Chelsea Fc Thread

[Seapok]

Arsenal v Chelsea

Emirates Stadium

Sunday, 16 December

Kick-off: 1600 GMT

BBC coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on Match of the Day. Featured game on Score and Final Score.

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas trained on Friday and could be in line for a return against Chelsea.

Fabregas has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since 27 November but trained along with Robin van Persie, Mathieu Flamini and Alexander Hleb.

Ricardo Carvalho (back) and Florent Malouda (knee) could be back for Chelsea if they pass fitness tests.

Didier Drogba (knee), Michael Ballack (ankle) and Michael Essien (suspended) are definitely unavailable.

Arsenal (from): Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Toure, Clichy, Eboue, Gilberto, Diarra, Rosicky, van Persie, Adebayor, Lehmann, Senderos, Traore, Song, Denilson, Bendtner, Diaby, Eduardo.

Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Belletti, Ferreira, Carvalho, Alex, Ben Haim, Terry, A Cole, J Cole, Bridge, Lampard, Malouda, Sidwell, Kalou, Pizarro, Shevchenko, Wright-Phillips, Makelele, Obi.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger on Avram Grant

"Chelsea have been discreet but efficient.

"Avram Grant has got a completely different profile to Mourinho, he is not very noisy.

"But his team is efficient and that is important. His results speak for him. He has done well. Credit to him."

Chelsea boss Avram Grant on Ashley Cole's return to Arsenal

"If he needs to play he will play.

"The only hesitation I have in selection is over quality and Ashley has good quality.

"He's experienced and I don't think if the crowd boo him it will affect him."

BIG-MATCH FACTS

Arsenal face the first of successive London derbies in the Premier League, needing to hit back from a first defeat in 23 league outings.

The Gunners' 300th home Premier League fixture, is also their third against a fellow 'big four" club this season, following the 1-1 draw at Liverpool on 28 October, and 2-2 home draw with Manchester United on 3 November.

Chelsea's 300th away Premier League fixture, is their third of the campaign against a fellow member of the "big four", in the wake of the 1-1 draw at Liverpool on 19 August, and 2-0 defeat at Manchester United on 23 September.

Chelsea are chasing a fourth successive Premier League win and fifth in a row on the road. They need a clear three goal victory to leapfrog the Gunners.

Chelsea have kept more clean sheets in this Premier League season than any other club (10), but in Arsenal they are facing the only club to have scored in every Premier League game.

Arsenal have scored as many goals in Premier League matches this term as Chelsea have scored and conceded combined (33).

Arsene Wenger's side have not beaten Chelsea in a league fixture on home soil since a 2-1 triumph on 18 October 2003, when Edu and Thierry Henry were on target.

CLUB FORM

ARSENAL

(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League fixtures)

1. One of two clubs with as many as 11 Premier League wins; the other is Manchester United.

2. Boasting the sharpest attack in the highest league of 33 goals in 16 outings, at one every 44 minutes on average.

3. Lost two of 26 in all competitions, and those are in their last five outings.

4. Kept one clean sheet in seven Premier League matches (the 2-0 home win over Wigan on 24 November), and failed to score in one of 22 league games from a goalless draw at Portsmouth on 13 May.

5. Defeat to Middlesbrough at the Riverside last Sunday ended a run of 14 wins and eight draws in 22 league matches, but they are still unbeaten in home league games this season.

6. Not suffered successive defeats in 23 Premier League matches since losing three in a row between 18 March and 7 April when Everton (a), Liverpool (a) and West Ham (h) all beat them.

7. Not lost any of the last six Premier League derbies since the West Ham game over eight months ago, and won all three this season; v Fulham (h), Spurs (a) and West Ham (a).

8. The current tally of 37 points after 16 is their best since 38 points were accrued to this corresponding stage in the unbeaten, title-winning season of 2003-04.

9. This match precedes a Carling Cup quarter-final, away to Blackburn on 18 December. Then it's the north London Premier League derby, home to Tottenham, the Boxing Day visit to Portsmouth, the end of year fixture at Everton and New Year's Day meeting with West Ham at the Emirates.

CHELSEA

(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League fixtures)

1. Undefeated in 16 in all competitions; won 12 and drawn four since their only loss in 19.

2. Won the last three Premier League matches against Derby (a), West Ham (h) and Sunderland (h), and unbeaten in nine; won seven and drawn two since the 2-0 loss at Manchester United on 23 September. Also, boasting better Premier League form than any other club since 10 October, which coincides with the appointment of assistant manager Henk ten Cate.

3. Won 12, drawn four and lost one of 17 league and cup games under Avram Grant; won seven, drawn two and lost one of 10 league matches under the Israeli.

4. Not conceded in three Premier League matches or 270 minutes (four and a half hours) since Tim Cahill's 90th minute equaliser for Everton in the 1-1 draw at Goodison on 11 November; it's the only goal shipped in nine Premier League outings.

5. Their league games have produced just 33 goals (24 for and nine against); at 2.06, it's the lowest goals per game average in the Premier League. Only Manchester United have conceded fewer goals in this league; eight.

7. The current tally of 34 points after 16 games is their worst start in five years.

8. Unbeaten in 11 London Premier League derbies; won seven and drawn four since losing 2-1 at Tottenham on 5 November 2006.

9. Beaten Bolton 0-1, and Middlesbrough, Wigan and Derby, all 0-2, in their last four away Premier League matches.

10. This match precedes Wednesday's Carling Cup quarter-final, home to Liverpool. The remaining league matches this year involve a trip to Blackburn, a home clash with Aston Villa on Boxing Day, and another against Newcastle, before the New Year's Day fixture at neighbours Fulham.

KEY PLAYER NOTES

ARSENAL

Cesc FABREGAS is Arsenal's top scorer with 11 goals.

Emmanuel ADEBAYOR is the clubs' top Premier League marksmen with nine, and is the joint leader of the race for the Barclays Golden Boot, with Manchester United's Cristiano RONALDO.

Arsenal have never lost when ADEBAYOR has scored; winning 18 and drawing three of the 21 matches in which he's netted.

Five of FABREGAS'S six league goals were scored in the second half.

Only Kolo TOURE has been on the field for every minute of every one of Arsenal's Premier League matches this season.

If selected:-

William GALLAS will be facing a former club. The 30 year old France international defender made 225 appearances (159 in the league) and scored 14 goals (12 league) for Chelsea between May 2001 and his move to Arsenal in August 2006.

Lassana DIARRA will be facing a former club. The 22 year old French midfielder made 31 appearances (13 in the league) in two years with Chelsea before his move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer.

If on the field from the outset:-

Robin VAN PERSIE will be making his 50th Premier League start - all for the Gunners.

Justin HOYTE will be making his 50th club career league start (Arsenal and Sunderland).

CHELSEA

Didier DROGBA is Chelsea's top scorer with nine goals.

DROGBA and Frank LAMPARD are the clubs joint top marksman in the Premier League, with five each.

LAMPARD is a double shy of 100 goals for Chelsea.

DROGBA is a hat-trick short of 50 Premier League goals in Chelsea colours.

If selected:-

Ashley COLE will be facing a former club. The 26 year old England international was a trainee with Arsenal, making 228 appearances (156 in the league) and scoring nine goals (eight league) before his move across the capital in August 2006.

Suspended:-

Michael ESSIEN (one match)

HEAD TO HEAD

Chelsea are undefeated in 10 meetings with Arsenal in all competitions; won five, drawn five.

The Blues have won only one of the last 17 league trips to Arsenal; Arjen Robben and Joe Cole scored in the 0-2 triumph on 18 December 2005.

Home and away

League (inc PL): Arsenal 57 wins, Chelsea 39, Draws 44

Prem: Arsenal 14 wins, Chelsea 5, Draws 11

at Arsenal only

League (inc PL): Arsenal 34 wins, Chelsea 17, Draws 19

Prem: Arsenal 9 wins, Chelsea 1, Draws 5

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME

Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea

6 May 2007 - Ref: Alan Wiley

Arsenal scorer: Silva 43 pen

Chelsea scorer: Essien 70

Sent Off: Boulahrouz (Chelsea) 43

REFEREE

Alan Wiley (Burntwood, Staffordshire)

[Seapok]

<deleted>! at the end of the day it won't matter a great deal to the title race, we will still finish above the Gooners.

Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea

Arsenal defeated Chelsea for the first time since February 2004 to reclaim top spot in the Premier League.

Manchester United had moved top earlier in the day but William Gallas's header after Petr Cech failed to collect a corner ensured an Arsenal victory.

Shaun Wright-Phillips should have equalised but missed from six yards, while Manuel Almunia saved an Andrei Shevchenko free-kick in injury time.

Robin van Persie missed from 14 yards and was then denied by Cech late on.

Arsenal did not beat Chelsea during Jose Mourinho's entire tenure as Blues manager but have defeated Avram Grant's team at the first attempt.

Chelsea had gone 16 games without defeat in all competitions under Grant but now trail the Gunners by six points and are five behind United in the Premier League.

As with United's match at Liverpool earlier in the day, it was a tight game with little to choose between the teams.

But Arsenal probably showed more invention and ability on the break than Chelsea, who lost John Terry to a suspected broken metatarsal after 38 minutes.

Even so, Chelsea should have equalised through Wright-Phillips, who scuffed his shot from six yards after Gallas had diverted a cross into his path midway through the second-half.

Arsenal started brightly, their crisp passing and intelligent movement heavily in evidence as the home team looked for an early goal.

They had Cesc Fabregas, Mathieu Flamini and Alexander Hleb back in their line-up but Chelsea, with their five-man midfield, soon ensured that space and time on the ball was at a premium.

And it looked as though the first-half would remain goalless before Gallas, playing against his old team, struck in time added on.

Chelsea had lost Terry after he failed to recover from a challenge by Emmanuel Eboue and, without the skipper's commanding presence in the box, Gallas was able to nudge Frank Lampard off the ball and convert Fabregas' corner.

But culpability for the goal lies with the normally reliable Cech, who came off his line to clear the corner but failed to make any meaningful contact with the ball.

Brazilian defender Alex had almost gifted Arsenal the lead earlier in the half when he tried to head the ball to Cech but only succeeded in looping it over the keeper and, thankfully for him, narrowly wide of the Chelsea goal.

It was a fractious game with plenty of niggle, two melees and 10 yellow cards.

Possession was surrendered far too cheaply for either team to find any kind of rhythm and for long spells it seemed to suit Chelsea, who forced first-half saves from Almunia with decent long-range strikes from Wright-Phillips and Shevchenko.

Almunia dived sharply to his right to prevent Obi from scoring his first goal of the season in the second-half, while Wright-Phillips's horrible miss was a real let off for the home team.

The game became increasingly stretched as Chelsea searched for an equaliser and Arsenal cut them open with a precise break that substitute Van Persie was unable to finish from 14 yards.

Van Persie had the ball in the net after another break but the goal was ruled out for offside and later saw another effort saved by Cech, who then denied Fabregas with a follow-up.

Shevchenko had a late chance for Chelsea with a free-kick but Almunia tipped the effort over his bar.

The final action saw Arsenal waste another chance on the break and Fabregas booked for a tackle on Ashley, Cole, who was booed throughout the afternoon.

[Travel2003]

As a neutral I must say I was quite suprised about the 2 guys making the comments yesterday.

Again and again during the match the commentators kept praising Chelsea for keeping their game plan, which was having 2 strong walls infront of the keeper, and hoping to nick the 3 points on a counter attack.

They kept critisizing Arsenal for not being able to break down the 2 walls of players.

I was soooo pleased to see Arsenal get their goal, as that forced Chelsea forward.

Really good match to watch, from a neutral point of view.

[pattayarangers]

What sort of team do you think you will put out against Rangers in the Cup ?

Will we probably see a mixture of reserves and first teamers, and will the Africans play or be flying off to the cup of nations?

And it will be interesting to see the difference in Sinclair and Sahar (presuming they play). ( Both done nothing while on loan with us )

Sold our 6000 ticket allocation , think we now getting another 2000 tickets

[Seapok]

Cech takes blame for defeat

Petr Cech made no excuses for his costly error against Arsenal on Sunday, and believes that the title race is far from over.

Cech's decision to come for a corner which he ended up getting nowhere near allowed William Gallas to score the game's only goal, and was enough to put Arsenal back on top of the Premier League and six points clear of Chelsea.

The result was the Blues' first defeat in ten games, a run of results which had seen them become real contenders in the title race.

Understandably, Cech is keen to forget about his mistake as soon as possible and instead of dwelling on the past, he will concentrate on making sure that a similar occurrence does not happen again in the future.

"It is difficult and for me I am disappointed because, in the end, the game was decided by my mistake," the Czech Republic goalkeeper said.

"It was a mistake from me. There is no explanation or excuse. It was as simple as that.

"This is part of the game. You play in these big games with this passion. These are the best games to play in and you always want to do your best.

"I love this type of game, but will not remember this one as one of the best.

"You have to analyse yourself and see why you made a mistake, what was the moment you could have done better.

"Of course you have to watch it, but in the end you have to turn the page and go on."

Cech also felt that there was little to choose between the two sides on Sunday, and as such, Chelsea remain confident that they can close the gap and mount a serious title challenge.

"When you see the game overall, in the first half, they had no chances. They had nothing, only a bit of possession but that was it," he said.

"We controlled every movement they tried to do.

"They had only one corner, I made a mistake and they were 1-0 up.

"In the second half, we were a better side and created more chances, apart from the last 10 minutes when we risked everything and were going up and down.

"For 80 minutes of the game we were the better side, but could not score the goal.

"In the end, history will not ask how did you win the game against Chelsea?

"In a few months, you will only know that they won the game and they got six points ahead of us. That's it.

Cech added: "We need to keep going because we have already closed the gap once, so we can do it another time.

"There is still a long way to go. We play them at home and have plenty of games left so we can do it again.

"There are still big games between the big four, so they can slip there.

"You cannot underestimate the other games because every single point counts and they have the same importance

"We will see. I still believe we have closed the gap once, and we can do it again.

"There is still a long way to go for them (Arsenal) to be celebrating."

[Seapok]

Injured Terry faces six weeks out

Chelsea captain John Terry will be out of action for up to six weeks after breaking three bones in his right foot during Sunday's 1-0 defeat by Arsenal.

Terry limped off in the first-half after a challenge with Emmanuel Eboue.

Chelsea doctor Bryan English told Chelsea TV: "An X-ray taken immediately after John left the field did not show the injury.

"The fractures, which include his third metatarsal, were revealed following scans performed on Monday afternoon."

Eboue caught Terry after leaving his foot dangling when he overran a ball, which the Chelsea centre-back cleared.

Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou has revealed that his Ivorian compatriot Eboue apologised to Terry for the challenge.

Kalou was unhappy with Eboue's tackle but praised the Gunners player for at least offering an apology.

"I was saying to Eboue that it was a red card because he did it on purpose - but he denied that," said Kalou.

"He said he tried to block the ball and it was not on purpose. He said sorry to John. He didn't mean to do it, but to apologise was a nice thing to do.

"John will be a big loss and is very important to the squad. We will miss him and it will be difficult to do it without him but we have the players to do that."

The injury is particularly ill-timed for Terry, with new England coach Fabio Capello refusing to confirm whether he sees him continuing as captain of the national team.

Terry's expected six-week period on the sidelines would mean he would only just be returning to action a week before England's first match under Capello - a friendly against Switzerland on 6 February.

The 27-year-old returned from a knee problem and cheekbone injury on 24 November against Derby after nearly seven weeks on the sidelines.

He absence led to him missing England's final Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia as the national team failed to earn the draw they needed to reach next summer's finals.

But he helped Chelsea beat Derby and played in five games when the Blues remained unbeaten before the loss at Arsenal.

Grant already has Terry's regular central defensive partner Ricardo Carvalho and striker Didier Drogba on the sidelines.

But he could welcome back midfielder Michael Ballack, who hasn't played since April after two operations on his left ankle, for Wednesday's Carling Cup quarter-final against Liverpool.

"We will test him tomorrow (Monday) and if he feels good, he will be available for Wednesday," Grant added.

[Seapok]

What sort of team do you think you will put out against Rangers in the Cup ?

Will we probably see a mixture of reserves and first teamers, and will the Africans play or be flying off to the cup of nations?

And it will be interesting to see the difference in Sinclair and Sahar (presuming they play). ( Both done nothing while on loan with us )

Sold our 6000 ticket allocation , think we now getting another 2000 tickets

I'm sure we will be fielding a strong team, we want to win everything we go into, all the Africans won't be around as they are playing in their Nations cup and 3 of your players or should I say our players wont be playing while you have them on loan, Michael Mancienne, Ben Sahar and Scott Sinclair.

[pattayarangers]

Hopefully Michael Mancienne will sign for us permanently in January transfer window.......otherwise he will not be allowed to play ( Chelsea decision ).......as for Sahar & Sinclair.... Sinclair is back at Chelsea already and the sooner we get rid of mummy's boy Sahar the better.......

[delboy]

I'm looking forward to my next trip to LOS in April, maybe we can have a beer whilst watching the blues. I will be in Bangkok for the Wigan game.

There is a slight problem, I live in Chiang Mai but, who knows, we might be able to arrange something nearer the date.

[pattayarangers]

Scott Sinclair's loan has expired and he's returned to Chelsea. There are messageboard reports - yet to be confirmed or announced- that Ben Sahar has also returned to Chelsea (early). Chelsea Vital Football reported "...At training today...also spotted enjoying a good work out were Michael Ballack...and the young duo of Ben Sahar and Scott Sinclair (both now having returned from their loan spells at Queens Park Rangers

Jewish Chronicle - Sahar regrets Rangers move By Simon Griver

The mother of Chelsea wonder kid Ben Sahar has revealed she regrets the day he went on loan to QPR.

“Mistakes have been made with Ben,” said Batya Sahar, who spends most of her time at his home in Cobham, Surrey. “We are trying to work out how we can get out of the situation.”

The 18-year-old, who made his Premier League debut last season, was loaned out to the Loftus Road club just before Chelsea parted company with Jose Mourinho.

The deal got off to a disastrous start when the Israeli international striker had an operation to remove his appendix a day after celebrating his birthday. Sahar is putting a brave face on life at the bottom of the Championship. “At Chelsea I was always trying to improve my play,” he said. “But at QPR it is very different as I am under pressure to deliver results. The team is defending most of the time and I receive very few passes.” Jewish Chronicle

[Seapok]

I'm looking forward to my next trip to LOS in April, maybe we can have a beer whilst watching the blues. I will be in Bangkok for the Wigan game.

There is a slight problem, I live in Chiang Mai but, who knows, we might be able to arrange something nearer the date.

Ok, no worries mate, lets see what happens.

[Seapok]

Hopefully Michael Mancienne will sign for us permanently in January transfer window.......otherwise he will not be allowed to play ( Chelsea decision ).......as for Sahar & Sinclair.... Sinclair is back at Chelsea already and the sooner we get rid of mummy's boy Sahar the better.......

I'm going to the game tonight against Liverpool, should be a good one against the new enemy!, apart from suffering from "man flu" I'm really looking forward to it.

Myself and the missus will be sitting near the front by the half way line, if any of you spot us let me know! haha, her gorgeous Thai face will stand out from all the other louts I'm sure.

Apparently Ballack and Sinclair will be playing tonight, it will be good to see how they get on, it will be perfect timing if they come in on form as a lot of our 1st team will either be going away or are dropping like flys!

[scousemouse]

Hopefully Michael Mancienne will sign for us permanently in January transfer window.......otherwise he will not be allowed to play ( Chelsea decision ).......as for Sahar & Sinclair.... Sinclair is back at Chelsea already and the sooner we get rid of mummy's boy Sahar the better.......

I'm going to the game tonight against Liverpool, should be a good one against the new enemy!, apart from suffering from "man flu" I'm really looking forward to it.

Myself and the missus will be sitting near the front by the half way line, if any of you spot us let me know! haha, her gorgeous Thai face will stand out from all the other louts I'm sure.

Apparently Ballack and Sinclair will be playing tonight, it will be good to see how they get on, it will be perfect timing if they come in on form as a lot of our 1st team will either be going away or are dropping like flys!

Have a good time at the game tonight Seapok .

I have to watch the game at 2:45 in the morning and when its finished go straight to work , I just hope the game doesn't go to pens or I'll be late .

And I'm sure you'll be happy either way as you have the the most beautiful bird in the stadium ( she is thai ).

Thai birds 1-0 Chelski birds .

Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool .... ( Liverpool to win the tie on pens ).

[Seapok]

Hopefully Michael Mancienne will sign for us permanently in January transfer window.......otherwise he will not be allowed to play ( Chelsea decision ).......as for Sahar & Sinclair.... Sinclair is back at Chelsea already and the sooner we get rid of mummy's boy Sahar the better.......

I'm going to the game tonight against Liverpool, should be a good one against the new enemy!, apart from suffering from "man flu" I'm really looking forward to it.

Myself and the missus will be sitting near the front by the half way line, if any of you spot us let me know! haha, her gorgeous Thai face will stand out from all the other louts I'm sure.

Apparently Ballack and Sinclair will be playing tonight, it will be good to see how they get on, it will be perfect timing if they come in on form as a lot of our 1st team will either be going away or are dropping like flys!

Have a good time at the game tonight Seapok .

I have to watch the game at 2:45 in the morning and when its finished go straight to work , I just hope the game doesn't go to pens or I'll be late .

And I'm sure you'll be happy either way as you have the the most beautiful bird in the stadium ( she is thai ).

Thai birds 1-0 Chelski birds .

Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool .... ( Liverpool to win the tie on pens ).

Cheers mate I'm sure we will have a good night tonight, 3-1 to the mighty blues. Going to work straight after the game? I didn't know they have milkmen in Thailand?

[Seapok]

Chelsea v Liverpool

Both Chelsea and Liverpool head into their Carling Cup quarter-final clash on the back of Premier League defeats and will be looking to reverse their fortunes at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea coach Avram Grant has yet to decide whether or not to hand Petr Cech his first start in the cup this season.

The goalkeeper was at fault for Arsenal's winner in the Premier League on Sunday when he failed to collect a corner and with Carlo Cudicini starting in the cup games against Hull and Leicester he may have to wait his turn to redeem himself.

Michael Ballack gives Grant a boost as he makes a return to the squad for the holders. The Germany captain has not played since April and has undergone two operations on his ankle but will be included in the squad.

Captain John Terry will miss the game as he faces six weeks on the sidelines with a fractured foot that he picked up against the Gunners following a tackle by Emmanuel Eboue.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez could be tempted to make changes to his side with Xabi Alonso poised to make an appearance after 10 weeks out with a metatarsal injury.

Alonso is fit to make a return and will add some much needed strength to the Reds' midfield.

Benitez, however, has been dealt a blow with the news that skipper Steven Gerrard has been ruled out through a stomach upset and has not travelled with the rest of the squad for the clash.

Liverpool remain without Daniel Agger, who is struggling with a foot injury, while fellow defender Steve Finnan remains doubtful with a calf problem.

Liverpool are in the middle of a tough week following their league defeat to Manchester United on Sunday and Saturday sees them face Portsmouth with victory a must if they want to keep hot on the heels of their title rivals.

[mrbojangles]

Myself and the missus will be sitting near the front by the half way line, if any of you spot us let me know! haha, her gorgeous Thai face will stand out from all the other louts I'm sure.

And I'm sure you'll be happy either way as you have the the most beautiful bird in the stadium ( she is thai ).

Thai birds 1-0 Chelski birds .

I think my Mrs used to feel a bit special at City, as she was only Thai girl (as far as i could spot anyway). Nowadays with our new connections, they are alot more plentiful. Nice though

[scousemouse]

Hopefully Michael Mancienne will sign for us permanently in January transfer window.......otherwise he will not be allowed to play ( Chelsea decision ).......as for Sahar & Sinclair.... Sinclair is back at Chelsea already and the sooner we get rid of mummy's boy Sahar the better.......

I'm going to the game tonight against Liverpool, should be a good one against the new enemy!, apart from suffering from "man flu" I'm really looking forward to it.

Myself and the missus will be sitting near the front by the half way line, if any of you spot us let me know! haha, her gorgeous Thai face will stand out from all the other louts I'm sure.

Apparently Ballack and Sinclair will be playing tonight, it will be good to see how they get on, it will be perfect timing if they come in on form as a lot of our 1st team will either be going away or are dropping like flys!

Have a good time at the game tonight Seapok .

I have to watch the game at 2:45 in the morning and when its finished go straight to work , I just hope the game doesn't go to pens or I'll be late .

And I'm sure you'll be happy either way as you have the the most beautiful bird in the stadium ( she is thai ).

Thai birds 1-0 Chelski birds .

Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool .... ( Liverpool to win the tie on pens ).

Cheers mate I'm sure we will have a good night tonight, 3-1 to the mighty blues. Going to work straight after the game? I didn't know they have milkmen in Thailand?

I have to get up at 5:30 , so after the games finished it's a shower and a cup of tea and time to go to work , hopefully celebrating a Liverpool victory

[Seapok]

Chelsea 2-0 Liverpool

Chelsea booked a place in the Carling Cup semi-finals by beating a Liverpool side who had Peter Crouch red-carded.

Both sides had missed gilt-edged chances in a tight first half with Chelsea's Frank Lampard and Liverpool's Lucas Leiva having shots saved.

But Lampard atoned for his error when his strike was deflected in off Jamie Carragher before Crouch saw red for a reckless tackle on Mikel John-Obi.

Andriy Shevchenko lashed in an angled shot to secure Chelsea's win.

The match had started off like most between these two in recent times as both sides quickly closed each other down with space and time at a premium.

Liverpool's strategy saw them sit back and challenge Chelsea to find a way through, while hoping to catch their rivals on the counter-attack.

They survived a scare when keeper Charles Itandje pushed a Salomon Kalou shot wide before almost succeeding with a goal on the break.

Ryan Babel surged towards Chelsea's goal but took too much time to pick out a team-mate and his pull-back was blocked.

But there were signs of the match having more of an attacking edge as the first half progressed and Lampard should have put the home side ahead after 25 minutes.

Lampard was inadvertently put clean through on the Reds goal by Alvaro Arbeloa and seemed set to score only for Itandje to stand tall and block his shot as he tried to dink it in.

Almost immediately, a one-touch passing move on the edge of the Chelsea box gave Lucas a clean sight of goal and his angled shot was well saved by keeper Petr Cech.

The game quickly reverted to type and the rest of the opening half was a cagey affair with just a Michael Essien strike, which flashed wide, a rare threat on goal.

Essien again went close after the break when a similarly sweetly-struck effort was palmed round the post by Itandje.

Cech came to his side's rescue at the other end after Ricardo Carvalho's tame back header let in Crouch.

The Reds striker tried to chip Cech but the keeper managed to get enough of a touch to stop the ball going in and allow his backtracking defenders to clear.

It proved a vital miss as Shevchenko slipped Lampard in on goal and his shot was deflected in off Carragher.

The Reds suffered another setback before they could regroup as Crouch was sent-off for a reckless challenge on Mikel.

The lanky striker lunged two-footed at the Chelsea midfielder and referee Martin Atkinson had little hesitation in brandishing his red card.

Liverpool carried little threat with 10 men as Chelsea comfortably closed out the game.

Shevchenko sealed the win with his late goal as he powered in a shot from an acute angle after a pass by substitute Michael Ballack.

Chelsea: Cech, Bridge, Carvalho, Belletti, Ben-Haim, Essien, Obi (Ballack 68), Lampard, Kalou, Shevchenko (Sidwell 90), Sinclair (Joe Cole 57).

Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Ferreira.

Goals: Lampard 59, Shevchenko 90.

Liverpool: Itandje, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hobbs, Aurelio, Sissoko, Lucas, Alonso (El Zhar 60), Voronin, Crouch, Babel (Benayoun 73).

Subs Not Used: Martin, Hyypia, Riise.

Sent Off: Crouch (60).

Booked: Alonso, Lucas, Sissoko.

Att: 41,366

Ref: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire).

[oldgit]

Hopefully Michael Mancienne will sign for us permanently in January transfer window.......otherwise he will not be allowed to play ( Chelsea decision ).......as for Sahar & Sinclair.... Sinclair is back at Chelsea already and the sooner we get rid of mummy's boy Sahar the better.......

I'm going to the game tonight against Liverpool, should be a good one against the new enemy!, apart from suffering from "man flu" I'm really looking forward to it.

Myself and the missus will be sitting near the front by the half way line, if any of you spot us let me know! haha, her gorgeous Thai face will stand out from all the other louts I'm sure.

Apparently Ballack and Sinclair will be playing tonight, it will be good to see how they get on, it will be perfect timing if they come in on form as a lot of our 1st team will either be going away or are dropping like flys!

Mr.S How dare you refer to your fellow Chelsea supporters as 'louts'.I hope none of them read this thread and take offence!Don't think they will though because they'll be all googoo eyed looking at the missus

[oldgit]

Hopefully Michael Mancienne will sign for us permanently in January transfer window.......otherwise he will not be allowed to play ( Chelsea decision ).......as for Sahar & Sinclair.... Sinclair is back at Chelsea already and the sooner we get rid of mummy's boy Sahar the better.......

As it was only Q.P.R.,we thought we would send you a couple of 'non triers'.Did the same with Carlton Cole when he went on loan to Charlton.He never lifted a leg there according to a few of my friends in South East London.He's a bit better now he's permantly at yer'Ammers.

[pattayarangers]

" As it was only QPR"

Let me guess another Chelsea fan who has been going for last 40 years home and away ?

Funny every Chelsea fan I meet is a life long fan......

[Seapok]

Hopefully Michael Mancienne will sign for us permanently in January transfer window.......otherwise he will not be allowed to play ( Chelsea decision ).......as for Sahar & Sinclair.... Sinclair is back at Chelsea already and the sooner we get rid of mummy's boy Sahar the better.......

I'm going to the game tonight against Liverpool, should be a good one against the new enemy!, apart from suffering from "man flu" I'm really looking forward to it.

Myself and the missus will be sitting near the front by the half way line, if any of you spot us let me know! haha, her gorgeous Thai face will stand out from all the other louts I'm sure.

Apparently Ballack and Sinclair will be playing tonight, it will be good to see how they get on, it will be perfect timing if they come in on form as a lot of our 1st team will either be going away or are dropping like flys!

Mr.S How dare you refer to your fellow Chelsea supporters as 'louts'.I hope none of them read this thread and take offence!Don't think they will though because they'll be all googoo eyed looking at the missus

No offence intended old boy but looking at some of the birds down there would turn you gay!! haha

[Seapok]

" As it was only QPR"

Let me guess another Chelsea fan who has been going for last 40 years home and away ?

Funny every Chelsea fan I meet is a life long fan......

Yeah the majority of us are true blues, we've all suffered the bad old days now we are reaping the awards of success, I've got my tickets sorted for the QPR game, should be a lesson in football for your boys to saviour!

[oldgit]

" As it was only QPR"

Let me guess another Chelsea fan who has been going for last 40 years home and away ?

Funny every Chelsea fan I meet is a life long fan......

I guarantee I've been a Chelsea supporter longer than you've been a Q.P.R. fan.Where can I start.Oh,I was at the match with my dad, that won us the league in 1955.Chelsea v Sheff.Wed 3-0.Long enough?

[pattayarangers]

yes here we go ...I was there in 1950 yawn yawn yawn !!!!

The Telegraph - Lakshmi Mittal pushes QPR up the rich list

By Kevin Garside

Roman's is no longer the pre-eminent pocket in west London. In one cursory flourish of his platinum card, the world's fifth richest man, who is worth £26 billion, has restructured the pecking order in Kensington and Chelsea. Ronaldinho is practically a Queens Park Rangers player. You never know, David Beckham might be supplying the crosses. He'd look good in hoops.

Fantasy is part of the infrastructure at Queen's Park Rangers. Ordinarily it extends no further than the absent fans, the thousands who proclaim allegiance, who convince themselves that they are supporters but so rarely trouble the turnstiles. Now Lakshmi Mittal is on board, to the tune of a 20 per cent holding, the missing Rangers hordes will be knocking down the doors before you can say Jose Mourinho for manager.

Money men: Lakshmi Mittal has joined forces with Bernie Ecclestone at Loftus Road

In 1974, a record 35,353 turned up to watch Don Revie's Leeds. The capacity now, albeit all-seated, is a more modest 19,100, a figure unlikely to be challenged by the visit of Colchester tomorrow. Make the most of the modest fare; the club is not planning to wither much longer in the nether regions of the game.

Just two months ago the catalyst among the Loftus Road magnates, Formula One's Bernie Ecclestone, sat in the Fuji paddock eulogising Rangers. Earlier that day Mount Fuji emerged from behind the clouds that had cloaked its wondrous peak. One wondered whether Bernie had the right Rangers, whether his state had not been altered by the mind-bending properties associated with Japan's magical mountain.

He spoke of a commitment to revisit the days of Thomas and Francis, of Marsh and Bowles, of a desire to parade Rangers in Europe, to dip the old place in stardust and give Loftus Road a facelift. The unveiling yesterday of Mittal as a partner in this preternatural project added weight to the fancy.

"Mittal is a mate of mine as you know," Ecclestone said. "I told him he should come on board; he took my advice. We want this to work. This is a great old club - they haven't always been where they are today. They were challenging Liverpool for the league title back in the Seventies. That is where we want to see them again, in the top flight.

advertisement"What surprises me is the number of people who are supporters that you never dreamt would be. I speak to people and they tell me they have been supporting QPR all their lives. We'll tidy the whole place up now and see what we can come up with. There will be investment in the club to make it the best it can be. There is a proper board in place and they will decide what the spend will be."

Having spent £30 million sending his daughter down the aisle, Mittal is unlikely to be counting the pennies. When asked if Mittal's involvement was a statement of intent, Ecclestone, hardly thrifty himself, replied: "Absolutely."

Seventeen years ago, a former sheet metal worker from Blackburn sold his company to British Steel for £360 million. Twelve months later, fans of Blackburn Rovers thought they must have died and gone to football heaven. Jack Walker was the new chairman and splashing millions on new stands and Alan Shearer. The result, in 1995, was a first championship since 1914.

Under Kenny Dalglish, Blackburn bloodied the noses of the football aristocracy. Under Mourinho, propelled by Roman's rubles, Chelsea added a second and third title 40 years after claiming their first. The mind boggles at the potential inherent in the bank balances of Messrs Mittal, Ecclestone and [Flavio] Briatore.

January offers the first opportunity to measure intent. This improbable triumvirate could blow the transfer window off its Roman-plated hinges. The teams immediately above QPR in the Championship table are all a whiter shade of pale this morning.

Briatore is the man pulling the strings. This is the same former ski instructor who made niche Italian knitwear sell like hot cakes. He then made Benetton winners in grand prix racing, introducing a chap called Michael Schumacher to the global stage. Ten years later he repeated the feat at Renault, making Fernando Alonso a double world champion.

Blackburn were decaying in the old Second Division when Walker blew into Ewood Park. Within a year they were founder members of the Premiership. Dizzying progress is the minimum requirement at QPR. This quaint, harmless club is about to be fast-tracked into the big league. If manager Luigi de Canio cannot fashion it, Briatore will find another who can. And don't be surprised were he to speak Portuguese.

www.telegraph.co.uk/garside

Loftus Road magnates

Lakshmi Mittal

Born: Sadulpur, India.

Age: 57.

Reputed to be the fifth-richest man in the world, Mittal owns 44 per cent of ArcelorMittal, the world's largest steel company. He began his career by working in his family's steel business, but in 1994 he branched out to take over the company's international operations, eventually becoming president of the board of directors.

Worth £26 billion

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bernie Ecclestone

Born: Bungay, Suffolk. Age: 77

Ecclestone, the 'ringmaster' for F1 motor racing, he made his mark by buying the Brabham team in 1972. Became chief executive of the F1 Constructors Association in 1978 and pioneered the sale of TV rights for the sport. Was at the centre of a controversy in 1997 when he gave the Labour Party a £1m donation.

Worth £2.25 billion

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Flavio Briatore

Born: Cuneo, Italy. Age: 57.

Managing director of the Renault F1 team. Made his fortune after going into business with clothing company founder Luciano Benetton. Became managing director of the Benetton F1 team and then took on a similar role when it became Benetton-Renault, and then simply Renault.

Worth £50 Million

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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[pattayarangers]

QPR 6-0 Chelsea (Easter Monday, 1986) - Many Rangers fans favourite game against their rivals was a 6-0 victory on Easter Monday in 1986. Chelsea were 2nd in the league table at the time, but went into the match having lost 4-0 to West Ham United two days previously; this result all but ended their title challenge

were you there for this 1 ?

[pattayarangers]

No seriously , have many true Chelsea fans as mates...they have been through thick and thin times...........but also have met many ' jonnie come lately fans ' ..( even work with one here in Pattaya....been to 1 Chelsea game, used to support Oxford, until the money came ).........sure the same thing will happen to us now we have the money..........as for myself , my 1st Rangers game was Hull at home in 1969......since then done 75 grounds watching Rangers.......mostly losing it has to be said .......2 full seasons in 80's without missing a game.......

[oldgit]

No seriously , have many true Chelsea fans as mates...they have been through thick and thin times...........but also have met many ' jonnie come lately fans ' ..( even work with one here in Pattaya....been to 1 Chelsea game, used to support Oxford, until the money came ).........sure the same thing will happen to us now we have the money..........as for myself , my 1st Rangers game was Hull at home in 1969......since then done 75 grounds watching Rangers.......mostly losing it has to be said .......2 full seasons in 80's without missing a game.......

I know what you mean.Some of 'em couldn't tell you the name of the manager,now.My era where I was demented for every game was the 60's and the 70's(Osgood,Hudson,Cooke,Harris etc.)I remember going to Athens for the Cup Winners Cup Final against Real Madrid and,because it was 1-1,had the replay the NEXT DAY.No good to me and my brothers because we booked our coach back the same day but saw the game on T.V. in Paris.

[pattayarangers]

I went to Chelsea away at Leeds in mid 80's.....I reckon Chelsea must have had minimum 10,000 there......excellent support....also the Sunderland milk cup semi at SBridge.......not a good night to be a Sunderland fan or Clive Walker !!!

I have a lot of time for the real Chelsea fans.......like us , they have seen some total crap footabll, but still kept going......

[chavy]

Why don't you start a QPR thread ?