FABREGAS: Could illness force him out tonight?

Jose Mourinho confirmed yesterday that our influential play maker Cesc Fabregas could miss tonight through illness. If he is unable to play, it would be a massive blow.

Speaking at his press conference the manager said:

"Fabregas has been ill.

We are a different team with Fabregas, I'm not saying better or worse, I'm saying different. The team grew up from preseason with him on the team and the team went in a certain direction with a style of play.

Without him, we lose some control, some possession, we become the same team, well organised, good in transition. But with him, we control the game better, we have more control of the game. We have possession of the ball because of the nature of the style of player he is."

Despite this being his first season with Chelsea, he has a massive influence on the team already and everything positive comes through him. Without him at the heart of our midfield we DO look a different outfit altogether and the focus of our attacks turns to the likes of Eden Hazard and Willian to create chances.

It's in games such as these that you need big players with cool heads to set the example for everyone else. Chelsea are at their best when they dominate possession of the ball and Fabregas is a key component of that.

If he misses the game tonight then Ramires is likely to continue next to Matic in those two deeper positions and brings different qualities to the role.

We rely on Ramires' willingness to get up and down the pitch, his work rate and his willingness to get stuck in and win tackles NOT to create chances. Chelsea look a different side.

Fingers crossed Fabregas makes it!