Chelsea Fc Thread

[Seapok]

Lampard staying focused

Frank Lampard insists he and John Terry will not get distracted by talk about their contracts.

The Chelsea duo have not yet agreed new deals with the club and speculation is continuing to mount that they could quit Stamford Bridge.

Lampard does not want the loyalty he and Terry have shown to Chelsea to be taken for granted, but has promised he will not become sidetracked at this stage of the season.

He said: "If there are any two players who have got the best interests of this club in their hearts it is me and John. The club know that.

"The contract situation is not a distraction and it is important it doesn't get talked about too much.

"Me and John don't like to see it and the fans don't like to see it."

Michael Essien put pen-to-paper on a lucrative new five-year deal on Monday and chief executive Peter Kenyon is confident more new contracts will be signed soon.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have been dealt a fresh injury blow with Andrei Shevchenko limping out of training on Tuesday.

The Ukrainian appeared to hurt his left ankle as a result of a tackle and immediately left the session for treatment.

Chelsea are assessing the injury but Shevchenko is now a major doubt for the Premiership clash with Manchester City on Wednesday.

[Seapok]

Bridge set for knee op

Chelsea hope defender Wayne Bridge will be back within a month when he undergoes his cartilage operation.

Bridge has been struggling with the knee problem for some time now and the Premiership champions have decided to repair the damage.

Chelsea had hoped the ex-Southampton would be able to soldier on, but now hope to have the England man back in action within a month.

"He had been struggling with pain at the back of the knee for about three weeks," explained club doctor Bryan English.

"A scan confirmed that he had a tear in the meniscus, the shock absorber in the joint, but it was a stable tear.

"We thought we may be able to leave it to the end of the season but it got to the stage where he was struggling to do a flat-out sprint so we thought it would be best to get it done.

"When we had this operation done on Damien Duff, we had him back and playing in three weeks and we hope that will be the same with Bridgey.

"But you always wait for the operation to be done to see what that the prognosis is going to be."

[shedend]

Maybe this is why he has been touchy just lately..............

Chelsea owner Abramovich divorces

Chelsea will "not be affected" by the news that Roman Abramovich and his wife have divorced, said a statement from the club's billionaire Russian owner.

The statement said Abramovich, 40, and his wife Irina "have divorced in Russia on a consensual basis.

"They have agreed terms in respect of arrangements for their children and a financial settlement.

"(His) corporate interests, including Chelsea Football Club, are not affected by the divorce proceedings."

[Seapok]

Maybe this is why he has been touchy just lately..............

Chelsea owner Abramovich divorces

Chelsea will "not be affected" by the news that Roman Abramovich and his wife have divorced, said a statement from the club's billionaire Russian owner.

The statement said Abramovich, 40, and his wife Irina "have divorced in Russia on a consensual basis.

"They have agreed terms in respect of arrangements for their children and a financial settlement.

"(His) corporate interests, including Chelsea Football Club, are not affected by the divorce proceedings."

With all the talk of Roman being away from Chelsea due to fighting between himself and Jose just goes to show the man has a lot of other things on his plate at the moment. You can't be as successful as he is by not doing business other than with Chelsea.

We all now he has other interests to attend to as his wife has just found out. I bet the divorce lawyers are rubbing their grubby little mits together about this unfortunate episode.

[Seapok]

Man City v Chelsea

City of Manchester Stadium

Wednesday, 14 March

Kick-off: 2000 GMT

Coverage on the BBC Sport website and BBC Radio Five Live

Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the Premiership clash with Chelsea.

Striker Bernardo Corradi is facing the axe but the options available to Pearce are limited with Paul Dickov one of the potential replacements.

Chelsea skipper John Terry should return after recovering from his Carling Cup final head injury.

But striker Andriy Shevchenko could miss out after limping off in training with what seemed to be an ankle injury.

Man City (from): Weaver, Richards, Dunne, Distin, Ball, Trabelsi, Barton, Ireland, Beasley, Samaras, Corradi, Isaksson, Jihai, Dabo, Vassell, Hamann, Dickov, Sturridge, Mpenza, Miller.

Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Hedman, Ferreira, Geremi, Diarra, Carvalho, Essien, Terry, Bridge, A Cole, Lampard, Makelele, Ballack, Drogba, Shevchenko, Kalou, Wright-Phillips, Boulahrouz.

Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce:

"We lost in the FA Cup quarter final, and we are disappointed about that.

"But the beauty of the game is that we have another match on Wednesday and it's a massive one against Chelsea.

"All of a sudden, you know full well that with a win you can be up a few places in the league."

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho

"In the next three-and-a-half weeks, my players have to play Premiership against Manchester City, Sheffield United and Watford, Tottenham in the FA Cup and two international matches. We have to play six matches.

"So of course it worries me not just because of injuries, players get tired. As a manager, I cannot do my work.

"When they come back from international duty, we play Watford in two days and then Valencia a few days after that. It is very difficult."

BIG-MATCH FACTS

MANCHESTER CITY go into this clash with reigning champions Chelsea, on a four-game losing League run and with manager Stuart Pearce under extreme pressure, following Sunday's dismissal from the FA Cup at the quarter-final stage by ten-man Blackburn.

This clash pits the Premiership's second lowest scorers (City, 20) with the second highest (50), and the side third bottom in the top flight's "Form" table with the one third top.

City were the first team to inflict defeat on Jose Mourinho in the Premiership, when a penalty from Niclas Anelka settled the issue at Eastlands on 16 October 2004. But the reverse was the case in last season's corresponding fixture. A 79th minute goal from Joe Cole won it for the Londoners, who unusually were without Frank Lampard.

CHELSEA run out just three days after their stunning comeback against Spurs in the FA Cup, to play their game in hand on Manchester United, looking for the close the gap on the table toppers to six points with a fifth successive League maximum.

The Blues are on the longest current run without conceding a goal in the highest League. They've kept four clean sheets in a row, and have not leaked a League goal in 432 minutes (seven hours 12 minutes), since Jermaine Pennant scored Liverpool's second in their 2-0 home win on 20 January.

The west Londoners are vying for a fourth successive victory over Manchester City. They have registered gradually improving results against the Citizens; 0-0 (h), 0-1 (a), 2-0 (h) and 3-0 in this season's reverse fixture. It was Chelsea's first game of the campaign, and saw John Terry open their account. Chelsea are on course to do the 'double' over City for the second successive season, and sixth time in the Premiership.

REFEREE

Alan Wiley (Burntwood, Staffordshire)

SEQUENCES/RECENT FORM

MANCHESTER CITY

17th 30 points

Highest realistically achievable: 14th

Lowest could fall: 17th

1. Positioned immediately above the relegation zone, with a six point cushion on the bottom three.

2. Lost the last four in the highest League, against Blackburn (h), Reading (h), Portsmouth (a) and Wigan (h).

3. Picked up just one point from a last possible 15, since the 2-1 home win over Everton on New Years Day.

4. Premiership matches involving City have generated fewer goals than any other club in the Premiership - 53 (20 for, 33 against).

5. Scored fewer top flight goals at home than any other club - 10.

6. Failed to score in more home matches than any other club in the top division - eight.

7. Two away matches against north-east opposition follows this, Middlesbrough and Newcastle, before a home clash with Charlton.

CHELSEA

2nd 63 points

Highest achievable: 2nd

Lowest could fall: 2nd

1. Won nine and drawn two of the last 11 in all competitions.

2. The 2-0 loss at Liverpool on 20 January, is the only defeat in 26 League and Cup games since mid-November.

3. Claimed 12 points out of 12 from a 3-0 home win over Blackburn, a 0-1 triumph at Charlton, a 3-0 eclipse of Middlesbrough at Stamford Bridge, and a 0-2 victory at Portsmouth.

4. Gained 249 Premiership points under Jose Mourinho.

5. Won 19 times in the top division so far this season - only Manchester United have gained more victories (23).

6. Beaten only by Middlesbrough, Tottenham and Liverpool - all away. Only Manchester United have lost as few as three Premiership games this season.

7. Opened the scoring in 22 Premiership matches, and failed to score in two. No club can beat either of those achievements, although Manchester United can match them.

8. Kept 16 clean sheets - only Liverpool can match that. Also, conceded the opening goal in only five top flight games - fewer than any other club.

9. Conceded only 11 away goals. All other Premiership defences have been breached more often on the road, with the exception of Manchester United 's, who've also shipped 11 League goals away from Old Trafford.

10. Must entertain Sheffield United, before the FA Cup replay at Spurs, a League visit to Watford, the home leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Valencia, and home Premiership clash with Tottenham.

KEY PLAYER NOTES/POTENTIAL MILESTONES

MANCHESTER CITY

Georgios SAMARAS and Joey BARTON are City's top scorers with six goals each.

BARTON is the club's leading marksman in the Premiership with five goals.

If they play, SAMARAS and Stephen IRELAND will be making their 50th appearances for Manchester City.

City is the only club to have one remaining ever-present in all competitions. Richard DUNNE has been on the field for every minute of every one of the Citizens' League and Cup games this season.

If on the field from the outset, Sun JIHAI will be making his 100th English League start (Crystal Palace and Manchester City).

CHELSEA

Didier DROGBA is the highest scoring Premiership player this season with 29 goals, 18 of which are League goals. The Ivory Coast International leads Manchester United's Cristiano RONALDO by two at the top of the table for the Barclays Golden Boot award.

Only Michael ESSIEN has figured in every minute of every one of Chelsea's Premiership matches this season.

If selected in the 11, Arjen ROBBEN will be making his 50th Premiership start in a Chelsea shirt.

Shaun WRIGHT-PHILLIPS was a Manchester City trainee, and made 181 appearances (153 in the League) and scored 31 goals (26 League) for them before his £21m move to Chelsea in July 2005.

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME

Manchester City 0-1 Chelsea

28 December 2005 - Ref: Uriah Rennie

Chelsea scorers: Joe Cole 79

THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE

Chelsea 3-0 Manchester City

20 August 2006 - Ref: Steve Bennett

Chelsea scorers: Terry 11, Lampard 26, Drogba 78

Sent Off: Corradi (Manchester City) 63

HEAD TO HEAD TOTALS

Home and away

League: Man City 39 wins, Chelsea 48, Draws 36

Prem: Man City 2 wins, Chelsea 13, Draws 4

at Man City only

League: Man City 27 wins, Chelsea 18, Draws 16

Prem: Man City 1 win, Chelsea 7, Draws 1

[Seapok]

Man City 0-1 Chelsea

Chelsea reduced Manchester United's lead at the Premiership summit to six points and piled the pressure on Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce.

Frank Lampard's 28th minute penalty, scored after Micah Richards' foul on Salomon Kalou, leaves City facing a desperate battle against relegation.

Richards also cleared off the line from Lampard and Shaun Wright-Phillips hit the bar for Chelsea in the second half.

City, in contrast, failed to carve out a single serious chance in the match.

Chelsea were able to recall captain John Terry after the head injury he sustained in the Carling Cup final against Arsenal.

And he was up against Emile Mpenza, who was handed his first start up front as City attempted to revamp their strike force in a bid to cure their chronic goal shortage.

But it was a piece of naive defending by highly-rated youngster Richards, a reported transfer window target for Chelsea in January, that set City back on their heels after 28 minutes.

Richards unwisely threw himself into a challenge on Kalou, leaving referee Alan Wiley with no option but to point to the spot.

Lampard coolly sent Andreas Isaksson, preferred to Nicky Weaver in goal, the wrong way with his penalty.

City, for all their endeavour, posed little threat, and they were reduced to a shot from 18 yards by Joey Barton that flew well wide.

Chelsea suffered a scare after the break when Terry started limping heavily after a challenge, and even though he carried on with what appeared to be an ankle injury, he still looked uncomfortable.

Richards made some amends for his earlier mistake after 56 minutes, clearing off the line after Lampard had lifted the ball over Isaksson towards the empty net.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho sent on City old boy Wright-Phillips for the subdued Arjen Robben with 13 minutes left, and he almost doubled Chelsea's lead within seconds of his arrival, hitting the bar with a rising 20-yard drive.

City's lack of invention was almost embarrassing, but Barton threatened an unlikely equaliser after 80 minutes - however, he shot wastefully wide.

Chelsea had hardly been peppering City's goal either, but Didier Drogba brought a block from Isaksson as time ran out.

And Isaksson then saved from Michael Ballack in injury time as Chelsea claimed the three points.

[Seapok]

Duo inspire Chelsea

Steve Clarke hailed the performances of John Terry and Frank Lampard as Chelsea kept alive their hopes of a third successive Premiership title.

Terry was an assured presence at the back following his return from a head injury, while Lampard took his tally for the season to 20 goals with the winner in the 1-0 victory against Manchester City.

"John has recovered well. He has had a spell where he has been injured a lot," said Chelsea's assistant manager Clarke.

"He has not picked up the momentum - he is still looking to get himself 100 per cent fit.

"But his contribution is great. He is a natural defender, he knows where to be on the pitch and he gives us a calming influence."

Lampard's 28th minute winner secured Chelsea their sixth successive league to move them to within six points of Manchester United in the title race.

"Frank's goal scoring contribution is immense. To score 20 goals at this stage of the season for a midfielder is a marvellous achievement," said Clarke.

"We are all aware what a vital member of the squad he is."

The champions take on Sheffield United on Saturday in a confident mood.

"Manchester City made it very difficult for us. They are fighting for their lives in the division and we knew it would be a tough game," added Clarke.

"They huffed and puffed but I do not think they had a shot on target."

It was City's fifth straight league defeat and added to their relegation fears, but manager Stuart Pearce was encouraged by the performance.

"We came into this game after losing in the cup and sometimes it is harder to play in front of your own fans when things are not going well," said Pearce.

"People are also telling me this club is split down the middle but this display showed otherwise. I was pleased with the endeavour we showed.

"We are bitterly disappointed we lost the game and felt we should have got something out of it.

"We have got 10 matches to go and must make sure we take that endeavour into the weekend."

[mrbojangles]

Chelsea reduced Manchester United's lead at the Premiership summit to six points

That's a postive then

[redrus]

Chelsea reduced Manchester United's lead at the Premiership summit to six points

That's a postive then

Yeah, United only have to lose twice, not score and Chelsea score, 15 to 20 is it....?

Its our turn to lose players though and, it ain't over until the big girl bellows, so I counting the hens yet....!

redrus

[Seapok]

Chelsea reduced Manchester United's lead at the Premiership summit to six points

That's a postive then

Yeah, United only have to lose twice, not score and Chelsea score, 15 to 20 is it....?

Its our turn to lose players though and, it ain't over until the big girl bellows, so I counting the hens yet....!

redrus

You have to admit Red, that Saturdays game against Bolton will be a tough one, especially if Van Der Sar is out, your defence doesn't look as good without him, just like what happened to us without Cech.

We have Sheffield Utd at home, so you can say that will be 3 points in the bag! Ooooh what exciting times are ahead. Winning the Premiership for me last season wasn't that great as we lead all season and got a bit boring but if we do it this season I will have to book some time of work to recover from the celebrating!!

[Seapok]

Terry calls for focus

John Terry says Chelsea must keep their eyes focused on Premiership matters and not be distracted by the prospect of tasting glory on four fronts.

Chelsea still harbour hopes of adding the Premiership, UEFA Champions League and FA Cup to their Carling Cup victory and Wednesday's 1-0 win at Manchester City moved them to within six points of Manchester United at the top of the Premiership.

It will be a tough ask for Chelsea to overhaul The Red Devils, but Terry says the focus is on cutting down their rivals rather than looking towards Europe and the FA Cup.

"There are so many games coming up over the next month that we need to be focused and believe we can win each game," Terry told Sky Sports News.

"We can't think about the Champions League in a month's time or the FA Cup, we must take each game as it comes."

The Blues entertain Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, while title rivals United host Bolton.

[shedend]

Come on you fellow Blues Brothers. Here are the remaining League games and I have put my results in brackets. We must beat Man Utd at home and get something at the Arsenal. We cannot afford to lose any of the remaining games if we are to win the league for a third consecutive season. Lets hope Man Utd slip up......Redrus this is more exiting than last season mate.......... May the best man win so to speak.

CFC Remaining Fixtures:

Saturday, 17 March 2007

Barclays Premiership

Chelsea v Sheff Utd, 15:00

(W)

Saturday, 31 March 2007

Barclays Premiership

Watford v Chelsea, 17:15

(W)

Saturday, 07 April 2007

Barclays Premiership

Chelsea v Tottenham, 12:45

(W)

Sunday, 15 April 2007

Barclays Premiership

Chelsea v Man Utd, 13:30

(W)

Wednesday, 18 April 2007

Barclays Premiership

West Ham v Chelsea, 19:45

(W)

Saturday, 21 April 2007

Barclays Premiership

Newcastle v Chelsea, 15:00

(W)

Saturday, 28 April 2007

Barclays Premiership

Chelsea v Bolton, 15:00

(W)

Saturday, 05 May 2007

Barclays Premiership

Arsenal v Chelsea, 15:00

(D)

Sunday, 13 May 2007

Barclays Premiership

Chelsea v Everton, 15:00

(W)

''Carefree''

[lazeeboy]

Come on you fellow Blues Brothers. Here are the remaining League games and I have put my results in brackets. We must beat Man Utd at home and get something at the Arsenal. We cannot afford to lose any of the remaining games if we are to win the league for a third consecutive season. Lets hope Man Utd slip up......Redrus this is more exiting than last season mate.......... May the best man win so to speak.

CFC Remaining Fixtures:

Saturday, 17 March 2007

Barclays Premiership

Chelsea v Sheff Utd, 15:00

(W)

Saturday, 31 March 2007

Barclays Premiership

Watford v Chelsea, 17:15

(W)

Saturday, 07 April 2007

Barclays Premiership

Chelsea v Tottenham, 12:45

(W)

Sunday, 15 April 2007

Barclays Premiership

Chelsea v Man Utd, 13:30

(W)

Wednesday, 18 April 2007

Barclays Premiership

West Ham v Chelsea, 19:45

(W)

Saturday, 21 April 2007

Barclays Premiership

Newcastle v Chelsea, 15:00

(W)

Saturday, 28 April 2007

Barclays Premiership

Chelsea v Bolton, 15:00

(W)

Saturday, 05 May 2007

Barclays Premiership

Arsenal v Chelsea, 15:00

(D)

Sunday, 13 May 2007

Barclays Premiership

Chelsea v Everton, 15:00

(W)

''Carefree''

shedend agree with your predictions but i dont think man u will slip up the only chance is the manchester derby but lookjng at chelsea man c not a chance manc 3 goals in 2007 and i am a chelsea fan for 40 years

[lazeeboy]

Lampard staying focused

Frank Lampard insists he and John Terry will not get distracted by talk about their contracts.

The Chelsea duo have not yet agreed new deals with the club and speculation is continuing to mount that they could quit Stamford Bridge.

Lampard does not want the loyalty he and Terry have shown to Chelsea to be taken for granted, but has promised he will not become sidetracked at this stage of the season.

He said: "If there are any two players who have got the best interests of this club in their hearts it is me and John. The club know that.

"The contract situation is not a distraction and it is important it doesn't get talked about too much.

"Me and John don't like to see it and the fans don't like to see it."

Michael Essien put pen-to-paper on a lucrative new five-year deal on Monday and chief executive Peter Kenyon is confident more new contracts will be signed soon.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have been dealt a fresh injury blow with Andrei Shevchenko limping out of training on Tuesday.

The Ukrainian appeared to hurt his left ankle as a result of a tackle and immediately left the session for treatment.

Chelsea are assessing the injury but Shevchenko is now a major doubt for the Premiership clash with Manchester City on Wednesday.

hopefully shevchenko wont be back for the rest of the season hes gone and over the hill

[lazeeboy]

Lampard staying focused

Frank Lampard insists he and John Terry will not get distracted by talk about their contracts.

The Chelsea duo have not yet agreed new deals with the club and speculation is continuing to mount that they could quit Stamford Bridge.

Lampard does not want the loyalty he and Terry have shown to Chelsea to be taken for granted, but has promised he will not become sidetracked at this stage of the season.

He said: "If there are any two players who have got the best interests of this club in their hearts it is me and John. The club know that.

"The contract situation is not a distraction and it is important it doesn't get talked about too much.

"Me and John don't like to see it and the fans don't like to see it."

Michael Essien put pen-to-paper on a lucrative new five-year deal on Monday and chief executive Peter Kenyon is confident more new contracts will be signed soon.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have been dealt a fresh injury blow with Andrei Shevchenko limping out of training on Tuesday.

The Ukrainian appeared to hurt his left ankle as a result of a tackle and immediately left the session for treatment.

Chelsea are assessing the injury but Shevchenko is now a major doubt for the Premiership clash with Manchester City on Wednesday.

hopefully shevchenko wont be back for the rest of the season hes gone and over the hill

[taxexile]

Celery banned at the Bridge

'The throwing of anything at a football match, including celery, is a criminal offence for which you can be arrested and end up with a criminal record'

Paolo Bandini

Friday March 16, 2007

Guardian Unlimited

Some celery, yesterday.

Chelsea have banned celery from Stamford Bridge and ordered fans to stop throwing it during matches after the Football Association launched an investigation into instances of salad tossing at their recent matches

[Seapok]

Celery banned at the Bridge

'The throwing of anything at a football match, including celery, is a criminal offence for which you can be arrested and end up with a criminal record'

Paolo Bandini

Friday March 16, 2007

Guardian Unlimited

Some celery, yesterday.

Chelsea have banned celery from Stamford Bridge and ordered fans to stop throwing it during matches after the Football Association launched an investigation into instances of salad tossing at their recent matches

haha utterly ridiculous!! isn't anyone at the FA an actual football fan? Genuine fans go to games, watch the entertainment on the pitch, have a bit of banter with our rival supporters and if the play is a bit slow its down to us to entertain ourselves, what harm can a bit of celery do?

At least they haven't banned us at the Bridge from taking along St. Georges flags like they have done at Arsenal, whats the world coming to!

[Seapok]

Chelsea v Sheff Utd

Stamford Bridge

Saturday, 17 March

Kick-off: 1500 GMT

Coverage on the BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on MOTD

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien is a major doubt after suffering a knee injury in the FA Cup quarter-final draw with Tottenham.

Midfielder Joe Cole (foot) remains their only long-term absentee while Mikel John Obi is suspended.

Sheffield United defender Chris Lucketti (foot) and midfielder Mikele Leigertwood (ankle) are still out.

However, midfielders Michael Tonge and Nick Montgomery both return after one-match suspensions.

Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Ferreira, Geremi, Diarra, Carvalho, Essien, Terry, Bridge, A Cole, Lampard, Makelele, Ballack, Drogba, Shevchenko, Kalou, Wright-Phillips, Boulahrouz.

Sheff Utd (from): Kenny, Davis, Jagielka, Kozluk, Armstrong, Morgan, A Quinn, S Quinn, Fathi, Tonge, Montgomery, Hulse, Stead, Kazim-Richards, Geary, Seck, Gillespie, Bromby, Bennett.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho:

"Manchester United have a few injuries but our situation is not improving. We have lost Wayne Bridge and Michael Essien.

"I still think in relation to the Premiership, their position is better than ours. That is obvious.

"They have six points more but the good thing is that we are winning matches."

Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock on Mourinho:

"No disrespect to Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger but it was a two-horse race before Mourinho.

"He has ruffled a few feathers and it has been great for English football.

"Yes he is a bit too good looking but other than that there is nothing much wrong with him."

CHELSEA play the third of four fixtures in nine days, aiming to make Sheffield United their sixth successive League victims, as they continue the pursuit of front running Manchester United. Jose Mourinho's men closed the gap on the leaders to six points with victory over Manchester City on Wednesday night, but the Red Devils may have re-established their nine point lead by the time this game kicks off, as they entertain Bolton in the lunchtime fixture.

The Londoners, who are chasing quadruple honours, are undefeated in 12 in all competitions and are looking to take their amazing unbeaten Premiership run at the Bridge to 59 games. They have nine games remaining in this Premiership season, five at home and four away. After Sheffield United, they entertain Tottenham, Manchester United, Bolton and Everton, and must yet go to Watford, Newcastle, Arsenal and West Ham.

The Blues were grateful to third-choice goalkeeper Hilario for saving a 17th minute Danny Webber penalty in the reverse fixture in October, which Chelsea went on to win 0-2. Now they're aiming to cut down the Blades for a third successive Premiership match, which would complete their first 'double' over them since 1967-68.

SHEFFIELD UNITED have a seven point cushion between themselves and the relegation zone, but go to Stamford Bridge having lost their last five away games in the Premiership.

Neil Warnock's men, who got one point from back to back fixtures with the Merseyside duo (losing at Liverpool, and drawing 1-1, home to Everton), have not gained a point on the road since winning 0-1 at Wigan on 16 December - only their third away League maximum of the campaign, adding to victories at Newcastle and Watford.

The Blades have faced Chelsea five times in the Premiership, and lead by three wins to two. But the last time they visited the Bridge on 7 May 1994 they lost 3-2 and were relegated following two goals from Mark Stein in the last 15 minutes.

REFEREE

Chris Foy (St Helens, Merseyside)

SEQUENCES/RECENT FORM

CHELSEA

2nd 66 points

Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 2nd

Lowest could fall: 2nd

1. Won 10 and drawn two of the last 12 in all competitions.

2. The 2-0 loss at Liverpool on 20 January, is the only defeat in 27 League and Cup games since mid-November.

3. Claimed 15 points out of 15 by eclipsing Blackburn (h), Charlton (a), Middlesbrough (h), Portsmouth (a) and Manchester City (a), with an aggregate of 10-0.

4. Not conceded in 522 minutes (eight hours 42 minutes), since Jermaine Pennant scored Liverpool's second in their 2-0 home win on 20 January.

5. Won 20 times in the top division so far this season - only Manchester United have gained more victories (23).

6. Opened the scoring in more Premiership matches than any other club (23), and failed to score in two, and only Manchester United can match that.

7. Kept 17 clean sheets in the Premiership, and conceded the opening goal in only five top flight games - better than any other club on both counts.

8. Jose Mourinho has lost only once in 80 League and Cup fixtures at Stamford Bridge, excluding the defeat on penalties to Charlton in last season's League Cup.

9. Not lost a home Premiership game under Mourinho (won 42, drawn 10), nor been defeated in the top division at the Bridge since a 1-2 reverse to Arsenal on 21 February 2004 (won 46, drawn 12). If they can maintain that run until the end of this season they will equal Liverpool's record of 63 home League matches without defeat.

10. Monday's FA Cup replay at Spurs follows this, before a League visit to Watford, the home leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Valencia, and home Premiership clash with Tottenham.

SHEFFIELD UNITED

16th 31 points

Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 13th

Lowest could fall: 17th

1. Won one of four Premiership matches (2-1, home to Tottenham on 10 February).

2. The last three League games have resulted in a win, a loss and a draw.

3. Failed to score in one of the last nine Premiership matches (4-0 away loss to Liverpool on 24 February).

4. Kept one clean sheet in nine League and Cup games (the 2-0 home League win over Fulham on 30 January).

5. Scored one goal in each of six away League games, until the 4-0 loss at Anfield in the most recent fixture on their travels.

6. Played 14 away games in this Premiership season and scored one goal in each of seven of them, and failed to score in the other seven.

7. Lost the last five on the road against Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Reading, Blackburn and Liverpool.

8. The current tally of 31 points after the first 29 Premiership games matches their best to this stage. The best after 30 games was also 31 points, in 1992-93, when they went on to finish in 14th place.

9. Used more players in Premiership matches than any other club, with the exception of Aston Villa, West Ham and Wigan. All four have fielded 30.

10. Another away victory against Bolton follows this, before Newcastle and West Ham visit Bramall Lane in successive games. Then it's a trip to south east London to face Charlton.

KEY PLAYER NOTES/POTENTIAL MILESTONES

CHELSEA

Didier DROGBA is the highest scoring Premiership player this season with 29 goals, 18 of which are League goals. The Ivory Coast International leads Manchester United's Cristiano RONALDO by two at the top of the table for the Barclays Golden Boot award.

Frank LAMPARD is the only remaining player to have been on the field for at least a part of every one of Chelsea's Premiership matches this season.

If he plays, Shaun WRIGHT-PHILLIPS will be making his 250th club career appearance (Manchester City and Chelsea).

Suspended: Mikel Jon OBI

SHEFFIELD UNITED

Rob HULSE is Sheffield United's leading scorer with eight goals - all scored in the Premiership.

Only Phil JAGIELKA has played every minute of every one of Sheffield United's Premiership matches this season.

THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE

Sheffield United 0-2 Chelsea

28 October 2006 - Ref: Martin Atkinson

Chelsea scorers: Lampard 43, Ballack 49

HEAD TO HEAD TOTALS

Home and away

League: Chelsea 32 wins, Sheff United 26, Draws 15

Prem: Chelsea 2 wins, Sheff United 3, Draws 0

at Chelsea only

League: Chelsea 19 wins, Sheff United 7, Draws 10

Prem: Chelsea 1 win, Sheff United 1, Draws 0

[Seapok]

Warnock: Jose's been great

Neil Warnock insists Jose Mourinho has been 'great' for English football.

Since pitching up at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2004, Mourinho has brought unprecedented success to Chelsea.

He has won the Premiership for the past two seasons and is hunting down Manchester United this time around.

Mourinho welcomes Warnock's Sheffield United side to the capital on Saturday and has been given a glowing commendation from his counterpart.

Warnock, who was once offered the chance to manage Chelsea, is full of praise for the Portuguese's impact in the Premiership.

"No disrespect to Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, but I think it was a two-horse race in the years before Mourinho came," said Warnock.

"He has ruffled a few feathers and I think it has been great for English football.

"Yes he is a bit too good looking, but other than that there is nothing much wrong with him."

[Seapok]

Jose: No room for error

Jose Mourinho admits Chelsea cannot afford to lose another game in their pursuit of Manchester United.

Chelsea are six points behind the leaders, but Mourinho says the champions will not be able to reduce the gap due to possible involvement in the FA Cup semi-finals.

The top two are both expected to reach the last four of the competition meaning their Stamford Bridge showdown, currently set for 15th April, will have to be rescheduled.

"I still think in relation to the Premiership, their position is better than ours. That is obvious," said the Chelsea boss.

"They have six points more but the good thing is that we are winning matches. I think in the last 27 or 28 matches in every competition, we have lost one. In the Premiership, we keep winning matches and keeping our hopes up in relation to the title.

"It is a pity we don't play Manchester United - it would be much better to play them now and have the chance to reduce the difference from six to three - after that everything would be open.

"They would be feeling the real heat. In this moment, we don't play against them because one of us will be in the FA Cup semi-final, or both or no-one.

"But at the same time my team is strong, has self-belief and we are ready to go all the way.

"The situation is in their hands. If they win every game, there is nothing we can change - nothing we can do."

[shedend]

Come on you fellow Blues Brothers. Here are the remaining League games and I have put my results in brackets. We must beat Man Utd at home and get something at the Arsenal. We cannot afford to lose any of the remaining games if we are to win the league for a third consecutive season. Lets hope Man Utd slip up......Redrus this is more exiting than last season mate.......... May the best man win so to speak.

CFC Remaining Fixtures:

Saturday, 17 March 2007

Barclays Premiership

Chelsea v Sheff Utd, 15:00

(W)

Saturday, 31 March 2007

Barclays Premiership

Watford v Chelsea, 17:15

(W)

Saturday, 07 April 2007

Barclays Premiership

Chelsea v Tottenham, 12:45

(W)

Sunday, 15 April 2007

Barclays Premiership

Chelsea v Man Utd, 13:30

(W)

Wednesday, 18 April 2007

Barclays Premiership

West Ham v Chelsea, 19:45

(W)

Saturday, 21 April 2007

Barclays Premiership

Newcastle v Chelsea, 15:00

(W)

Saturday, 28 April 2007

Barclays Premiership

Chelsea v Bolton, 15:00

(W)

Saturday, 05 May 2007

Barclays Premiership

Arsenal v Chelsea, 15:00

(D)

Sunday, 13 May 2007

Barclays Premiership

Chelsea v Everton, 15:00

(W)

''Carefree''

shedend agree with your predictions but i dont think man u will slip up the only chance is the manchester derby but lookjng at chelsea man c not a chance manc 3 goals in 2007 and i am a chelsea fan for 40 years

Cheers Geez. If we could retain the premiership it would be brilliant as Man Utd can only throw it away now. All the lads can do is try and win every game left and hope the enemy lose the plot. They have a few injuries now and I honestly think Bolton could get a draw today against them. They are due to slip up sooner or later. Fulham were very unlucky a couple of weeks a go but that is the luck you get when on top of the league....................

[Seapok]

Mourinho urges duo to stay

Jose Mourinho would 'love' to see Frank Lampard and John Terry stay at Chelsea until 2010.

The Stamford Bridge stalwarts have been in negotiations to extend their contracts with the Premiership champions.

Lampard has two years remaining on his present deal and the latest speculation claims Juventus are trying to capture the free-scoring midfielder.

Talks over a new deal for Blues captain Terry have also failed to make significant headway, sparking fears the England duo could move on.

But Mourinho, who has reiterated his own commitment to Chelsea this week, hopes Lampard and Terry stay at the club with him until 2010.

"I would love to see them stay at the club and, especially if I stay here till 2010, I would love them to be with me," said Mourinho.

"They belong to Chelsea.

"They belong to Chelsea history, so when people have such strong links and feelings together there is no reason for a change."

Mourinho also stressed once more his own determination to stay at Chelsea, despite his strained relationship with owner Roman Abramovich.

He added: "That's football. There's always an if.

"I have repeated 50 times in the last 10 days I want to stay with Chelsea."

[Seapok]

Chelsea 3-0 Sheff Utd

Chelsea eased past Sheffield United to move back to within six points of Premiership leaders Manchester United.

Andrei Shevchenko blasted the Blues ahead after a superb surge out of defence by Ricardo Carvalho and Salomon Kalou made it 2-0 from close range.

The Blades, who lost Rob Hulse to a suspected broken ankle, went close through a Colin Kazim-Richards strike.

But half-time substitute Michael Ballack headed home a Wright-Phillips free-kick to seal a routine win.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho had not lost a home league since February 2002 when he was manager of Porto.

And the Londoners made a blistering start to ensure that amazing record was never under threat.

Carvalho broke up play deep in the Chelsea half after four minutes and eased past three defenders before finding Shevchenko with a glorious crossfield pass.

And the Ukraine striker, back in the starting line-up for the rested Didier Drogba, crashed the ball past Paddy Kenny.

The pace, movement and trickery of Robben, Wright and Kalou was causing Neil Warnock's side no end of problems and the home team were soon celebrating a second goal.

Wright-Phillips got free on the right flank and his teasing cross was turned on by Shevchenko and Kalou finished from close range.

Chelsea seemed to think it was job done at that point and the Blades almost hit back immediately.

Keeper Petr Cech did well to beat out Kazim Richards' vicious long-range effort and Hulse also went close with a neat overhead kick.

Hulse then almost turned in a low Keith Gillespie cross but Cech raced out to smother his effort and in the collision the Blades top-scorer suffered an horrific injury when his ankle appeared to snap beneath him.

Hulse lay motionless and it was clear from Cech's reaction that the injury was serious. After a five-minute delay Hulse was carried off on a stretcher and taken to hospital with a suspected broken ankle.

His replacement Christian Nade barely had a kick for the remainder of the game and the home side cruised to victory in a relatively uneventful second half.

Ballack, another to be rested with one eye on Monday's FA Cup quarter-final replay against Spurs, came on as a half-time substitute for Lampard and was soon on the scoresheet.

Gillespie was harshly deemed to have fouled Robben, Wright-Phillips whipped in a dangerous free-kick and Ballack reacted first to head the ball past the flapping Kenny.

Warnock was furious but the game was lost by then and Chelsea dominated possession.

Wright Phillips fizzed a shot narrowly wide and Kalou and Shevchenko impressed but Mourinho's men were unable to find a fourth against a well-organised away defence.

[nev]

Come on you fellow Blues Brothers. Here are the remaining League games and I have put my results in brackets. We must beat Man Utd at home and get something at the Arsenal. We cannot afford to lose any of the remaining games if we are to win the league for a third consecutive season. Lets hope Man Utd slip up......Redrus this is more exiting than last season mate.......... May the best man win so to speak.

CFC Remaining Fixtures:

Saturday, 17 March 2007

Barclays Premiership

Chelsea v Sheff Utd, 15:00

(W)

Saturday, 31 March 2007

Barclays Premiership

Watford v Chelsea, 17:15

(W)

Saturday, 07 April 2007

Barclays Premiership

Chelsea v Tottenham, 12:45

(W)

Sunday, 15 April 2007

Barclays Premiership

Chelsea v Man Utd, 13:30

(W)

Wednesday, 18 April 2007

Barclays Premiership

West Ham v Chelsea, 19:45

(W)

Saturday, 21 April 2007

Barclays Premiership

Newcastle v Chelsea, 15:00

(W)

Saturday, 28 April 2007

Barclays Premiership

Chelsea v Bolton, 15:00

(W)

Saturday, 05 May 2007

Barclays Premiership

Arsenal v Chelsea, 15:00

(D)

Sunday, 13 May 2007

Barclays Premiership

Chelsea v Everton, 15:00

(W)

''Carefree''

shedend agree with your predictions but i dont think man u will slip up the only chance is the manchester derby but lookjng at chelsea man c not a chance manc 3 goals in 2007 and i am a chelsea fan for 40 years

Cheers Geez. If we could retain the premiership it would be brilliant as Man Utd can only throw it away now. All the lads can do is try and win every game left and hope the enemy lose the plot. They have a few injuries now and I honestly think Bolton could get a draw today against them. They are due to slip up sooner or later. Fulham were very unlucky a couple of weeks a go but that is the luck you get when on top of the league....................

so we are the enemy now we have only 3 genuine enemy's so to speak they are liverpool man city and leeds ask any red, they are the only ones that we see as enemy.

you are just another team in the league same as watford or fulham to us.

and yes may the best team win,and the way we played yesterday i cannot see us slipping up.

there are 8 games to go now we have 4 at home and 4 away.

we can win 4 at home and draw 4 away now,and we win the league,or 6 wins 2 losses.

so we are lucky to be top of the league,you have come back and won games late on and when you are not playing well.

you dont win the league with luck!!

[soihok]

Another away defeat for Sheff U. Who are in another league to Chelsea, Liverpool and Man U (who they face in a few weeks).

A good game and the Blades fought hard but the best team won.Sadly, Rob Hulse (who is Sheff U,s top scorer)broke his leg , so United have battle on to avoid going down.

Good game good game

[Seapok]

Another away defeat for Sheff U. Who are in another league to Chelsea, Liverpool and Man U (who they face in a few weeks).

A good game and the Blades fought hard but the best team won.Sadly, Rob Hulse (who is Sheff U,s top scorer)broke his leg , so United have battle on to avoid going down.

Good game good game

Yeah I agree it was a good game to watch, I'm glad we killed it off early, haven't been doing that well in the 1st half of games this season. We really need a bit more killer instinct in front of goal, stop waiting for them to score then start to play, attack attack attack from the off.

Was a shame for you about Rob Hulse, seeing his foot swinging around wasn't a pleasant site. I'm sure you will stay up, I do enjoy Warnocks post match comments.

[Seapok]

Jose will keep believing

Jose Mourinho feels Chelsea are close to finding their best form, but is aware the destiny of the Premiership title is not in their hands.

Chelsea provided the perfect answer to Manchester United's victory over Bolton with a 3-0 win over Sheffield United to keep the gap at the top of the table at six points.

The two sides meet on 15th April, but Mourinho is aware that if United keep winning they will be impossible to catch.

"The Premiership is not two months it is eight months and everyone knows the problems we had, we lost so many points during the December and January period," Mourinho told Sky Sports.

"When we have our best players and the dynamic of the team back we are a good team, a team that scores goals and defends well and it is not a surprise," he added.

"We have many things to play for, three competitions to fight for. If Essien is back and Joe Cole is back and we don't lose players, we are a strong team."

Commenting on the title race, Mourinho added: "The only thing we have under our control are our matches.

"We can believe and we can beat them and recover three points, but after that we are not involved.

"It is between Man United and their opponents."

Andrei Shevchenko produced a fine display, scoring the first goal, and his performance drew praise from Mourinho.

He added: "It is a bit like Didier (Drogba). Second season better than first season, third season better than second season.

"I think it is a natural evolution, especially for a striker. It is not easy for a striker in this country, they need time to adapt, but Andrei is improving."

[Seapok]

Roman sale reports rubbished

Suggestions that Roman Abramovich could be prepared to sell Chelsea have been branded as 'ludicrous' by the Russian billionaire's spokesman.

Reports in Sunday's newspapers claim that the Stamford Bridge supremo is contemplating the sale of the club he purchased in 2003 and bankrolled to successive Premiership titles.

Abramovich is reputedly being asked to supply £1billion towards Russia's bid to host the 2014 Winter Olympics by the country's president Vladimir Putin, and recently underwent a costly divorce.

Now reports in the press claim that the oligarch may be prepared to sell up at Chelsea after plunging over £500million of his personal fortune into the club.

However, Abramovich's spokesman John Mann has stringently denied that the Blues owner is ready to relinquish control at Stamford Bridge.

"These rumours are ludicrous," Mann told the Sunday Express.

"Roman has said it a million times, he is in this for the long term.

"This doesn't make any sense because Chelsea is a very small part of his investment portfolio."

The Blues have claimed four major trophies since Abramovich took charge, but his relationship with manager Jose Mourinho has become strained after reported disputes regarding the club's recent transfer policy.

However, the club's head of communications Simon Greenberg remains convinced that Abramovich is whole-heartedly committed to the Chelsea cause.

"It's rubbish," Greenberg added. "I know what the investment plans are."

[Seapok]

Tottenham v Chelsea

Three Point Lane

Monday 19 March

Quarter-final Replay

Kick-off: 2005 GMT

Referee: Howard Webb (Yorkshire)

Winners face Blackburn in the semi-finals on 14 or 15 April

Live on BBC ONE, with coverage on the BBC Sport website and BBC Radio Five Live

Chelsea's Michael Essien has a chance of returning from the knee injury he suffered in the draw between the sides at Stamford Bridge.

Essien missed the Premiership win over Sheffield United, while Mikel Jon Obi is available after suspension.

Dimitar Berbatov, Robbie Keane and Aaron Lennon are expected to return to Spurs' starting line-up.

The trio were on the bench in the weekend win over Watford, though Lennon came on as second-half substitute.

Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Ferreira, Geremi, Diarra, Carvalho, Essien, Terry, Bridge, A Cole, Lampard, Makelele, Ballack, Drogba, Shevchenko, Kalou, Wright-Phillips, Boulahrouz, Mikel.

BIG-MATCH FACTS

TOTTENHAM HOSTPUR against Chelsea in front of live BBC Match of the Day cameras is a quarter-final replay between two in form, free scoring outfits, who are chasing multiple honours. Saturday's 3-1 home win over relegation-threatened Watford took Spurs' undefeated run in all competitions to eight matches. They've won seven and drawn one in a month, netting 26 goals in the process - three in each of the last four games.

Spurs have not been without goals in this Cup run, since the scoreless draw with Cardiff at Ninian Park in the third round. They won the replay 4-0, beat Southend 3-1 in round four, humiliated Fulham 0-4 at Craven Cottage in the last 16, and then shared six with Chelsea in the original tie at the Lane. Now England's sole surviving Uefa Cup representatives are looking for a second home win over the Blues this season.

That victory on Guy Fawkes' Day was Tottenham's first in 11 against Chelsea in all competitions. In the FA Cup, Spurs hold a narrow lead by four wins to three, despite losing 0-4 when most recently drawn together in the quarter-finals at the Lane on 10 March 2002. It was also at this quarter-final stage when they met on 6 March 1982. Steve Archibald, Glenn Hoddle and Mike Hazard scored in a 3-2 victory at the Bridge, and Spurs went on to lift the trophy, beating Queen's Park Rangers in the final, after a replay.

The north Londoners were the first side to win the FA Cup as a non-League club in 1901. They've lifted the Cup on eight occasions. Only Manchester United (11) and Arsenal (10) can beat that. Since their most recent success in 1991, Tottenham have reached the semi-finals on four occasions. They're hoping to qualify for this stage for the 18th time in their history and the first time since 2001.

CHELSEA pulled off a stunning fightback to keep their FA Cup dreams alive in a six-goal thriller at Stamford Bridge. The Blues found themselves trailing 3-1 at half-time but second-half goals from Frank Lampard and substitute Salomon Kalou earned them this replay. Dimitar Berbatov had put Spurs ahead in the fifth minute but Lampard levelled 17 minutes later. An own goal from Michael Essien restored Tottenham's lead and Hossam Ghaly added a third in the 36th minute.

The Carling Cup winners, Champions League quarter-finals and defending Premiership champions, who stayed six points behind Manchester United in second place with Saturday's 2-0 home win over Sheffield United, are undefeated in 13 League and Cup games and have won their last three away from home.

The west Londoners reached the semi-finals for the 16th time in their history last season, when they were beaten by eventual winners Liverpool 2-1 at Old Trafford. Although three times winners and four times runners-up, the FA Cup continues to elude manager Jose Mourinho and owner Roman Abramovich.

[chonabot]

Tottenham v Chelsea

Three Point Lane

True , it yielded us 3 points in our last Chelski match ! Nice attention to details Seapok !