally Balch. It will run for two weeks from Saturday 8th – Sunday 23rd October 2011 and aims, alongside a fundraising ball, to raise £250,000 for the two charities.

Mark Robson, Sir Bobby’s son and part of the auction organising committee, said: “My family and I are very grateful to everyone who has already contributed a prize. It will be a very special auction in aid of two fantastic charities and we’re looking forward to it going live in October.”

The astonishing range of prizes includes once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as the chance to attend the Professional Footballers’ Association Awards ceremony, or join Fabio Capello at an England Senior Men’s training session. Equally unforgettable experiences include a morning on Newmarket Heath with ten times Champion Trainer Sir Michael Stoute, or the chance to play golf at Woburn, home to the British Masters for twenty years.

Additional lots such as tickets to the Six Nations Tournament or Centre Court at Wimbledon are sure to excite high bids.

The auction also features luxuries for those who love to be pampered. Generous bidders will snap up a week at a luxury resort in the Bahamas, champagne on the London Eye, or the chance to have a new style created by celebrity hairdresser Lee Stafford. The full list of superb prizes can be found at www.sirbobbysbreakthroughauction.com.

The auction is supported by HRH the Prince of Wales and Prime Minister David Cameron, as well as culinary legend Delia Smith and former Ipswich stars including Mick Mills MBE, who was Ipswich captain during Sir Bobby’s time as manager.

Mick Mills, now a patron of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, said: “All of the players are so pleased to celebrate Sir Bobby’s life here in Suffolk. We are delighted to support this wonderful auction and hope everyone gets behind it.”

Gina Long, the auction’s founder, added: “When I started planning the auction, I could only have dreamt that I would get support from such magnificent people and great companies. I am delighted that my dream has been turned into reality through the generous backing of so many businesses and individuals.”

The dazzling prizes include:

•VIP Manchester United tickets donated by Sir Alex Ferguson
•Tickets to The Masters snooker final in 2012, with the chance to meet the players
•A personally addressed and signed replica helmet, donated by Lewis Hamilton
•A rare limited edition of Pele’s autobiography, signed by the man himself
•A Brewshed brewing experience with a firkin of beer – 72 pints! – to take home
•A chance to drive an Aston Martin for a day

Mark Robson added:
“I’ve no doubt football clubs are inundated with requests to help charities and we are hugely appreciative of the efforts they’ve gone to for us.

“My dad would have been so proud at the way all these different clubs are pulling together by contributing such incredible prizes. Sadly, cancer is likely to affect every one of us in one way or another and it doesn’t matter which team you support.

“But with our combined efforts we can do something really special through this auction and raise a lot of money to help the experts who are working hard to find better ways to treat cancer.”

For more information on how to bid or donate, go to: www.sirbobbysbreakthroughauction.com

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ANELKA: ARE YOU CONFUSED? WHATS YOUR VIEW?

I have to say the Nico Anelka reports of the past week are slightly confusing. I hadn't posted on it as I was waiting until now to do so, but since AVB more or less confirmed that Anelka "wouldn't be signing a new contract" and when asked does he want to leave, saying "Yes!" indicated to me that he would be off and more than likely in January.

My initial reaction to the news was OK, he has had his time here, been great for us and a real class act and being honest, I am not surprised. Looking at what happened a couple of summers ago with Ballack and the age thing, the majority of us would expect Nico to go.

Then just the other day, Anelka came out and said the following:

"I am linked everywhere but, when you are linked, it doesn't mean you want to leave. I like Chelsea and first of all wanted to stay — that's why I am still here. I will see what happens in December and, if I am still here, I will see what happens in June.

I am happy here, I like the club and everyone here, but it is not only down to me. I have been here almost four years now and I am pleased with the way it has been. It could have been even better but I am still happy."

(Source)
So after reading that you must feel the same as me and wonder where AVB got the reports of Anelka wanting to leave from?. I just wonder if Anelka thought he could get a move this summer, nothing happened and has now backtracked?.

Then again, he does seem as though he has been the most settled of his career here, he seems happy so why would he want to leave especially this season when AVB is looking to challenge for EVERY competition?.

The thing about Nico Anelka is the aurora he has on that pitch. You watch him when he comes on and has the ball at his feet. He brings a calmness and stability to our game. Very rarely will you see a defender dive in to tackle him or go to ground because of the presence he has..

You cannot deny his class with the ball at his feet and that's still the case even now. I can't help but think of Anelka being the number one, the main man at the club without the likes of Didier Drogba here and just how many goals he would have scored for us. That's nothing against Drogba at all, it's just seeing how well Nico has done through the middle when he has played there, I just wonder exactly how much of a real impact he would have had once again.

Think about it for a second. Is Nico Anelka underrated & undervalued at Chelsea?. For example, if he was put up for sale back in the summer would there be Premier League or big European sides in for him?

It comes as no surprise that both Fernando Torres' two Premier League goals in a Chelsea shirt have been set up by Nico Anelka. He can be just as affective with creating chances for others. His all round game is still of real quality and if it means he stays with us for the rest of the season to then see what happens, then that's fine by me.

So I've had my say. What do you guys think of firstly, the Anelka situation and AVB saying one thing and Anelka the other, and secondly Anelka for Chelsea this season?.

KTBFFH

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Chelsea 0-0 Fulham (4-3 on pens) The positives for both sides!.

OK apologies for the late blog post on the game the other night but due to PC problems I am doing it now. Alot has been said yesterday about the game so I won't bore you all with the same reports. I just want to give my opinion on the game.

First of all I thought it was a game that had everything but goals. End to end action, chances, saves, misses, a sending off, a penalty save and eventually the penalty shoot out below..


szólj hozzá: Che4-3(pen)Ful

Credit to both sides. Forgive me Chelsea fans but I do have to pay credit to Fulham. Considering the changes they made to their side, the players that came in had a right go and caused us problems. Jol has brought in some really good signings. Fulham fans will have a moan because they will feel that they should have made us pay when they had the man advantage but both sides can take a lot of positives from the game.

Fulham fans, I can't see you being down there towards the bottom of the table for much longer. Stick with Jol and your players.

For Chelsea, our plans went up in smoke with the injuries to Sturridge and then Cech. Two forced changes and then Alex getting off ruined what AVB had most likely planned with Didier Drogba due to make an appearance.

But, saying that, AVB re-organised tactically and Chelsea (with luck) managed to cope with what was being thrown at them and actually take the game to Fulham.

Josh had a good game which was important and Romeu, Betrand and Lukaku managed to get a good 2 hours on the pitch which will be good for them. There are even whispers that Romeu impressed so much, he could be considered for tomorrow against Swansea!

Finally for once, we won a penalty shootout! The tide is finally turning. For Franks one I think it was a mixture of the keeper guessing the right way but at the same time it was at the perfect height for him too. As for the others, great pens for once especially Kalou and Malouda's!.

So we are through to the next round draw on Saturday after a performance that will benefit the youngsters which is all important!.

Aldershot at home anyone?

KTBFFH

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Chelsea v Fulham: Confirmed Chelsea Team News!

Well after some speculation Chelsea have finally confirmed their team news for tonight and stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation!!. The starting eleven and substitutes are as below.

CHELSEA:
Team News - Cech, Bertrand, Luiz, Alex, Ferreira, Romeu, McEachran, Malouda, Sturridge, Lukaku, Kalou

Chelsea subs v Fulham: Turnbull, Bosingwa, Terry, Mikel, Lampard, Mata, Drogba

What do you think of the Chelsea team and formation for this one? McEachran and Romeu in the middle, Malouda to play in behind Lukaku with Kalou out left and Sturridge out wide right?

It's a good side with a great bench!

Come on Chelsea!

KTBFFH

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Chelsea v Fulham: Score predictions?

I have asked you guys who you would like to see playing tonight. I have written my match preview this morning. I believe tonight will be a close game.

So what do you think the score will be tonight? Don't forget to check out my Live Match Odds here to place a bet!

KTBFFH

Check out my blog posts on the Official Chelsea Website - http://bit.ly/mRUOqw
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