The Sickening Thought of Fabregas At Chelsea

Chelsea FC

If Liverpool fans had an appalling disgust which turned their stomachs seeing Fernando Torres wearing the blue of Chelsea, just think of the unimaginable repulsion Arsenal fans might feel if they were to set their eyes upon their talismanic captain, Cesc Fabregas scurrying around the pitch wearing the Chelsea kit. That tiny strip of red around the neck of the Chelsea strip would be a sickening reminder of the wonders Fabregas produced at the Emirates with his vision, creativity, and an innate understanding of timing and space being used against Arsenal for the blues.

That would be the situation if the current Arsenal captain would agree to a reported move worth £50 million funded by Chelsea's billionaire owner, Roman Abramovich. Several newspapers have splashed the news across their back pages, with Arsenal fans, and perhaps even Barcelona fans feeling their heart skip a beat or two before realising that it must be just another ludicrous rumour which, even if it were true, Wenger and those in charge at Arsenal would never agree to.

Fabregas would surely not disrespect the club he has stayed so loyal to for so long by moving across London to join his clubs relatively local rivals while joining his compatriot Fernando Torres in attempting to lift the Premier League trophy.
The Daily Mail says: "...billionaire Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has reportedly set his sights on gazumping a rival bid from Barcelona and will launch a £50m bid for the Spain international in the summer."

Football is dominated by money. Some club owners give it away like cheap sweets, footballers take it and ask for more like little children, and football agents take up the parenting role by telling their clients what they should and shouldn't be having. Surely though, players like Fabregas, who clearly love football, and have loyalty tattooed into their hearts do not find money as the main attraction to play for a club.

Fabregas has been loyal to Arsenal, but has an obvious love for Barcelona - a love he cannot really be blamed for. He was a Barcelona supporter as a child as he grew up there, and they now play some of the best football with the best players in the world while they win trophies left right and centre; currently sitting comfortably top of La Liga - he has reason to be attracted to them.
Apart from a slightly improved chance of winning the English Premier League and a bigger salary, I can't think why the little play maker would want to go to Chelsea from Arsenal.

In the end, it is all about the players decision, and, in conclusion, any possible move to Chelsea is pretty much out of the question for Fabregas if he keeps to his word. Remember:

“If I decide to leave Arsenal, it will be to wear the shirt of Barcelona

and

“If I leave, it will only for Barcelona. I just wish to leave, whether they [Barcelona] want me or not,”

Marek Hamsik to Man Utd or Chelsea?

Chelsea FC

Despite being treated to a January transfer window filled to the rim with big money, big name, controversial moves here, there, and everywhere, the next transfer window is already being eagerly anticipated with rumours starting to fly around like paper aeroplanes in an unruly classroom. They just can't be stopped. Even if the player involved in a rumour has only recently signed a new contract with his club, they are linked to moves away. Probably because money is far more powerful than loyalty nine times out of ten in today's footballing, business-like world.

Getting to this rumour, and Manchester United are still searching for that special talent (and they need to be special) to replace Paul Scholes in the centre of the United midfield. Charlie Adam of Blackpool was linked to a move in January, but Sir Alex Ferguson recently accepted that Blackpool needed him for the rest of the season for them to stay in the division.

Nuri Sahin, the German born Turkish international playing his football for Borussia Dortmund is also rumoured to be interesting Sir Alex with his creative ability, passing, awareness and vision that have made Scholes such a great player.

Stephen Defour, again, another name that Ferguson is keen on. It is well known the admiration Ferguson has for the Belgian midfielder as he wrote him a get well soon letter after the Standard Liege play maker broke his leg in 2009.

But it is Marek Hamsik, the Slovakian 23 year-old who is apparently bleeping loudly on the Manchester United radar. Hamsik has received wide admiration for his ability on the ball and has been linked to many a top club including Chelsea and Liverpool, while the player himself said it would be "difficult to say not to Manchester United". In an interview, Hamsik praised the English League and the atmosphere in England while his agent claimed that a move is a "possibility".

The price? Well, you don't have to know much about football to know that even average players are currently being sold for well over what they should be realistically being valued at. That's not to say that Hamsik is average, but £35 million is a lot of money for a player unproven in England and would be one hell of a risk for that amount.

Having said that, Chelsea are also strongly linked. They just paid £50 million and £25 million for Torres and David Luiz respectively. They don't mind a risk or two (or three) it seems. The price is so high because Hamsik signed a contract extension at his Italian club Napoli only recently, and to buy that contract obviously increases the asking price.

I can't see Ferguson spending £35 million on Hamsik, despite his obvious talent. I am also unsure, as many people are about this UEFA fair play money rule. How can Chelsea get round it if they splash another ludicrous amount to add to the £75 million they have already spent, when this is exactly the kind of spending that UEFA were supposedly trying to stop.

It is just a rumour.

Suarez - Torres Partner or Replacement?

Chelsea FC

Just when things were looking good for Liverpool, along come Chelsea to ruin it. Liverpool have had a bid accepted for Ajax striker Luis Suarez, a top quality proven striker that could be the perfect foil for the out of form Fernando Torres. But while the Liverpool fans had a chance to imagine the beautiful link up and combination play that Torres and Suarez could perform together, banging in goal after goal and rejuvenating the Liverpool side to pull them back up the table, Chelsea bid a tempting £35 million.

Those dreams have been interrupted, temporarily at least, as Torres has apparently asked Liverpool not to just dismiss the offer, but to listen to it - to consider it. The offer has of course been rejected by Liverpool who value their star striker far higher than £35 million, but if Torres wants reconsideration, his heart and head can't be in the cause. His performances on the field suggest exactly that, with him dipping in and out of matches and not performing anywhere near the quality expected of him.

Since writing Torres has submitted a transfer request, and had it rejected by Liverpool. A Liverpool statement read:

"Torres has this even submitted a transfer request - this request has been rejected."

Some reports suggest that Chelsea will return with a renewed offer of £40 million and English striker Danny Sturridge. In Torres' current poor form and irritating knack for picking up strangely soft injuries this is certainly an offer that should be considered. The Reds have been linked to Danny Sturridge in the past, with the former Manchester City man reportedly asking to go out on loan to Liverpool for more first team opportunities. Sturridge is a very promising young striker, and has the ability to easily nail his name to the Liverpool team sheet on a regular basis, with Liverpool's attacking force still low on numbers despite the excellent addition of Suarez. They would then also have the £40 million to do what they like with; bring in a new left and/or right back, a winger and a creative midfielder, all involved in the process of building a new team for Kenny Dalglish.

If it is true that Torres has effectively asked to leave, it is a doubly big blow for Liverpool who thought the addition of a big name striker would persuade Torres of the high future aspirations of the club. Torres must know that he isn't playing well, and his team have been playing much the same for the whole season, so a way out for him to a club who, although not having a great second half of the season, look more likely to nick a Champions League spot, is an improvement.

So, Suarez may not even get the chance to play alongside Fernando Torres despite his multi-million pound move, and may have to settle for either David N'gog or Danny Sturridge.

I can't really see Torres moving to Chelsea, mainly because Liverpool will do everything they can to keep him. If Torres wants to go and makes it very clear he wants to go, then a deal would look more likely, but with the limited amount of time before the window shuts, Liverpool's stubbornness to keep their star strike should be enough to fend off pursuers for at least the summer window.

This is yet another transfer saga ready to drag itself through every news source possible until the summer, unless of course Torres dismisses the rumours and expresses his loyalty to the club. I hate hearing that ever familiar line we hear from footballers that although very true, is also very uninspiring not at all reassuring for fans: "Anything can happen in football".

Tottenham v Man Utd - Will the Unbeaten Run Be Broken?

Chelsea FC

Tottenham will take on Manchester United on Sunday in a bid to jump above Chelsea and go fourth in the table whilst breaking United's 25 game unbeaten run. Tottenham are unbeaten in their last four home matches in the league against big four opposition, but will they be able to defeat the League leaders who beat them in a controversial 2 - 0 win earlier this season? They will certainly be looking for revenge.

Tottenham fancy themselves too, and probably with good reason. United have not been playing their best football, especially away from home - recording only two away wins in the last nine away games. Their home form and lack of losses is what is keeping them top. However, the away form must improve, and Sir Alex Ferguson will be hoping that the improvement will start with a convincing win at Tottenham.

The Spurs manager said:

"I couldn't see them remaining unbeaten. It's not impossible but I don't see them doing that. I don't see that they are on another planet to the other teams. They are favourites to win the league but not to go unbeaten."

"They haven't hit the heights this year, but they keep winning games and they haven't been beaten. We are playing well. We are a better team than played United last year. We have got every chance. We are at home. We will give them a real game."

The matches between these two team are often littered with controversial moments and often prove to be brilliant entertainment, as both sides love to attack and believe they can win. Tottenham and England defender Michael Dawson will be doing his best to prevent the United attack grabbing a winning goal on Sunday, and he also believes that his teammates are good enough to defeat United:

"Yes they're on a good run and are top of the form table for a reason. But, hopefully, on Sunday we can be the first team to beat them. We want to win things and that means the title. We want to be contenders year after year. And to do that you have to beat the likes of United."

He will be up against a particularly experienced attacker in Ryan Giggs. The Welsh veteran may not have the speed to get around as many players as he could when his sparkling career began, but he can still influence his teammates with his hardworking culture and natural skill. An appearance for Giggs will take his appearance count reach a massive 600 - only 6 appearances away from fellow United legend Sir Bobby Charlton. He is now 37, but his career glides on, and last week played the whole 90 minutes, which impressed his manager:

"His [Ryan Giggs's] fitness was fantastic last week, he was going for the whole 90 minutes up and down the pitch, and he's been doing that for two decades... There is no other player that's ever done that or ever likely to do that... He's quite an amazing man"

His old team mate, David Beckham will not be making an appearance however. He has been training with Tottenham, but a signing has not been completed and doesn't look as if it will be, so none of his trademark crosses will be dropping into the United box onto the head of Peter Crouch, or Spurs' top scorer this season, Rafael van der vaart. The Dutchman has scored 9 league goals, and will be a big threat to United's back line which may contain fellow countryman Edwin van dar sar and Nemanja Vidic after returning from injuries.

Gareth Bale will be threatening the young Rafael on the left wing, which should prove a tough test for the Brazilian who has started to play a lot more for United as Gary Neville eases out of the United team, looking set for retirement. Rooney could be back for the Red Devils, so there will be no lack of attacking football from both sides.

With Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea already recording wins this week-end, both teams need the win. Tottenham have the home crowds support and the motivation of breaking the 6th longest unbeaten run in Premier League history, while United will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League, and keep that brilliant run going.

I'm looking forward to it.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on Verge of Arsenal Move?

Chelsea FC

The Daily Mail claim an "exclusive"  in relation to the young Southampton starlet Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, who has been compared to Theo Walcott and is close to a £5 million move to Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger has apparently had to move for the 17 year-old after he attracted interest from top Premier League clubs including Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool, and are now the favourites to sign the League 1 starlet because of the Gunners previous dealings involving Theo Walcott.

Chamberlains dad, Mark, a former footballer and winger himself, has worked with both Walcott and of course his son, and thinks - with probably a hint of bias, that his son is overall, the more gifted; ‘I’ve worked with both. As an all-round technical player Alex has more to offer.’

Liverpool had also been strongly linked to the young winger, as new manager Kenny Dalglish looks for support for under performing Fernando Torres. A figure of £10 million had been suggested, and that is the price that the buying club will probably, in the end have to pay, considering the amount of games he gets and so on. It seems a steep amount for such a young player who is unproven at the highest quality to me, but I'm sure I will be proved wrong.

Do Arsenal need Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain though? They have Walcott already, and both players play in the same position and from what I hear have pretty much the same qualities. They both started off at Southampton and both claim the one and two spot in the Southampton statistics of youngest appearance maker. Lets hope that the player, no matter if he does jump ship to Arsenal or not, can show the potential that his father, the Southampton coaching staff and scouts of Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal have all obviously see.

It has been said that Theo Walcott would have benefited from staying at Southampton a few seasons longer instead of jumping into such a higher League so soon, and that way, he may have gained more experience and made a bigger impact at Arsenal. Perhaps Arsenal, if the deal does go through should consider loaning Chamberlain back to Southampton or a Championship side for first team football.

United's Night as Arsenal, City & Chelsea Fail to Win

Chelsea FC

Arsenal and Manchester City had the chance tonight to gain valuable ground on the now comfortable leaders at the top of this years very close Premier League, Manchester United. Neither team took their chance, and the game ended in a dull stalemate, mainly thanks to the incredibly negative, defensive performance from Manchester City.

They have one of the best squads in the whole League, with some fantastic attacking players with good strength in depth, yet City manager Roberto Mancini seems reluctant to show his attacking players off. Tevez played up front on his own for the whole game, and had next to no chances. Three defensive midfielders for City too, with Yaya Toure switching from his current attacking form, to slotting in with Barry and De Jong to stop any Arsenal attacks. With their four at the back and three just ahead, even Arsenal's renowned passing ability, could not cut through the opposing defence.

The tale was attack against defence, and it only produced a dull, unimpressive stalemate, with few highlights. Arsenal hit the post a couple of times in the first half, but chances were so few as City got into their defensive mode, that the only exitement worth mentioning was the two sending offs, after Sagna and Zabaleta squared up and pushed against each-others heads with anger. It really summed up the frustration of Arsenal and all in the crowd, although Zabaleta seemed quite pleased with himself.

To Chelsea now, and if there were doubts as to whether they were out of the title race at the start of play, they can probably count themselves out now, bar a complete shambles of a run of results from the top three - which is unlikely to say the least.

An early Boswinga own-goal saw Wolves hang on for the rest of the match to take all three points ahead of supposed title challengers Chelsea. The Chelsea of last season would have at least managed a late equaliser, but it was not to be, and Carlo Ancelotti's job is as unstable as ever at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool lost 3 - 1 to Blackburn. I assume you will have worked out that the result doesn't make Roy Hodgson any more popular than he was before, and it is likely that he may be out of a job very soon. Gerrard got the only Liverpool goal, won a penalty and missed it very late on. It sums up Liverpool's season so far really. I have supported Hodgson as  don't believe he was being judged fairly, with supporters looking for immediate solutions to quite obviously large problems within the club both off the pitch and on it. However, I can't see Hodgson surviving this one - and if he does survive a little longer, he will see his side face Manchester United in the F.A Cup. I imagine a win there still wouldn't save him from the sack but playing as they are, a win is unlikely.

They didn't play, but all this is good news for Manchester United. Now two points clear of City, having played two games less, and four points clear of Arsenal having played one game less. Chelsea are nine points behind United and out of the title race - so is this title United's to lose now?

Honda & Sturridge Want Liverpool Move

Chelsea FC

More January transfer news now, and this time over at Liverpool where Hodgson is scouring the world for players who can turn his fortunes around - with the help of his director of football strategy whose name seems to be everywhere in relation to Liverpool transfer targets, Damien Comolli. It has emerged today that Liverpool are the front runners to sign both Keisuke Honda of CSKA Moscow, and Danny Sturridge of Chelsea, as both players are reportedly keen to play at Anfield.

Keisuke Honda represented his country, Japan in the 2010 World Cup and scored a couple of goals thanks to his amazingly powerful free kick technique. He currently plays his club football in Russia at CSKA Moscow, but his agent has suggested a move to Liverpool could be on the cards. Honda had previously been linked with a move to Arsenal, but a Liverpool switch is far more likely. Kees Ploegsma, the players agent, said that the move was only speculation at the moment, as the Reds have not made a firm bid, but Liverpool and the Premier League is where he wants to be:

“If he could move to a club like Liverpool it would be great, but the two clubs must come to an agreement first. The Premier League is a great competition which he would like to play in.”

The situation with the young Chelsea striker, Danny Sturridge is less clear, but it is thought that the 21 year-old has requested a loan move away from Stamford Bridge, with his preferred option being Liverpool. The former Manchester City player has made only 11 substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, scoring in none of them, and a good run in a team would do his confidence - and goal rate the world of good.

Once tipped to be the player of his generation, he is now a bench warmer for Chelsea, and seeking a temporary move away to prove he can handle the Premier League. No doubt he has potential, but if he isn't given the chance to show it, his talents will have been wasted.

Roy Hodgson will be keen to strengthen his attacking force, and with Honda being an impressive attacking midfielder and Sturridge being a classy striker with bags of potential, Liverpool will be moving in the right direction with these two signings.

Chris Samba is what Arsenal & Wenger are Looking For

Chelsea FC

Arsene Wenger's latest comments in relation to the January transfer window seem to strengthen the speculation that Chris Samba of Blackburn may be on his way to the Emirates.

Wenger said:

“As January approaches, I’m often asked about transfers. There is no definite situation either way, but first of all it depends if we find on the market what we think would really give us a plus.

“But I would advise you not to expect miracles in January – a high number of people have played in Europe so wouldn’t be able to help us in the Champions League, while clubs that have good players don’t necessarily want to sell them.

“So it’s highly unlikely that you just find a player you need in January. It’s not about spending money – it’s more about finding the right players to strengthen a squad that, in quality and numbers, is already very strong.”

Who has not played in Europe and is therefore not cup-tied to play against Barcelona? Who is a powerful, strong, athletic defender with vast experience as a natural leader - and a captain in the Premier League? Who has expressed his desire to leave his current club with the club seemingly resigned to letting him go? Yes, Congolese international Christopher Samba. Most of Wenger's issues with the January transfer market do not apply to this defender who would slot in nicely in Arsenal's back line and strengthen their squad depth.

Despite Wenger saying "It's not about spending money", Samba wouldn't cost the Arsenal manager a huge amount, with around £8 million the price being circulated.

There is that other possibility that Arsene Wenger doesn't feel like additions are needed, and after the 3 - 1 mauling of Champions Chelsea on Monday night, it is easy to see why. However, there are still critics who believe strengthening the sometimes suspect defence wouldn't do Arsenal any harm, especially when they will be up against an attacking force which has trampled the Arsenal defence with ease before, and is probably the best in the world. Barcelona.

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Watch: Arsenal 3 - 1 Chelsea

Chelsea FC

First Half Action and Goal

Second Half Action and Goals

"Arsenal Will Win the Premier League 2010/11"

Chelsea FC

According to my poll which has been open since the beginning of the season, and has registered 420 votes, Arsenal will win the Barclay's Premier League 2010/11.

The Gunners received 226 votes - 53% of the overall total, while Manchester United came in at second with 122 votes and 29% of the overall total.

Chelsea were voted in 3rd with 31 votes and 7 % of the total, and the rest you can see for yourself.

It must be said that the poll means absolutely nothing, but it is interesting to see what people think, so thanks for voting!

Tevez Withdraws his Transfer Request

Chelsea FC

The latest twist in the Tevez transfer tale is that the former Manchester United striker has withdrawn his request to leave City. A Manchester City statement read:

"Carlos expressed his absolute commitment to the Club and formally withdrew his transfer request. Carlos’ contract remains unchanged and both Carlos and the Football Club are keen to focus on the opportunities that lie ahead."   

So what has changed the Argentinians mind? Probably nothing at all. Earlier in the month he was absolutely certain he wanted to leave the club because he had fallen out with certain members of the club, and that there was no way he would re think his decision - thus handing in a transfer request. Clubs like Real Madrid and Chelsea were reportedly ready to swoop for the uncommitted player who was also apparently thinking of retirement.

Now, just before tonight's game against Everton - at Manchester City's ground, he withdraws his transfer request and praised by his manager:

 "Carlos is a world class player whose contribution since he joined the club has been invaluable"

He may have changed his mind because he knows that if City want to keep him at the club, they will. They are under no pressure to sell as they don't need the money, and they certainly won't want to sell to a title rival in England. Or is it simply an attempt to avoid a frosty reception from the home crowd tonight aimed at the disloyal former captain? Rooney didn't totally avoid a controversial reception after his contract ordeal at Manchester United and there will be certain members of tonight's crowd that take a disliking to the Tevez situation.

Snow Ruins the Football Week-end As Matches are Postponed

Chelsea FC

Premier League Postponements

Arsenal v Stoke

Birmingham v Newcastle

Liverpool v Fulham

Wigan v Aston Villa

AND
NOW

Chelsea v Manchester United

A week-end of football is destroyed because of masses of snow falling from the sky and settling on and around the grounds - leaving the surrounding areas to dangerous for fans to walk along.
A Liverpool spokesperson said:

"Although the Anfield pitch is playable, the conditions around the stadium and further afield for people travelling to the match are such that the decision was taken, following police advice on safety grounds, to postpone the game. All existing tickets will remain valid for the rearranged fixture and supporters will be advised of the new date as soon as possible."

It is pretty much the same story everywhere else, with the club, referee or local authorities deeming the surrounding area of the stadium too hazardous, despite the best efforts of ground staff.

The postponement of the Arsenal game against Stoke is probably a big disappointment for the Arsenal fans in particular. They would have loved to give Ryan Shawcross a right old rollicking because of the Aaron Ramsey incident, but that will have to be delayed for a little while until a new date is figured out. Arsenal could have also taken advantage ahead of the Chelsea - Manchester United game on Sunday, as a win against Stoke would have put them top of the table, and therefore put more pressure on the two teams to win at Stamford Bridge.
However, now the big game between Chelsea and United has been called off a day in advance because of the weather. It may be seen as good news for some United fans, as it means Paul Scholes, who would have been still recovering from an injury on Sunday, should now be ready to play in the renewed fixture. This snow is changing everything.

Snow, snow, snow. How big a part could it play in the title race?

Arsenal v Barcelona, Man United v Mareille, Spurs v AC - CL Draw

Chelsea FC

Champions League last 16 draw

Roma v Shakhtar Donetsk

AC Milan v Tottenham

Valencia v Schalke

Inter Milan v Bayern Munich

Lyon v Real Madrid

Arsenal v Barcelona

Marseille v Manchester United

Copenhagen v Chelsea

First legs to be played on 15/16 and 22/23 February

Second legs to be played on 8/9 and 15/16 March

Watch: Tottenham 1 - 1 Chelsea

Chelsea FC

Tottenham 1 - 0 Chelsea - Pavlyuchenko

Tottenham 1 - 1 Chelsea - Drogba

Manchester United Target Schweinsteiger signs New Deal

Chelsea FC

Bastein Schweinsteiger, reported target of Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid, has signed a new contract at Bayern Munich which runs until 2016. This news leaves Sir Alex Ferguson still looking for a central midfielder of real quality to come in and take the reigns from Paul Scholes in leading the United midfield line.

It had been widely suggested that the German was ready to leave Bayern for England, with him admitting that his brother begs him regularly to join the Old Trafford side, but this news has dashed his brothers (and United fans') chances of seeing the 26 year-old proudly wearing the red of United.

Schweinsteiger announced his future in a microphone after a win at the Allianz Arena. He told the fans:

"I have extended my contract and will stay at FC Bayern until 2016. Long live Bayern!"

United do look likely to sign Steven Defour of Standard Liege in the close future however. The Belgian has been a long term target of Ferguson and it is highly likely that the Scotsman will swoop for the central midfielder before any other team does as he looks to strenghten his midfield.


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Chelsea should pass their Arsenal Test

Chelsea FC

Last Saturday, Chelsea played Manchester City in there first real test of the season. Ancelotti's team mustn't have revised, because they failed their test - losing 1 - 0 thanks to a Carlos Tevez strike. But Mr Premier League Fixture List isn't the nicest of teachers, because he's only gone and thrown another test in front of Chelsea. The subject? Arsenal. However, this test may not be as hard as the Manchester City one, you can't really tell with the unpredictable Arsenal.

They were very big favourites last week, with what should have been an A-Grade pass for the Gunners against the newly promoted West Brom. Alas, they went 3 - 0 down, and only managed to claw back two goals and a little bit of dignity in front of their home fans to finish the match at 2 - 3.

Fabregas: Out of the Chelsea Game

On Sunday, when Chelsea and Arsenal lock horns, Fabregas will be absent in the Arsenal side, and the problematic position of the goalkeeper will be filled by Lukas Fabianski with Manuel Almunia still sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Ancelotti, the Chelsea manger has had a hard week, after discovering his father Giuseppe had died, and so has gone back to his homeland to attend his funeral - leaving his assistant and staff to work with the players during the week and prepare for the week-end. Ancelotti will be back for the game, but he will be without Frank Lampard, who is still recovering from his hernia operation and will be absent, as well as Salomon Kalou and Yossi Benayoun who both picked up injuries in their recent Carling Cup game.

This should be the game of the week-end, with both teams challenging for the Premier League title. If Manchester United lose against Sunderland on Saturday, then Arsenal could move a point behind leaders Chelsea with a win.
Arsenal must work very very hard for a win though, because nowadays, Chelsea don't often lose two Premier League games in a row - it may well be a harder test for Arsenal than it will be for Chelsea.

Team           P   W   D    L   GD     Pts
1. Chelsea     6    5    0    1    +19    15
2. Man Utd   6    3    3    0    +7      12
3. Arsenal     6    3    2    1    +9      11

Champions League Draw

Chelsea FC

Group A: Inter Milan, Werder Bremen, Tottenham, FC Twente

Group B: Lyon, Benfica, Schalke, Hapoel Tel-Aviv

Group C: Manchester United, Valencia, Rangers, Bursaspor

Group D: Barcelona, Panathinaikos, Copenhagen, Rubin Kazan

Group E: Bayern Munich, Roma, Basle, Cluj

Group F: Chelsea, Marseille, Spartak Moscow, MSK Zilina

Group G: AC Milan, Real Madrid, Ajax, Auxerre

Group H: Arsenal, Shakhtar Donetsk, FC Braga, Partizan Belgrade

Attackers Chelsea Football Club in English Premier League 2010/2011

Chelsea FC

D. Sturridge Chelsea Forward Player From England

S. Kalou Chelsea Forward Player From Côte d'Ivoire

Didier Drogba Chelsea Forward Player From Côte d'Ivoire

F. di Santo Chelsea Forward Player From Argentina

F. Borini Chelsea Forward Player From Italy

Nicolas Anelka Chelsea Forward Player From France

Football News: The First Hattrick in English Premiership 2010/2011 from Didier Drogba

Chelsea FC

Didier Drogba Chelsea Football Player Photos

Date of Birth: 11 March 1978
Height: 180 cm
Shirt number: 11
Position: Forward
Current club: Chelsea (ENG)
International Caps: 71
International Goals: 42
First international: Côte d'Ivoire - South Africa (8 September 2002)

Didier Drogba Chelsea Football Player Pictures

Didier Drogba Chelsea Football Player Wallpapers

Injuries blighted his maiden campaign at the Stade He struck seven goals in 30 matches in 1999/2000 but despite failing to build on that showing the following season, he was lured back to Brittany by Gunigamp coach Guy Lacombe. It was there that he was spotted by Ligue 2 outfit Le Mans, and two years after joining the Stade Leon-Bollee side he signed his first professional contract. The youngster got started in the game at Vannes but then left Brittany to move to the suburbs of Paris, where he spent four years playing for Levallois. ‘Tito’, as he is known by those close to him, was barely five years old when he left Côte d'Ivoire for the French town of Brest to join up with his uncle and tutor Abraham Tebily, a professional footballer.

Didier Drogba Chelsea Football Player Images

Now, having taken the long route to the top, he is the icon and undisputed leader of the national team, his frustration at lacking the international trophies to go with his standing only matched by the extent to which he is scapegoated by the Ivorian press whenever the Elephants fall short. When the emblematic Côte d'Ivoire captain ended the 2001/02 season having hit three goals in just 11 Ligue 1 outings for Guingamp, nothing suggested he would go on to become a global superstar, two-time CAF African Player of the Year (2006 and 2009), Chelsea’s most prolific ever marksman in Europe and a respected UNICEF ambassador. The Elephants’ all-time leading scorer was not being facetious when he entitled his autobiography C’était pas gagné (It wasn’t easy).

Berbatov back in Business?

Chelsea FC

Something to Prove? - Berbatov

A convincing 3-1 win against Chelsea in the Community Shield for Manchester United, with Valencia, Hernandez, and Berbatov getting on the score sheet. It turned out to be brilliant preparation for Manchester United as they head into the new season next Monday against Newcastle.

Rooney set up the first after a brilliant pass from Scholes and Valencia sweeped the ball into the net.

United new boy "Chicharito" scored an awkward, quite funny goal as he slipped as he went to place it and it came off his baby- face into the Chelsea net. While Berbatov scored a delightful chip at the end to nicely round off United's pre-season.

Berbatov had a hard season last season, as fans questioned his commitment as well as the price Ferguson paid for him, at £30 million. It was hard for him to live up to expectations as he walked in Rooney's shadow for much of the season, and as we willed him to grab a goal which would set him off on a goal-scoring run, nothing happened. But he has scored an early goal now, against quality opposition in Chelsea. It will do wonders for his confidence as he ran, smiling to the United fans after the goal to celebrate - a sight that wasn't seen very often at all last season.

He has pressure now for a starting spot with the impressive Mexican Javier Hernandez, or "Chicharito" as his shirt reads, as well as the experienced goal-scorer Michael Owen. His future is in his own hands, because Ferguson has shown that he has faith in him, by playing him many times, often with no reward. But with an early goal under his belt, and the United fans starting to warm to him, it could be Berbatov's season at the Theatre of Dreams.