Chelsea Fc Thread

[Seapok]

Essien - Title within reach

Michael Essien is confident that Chelsea can win their remaining seven games and beat Manchester United in the Premier League title race.

The Blues moved into second place with a 2-1 victory over Arsenal on Sunday but they remain five points adrift of United.

However, Essien has warned Sir Alex Ferguson's side to expect a fight to the finish as he insists there is still plenty of time for teams to drop points.

"We've shown character by storming back into contention for the title when not many people gave us a chance," the midfielder told The Sun.

"We need that character to get through the remaining matches successfully.

"It is very important for us to beat United if we are to win the title. But ultimately we must win all our remaining matches to be sure.

"At this stage of the season any team is capable of dropping points so it is well within our reach to win the title."

Essien also believes Chelsea have an excellent chance of winning the UEFA Champions League after advancing to the quarter-finals.

They will meet Fenerbahce in the last eight but Essien has stressed that the Turkish side will not be taken for granted.

He said: "In the past when people have written us off, we defied the odds and put in good performances. Also, when a lot of people said we were going to win the Champions League, it did not happen.

"So predicting something is difficult, but what I can assure you is we won't underestimate any team. All the strong teams in Europe are in the competition."

Essien has struggled to get in the Chelsea side in recent weeks with Frank Lampard and Michael Ballck preferred in the centre of midfield.

However, the Ghanaian is happy with his role and determined to contribute in whatever way he can over the last two months.

He added: "The team is the most important thing. I'm not used to sitting on the bench but I will always give 100 per cent to the team and will continue to do that."

[RubbaJohnny]

In the last decade my favourite were

Zola,Weah and Drogba

though all of these will never match Peter Bonetti 'the'cat

goalkeeper extraordinaire and genmtleman

[Seapok]

In the last decade my favourite were

Zola,Weah and Drogba

though all of these will never match Peter Bonetti 'the'cat

goalkeeper extraordinaire and genmtleman

Are you referring to Chelsea players in the last decade? Weah was only at the bridge for one season, there have been far better players than Weah at Chelsea over the last 10 years.

[Seapok]

Chelsea v Middlesbrough

Stamford Bridge

Sunday, 30 March

Kick-off: 1330 BST

Coverage on the BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on Match of the Day

Chelsea boss Avram Grant faces an anxious wait to see if captain John Terry (hamstring) and midfielder Frank Lampard (illness) will be fit.

Goalkeeper Petr Cech should have recovered from his ankle problem to be included in Grant's squad.

Middlesbrough must give late fitness tests to Robert Huth and Luke Young.

Huth has foot problem and is very doubtful, while Young has a hamstring injury. Boro are also without suspended duo Mido and Fabio Rochemback.

Chelsea manager Avram Grant:

"Middlesbrough drew at Arsenal last time, so we need to do our job. It won't be easy. But I don't think Arsenal are out of the race.

"You need to keep your players focused all the time, especially now when you're coming up to the last games. We've done a good job up to now.

"We were many points behind Arsenal and now we're above them. But they're still in the race. That's my opinion. Not even one team will take all the points.

"Frank Lampard is not feeling so well. He didn't train today but we'll see John Terry trained and I think he'll be okay."

Middlesbrough player Emmanuel Pogatetz:

"You know if you go to a big club like Chelsea you won't get any presents there and you can't expect any help off the referee.

"There's more pressure on the referees from the top clubs because if they make a decision against the top four clubs it will be in the media a long time.

"If they make a decision against us it will maybe be in the regional papers.

"I think they think twice before giving a decision against a top four club and once before they make a decision against us. But that is just human nature because of the spotlight."

Chelsea squad: Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Belletti, Ferreira, Ben-Haim, Carvalho, Terry, Alex, A Cole, Bridge, Sidwell, Essien, Lampard, Ballack, Makelele, Shevchenko, Drogba, Kalou, Wright-Phillips, Pizarro, Anelka, Mikel, J Cole, Malouda.

Middlesbrough squad: Schwarzer, Turnbull, Young, Wheater, Pogatetz, Huth, Taylor, Grounds, O'Neil, Boateng, Shawky, Downing, Johnson, Cattermole, Tuncay, Alves, Aliadiere.

BIG-MATCH FACTS

Chelsea have not finished outside the top two in four seasons, but could find themselves in third place, eight points behind defending champions Manchester United by the time this game kicks off.

The Blues are on the longest current unbeaten run in the Premier League of 14 matches, and have not dropped a home point to a North-East club since April 2004 (v Middlesbrough).

Middlesbrough are also the last North-East club to defeat them; 2-1 at the Riverside on 23 August 2006.

Chelsea have picked up 12 more Premier League wins this season than Middlesbrough (20 to eight); the Teessiders have suffered 10 more defeats than the West Londoners (13 to three).

This will be Gareth Southgate's 70th league match in charge of Middlesbrough, who have won 20 in his tutorage.

Chelsea are pursuing a 50th victory in competitive matches against Middlesbrough. They've won the last two Premier League matches against the Teessiders, scoring five and conceding none.

Chelsea have quarter-final Champions League business in Turkey after this; Middlesbrough face another of the 'Big Four' in Manchester United at the Riverside. The Teessiders have won one of their 13 against that elite quartet (Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United); 2-1, home to Arsenal on 9 December.

CLUB FORM

CHELSEA

(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League fixtures, and refer to stats and sequences in the Premier League only, unless stated otherwise)

1. Won 10 and drawn four of the last 14, since losing 1-0, away to Arsenal on 16 December - their only reverse in 24.

2. Won 29, drawn nine and lost four of 42 league and cup matches under Avram Grant; the losses being against Manchester United (a) and Arsenal (a) in the league, Tottenham in the Carling Cup final and Barnsley in the FA Cup.

3. Won 17, drawn six and lost two of the 25 league outings under the Israeli.

4. Won 20 matches; only Manchester United (23) have won more. Lost three; only Arsenal have lost fewer (two). Dropped 25 points in the top division; only Manchester United (20) have dropped fewer.

5. Let in 23 goals at one every 121 minutes (two hours one minute) on average this season; only Manchester United (15) have shipped fewer.

6. Kept 17 clean sheets; only the Red Devils beat that (19). Also, not lost when scoring first; won 16 and drawn three of 19.

7. Picked up six red cards in this league. Only Blackburn and Fulham have also had that many players sent off.

8. Won all four fixtures against North-West clubs this season, and won the last eight at home against sides from the region since being held to a goalless draw by Middlesbrough at the Bridge on 10 April 2004.

9. Won 46 and drawn 16 of 62 at home in all competitions since the 1-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League on 22 February 2006. Not lost a league game at the Bridge since the 1-2 reverse to Arsenal on 21 February 2004 (won 58, drawn 20). Not lost in 98 domestic matches in front of the home faithful if penalty shoot-outs are excluded, since the defeat to Arsenal over four years ago.

10. This match precedes the Champions League quarter-final, away to Fenerbahce on Wednesday. The league run-in is:-

Manchester City (a)

Wigan (h)

Everton (a)

Manchester United (h)

Newcastle (a)

Bolton (h)

MIDDLESBROUGH

(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League fixtures, and refer to stats and sequences in the Premier League only, unless stated otherwise)

1. Won one of five in all competitions.

2. Won one of five, and lost two of 10, scoring one goal in each of the last three.

3. Not achieved back-to-back wins in 14 outings since defeating Arsenal (h) and Derby (a) on 1 and 9 December respectively.

4. Only scored more than a single goal in one of the last 15 matches; the odd goal in five defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on 23 February.

5. Not won by more than a single goal in 26 since a 2-0 home victory over Birmingham on 1 September.

6. The current tally of 34 points after 31 is their lowest to this corresponding stage in seven seasons.

7. Picked up more cards than any other club; 76 (74 yellows and two red).

8. Won five of 35 away, under Gareth Southgate.

9. Not won in five away; drawn four of the five since prevailing 0-1, against Portsmouth at Fratton Park on 29 December 2007; their only victory in seven on the road.

10. The run-in is:-

Manchester United (h)

Tottenham (a)

Bolton (h)

Sunderland (a)

Portsmouth (h)

Manchester City (h)

KEY PLAYER NOTES

CHELSEA

Frank LAMPARD is Chelsea's top scorer with 17 goals.

LAMPARD is also the clubs' leading marksmen in the Premier League, with 10. (Nicolas ANELKA scored 10 for Bolton and has got one for Chelsea.)

If selected:-

Tal BEN-HAIM will be playing on the eve of his 26th birthday.

If on the field from the outset:-

Ricardo CALVALHO will be making his 150th appearance in a Chelsea shirt.

MIDDLESBROUGH

Stewart DOWNING is Middlesbrough's top scorer with seven goals.

DOWNING is also the clubs' top Premier League marksmen, with six.

DOWNING is the only remaining player to have started every one of Middlesbrough's Premier League matches this season.

If selected:-

Jeremie ALIADIERE will be playing on his 25th birthday.

HEAD TO HEAD

Chelsea have kept clean sheets in 15 of their 25 Premier League meetings with Middlesbrough, including the last two.

Middlesbrough have never won a Premier League match at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have not lost to the 'Boro at the Bridge in 33 years; Alan Willey and John Craggs scored in a 1-2 triumph on 22 March 1975.

The last time Chelsea were relegated in 1987-88, it was Middlesbrough who sent them down with a 2-1 aggregate win in the play-offs.

Home and away

League (inc PL): Chelsea 44 wins, Middlesbrough 28, Draws 29

Prem: Chelsea 14 wins, Middlesbrough 5, Draws 6

at Chelsea only

League (inc PL): Chelsea 32 wins, Middlesbrough 5, Draws 13

Prem: Chelsea 9 wins, Middlesbrough 0, Draws 3

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME

Chelsea 3-0 Middlesbrough

10 February 2007 - Ref: Chris Foy

Chelsea scorers: Drogba 45, Xavier 66 og, Drogba 83

THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE

Middlesbrough 0-2 Chelsea

20 December 2007 - Ref: Mark Halsey

Chelsea scorers: Drogba 8, Alex 57

REFEREE

Phil Dowd (Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire)

[Seapok]

Chelsea 1-0 Middlesbrough

A rare Ricardo Carvalho goal was enough for Chelsea as they hung on to beat Middlesbrough at Stamford Bridge.

The defender headed home Wayne Bridge's free-kick inside six minutes.

But the visitors were unlucky not to claim at least a share of the spoils as they were denied by the woodwork on three occasions.

Substitute Afonso Alves hit the post from 35 yards and both he and defender David Wheater headed against the bar in a late goalmouth scramble.

Chelsea went into the game without top scorer Frank Lampard, who was suffering from a virus, while Gareth Southgate named an unchanged Boro side.

The home side started brightly and after Didier Drogba had tested Mark Schwarzer from distance, Carvalho headed the home side in front.

The Portuguese defender, making his 150th appearance for the club, rose highest to meet Bridge's free-kick from the left and guided the ball past the outstretched Schwarzer for his first goal of the season.

It could have been even worse for Boro moments later, but Drogba could only plant his near-post header wide from Saloman Kalou's corner.

After their bright start, however, Chelsea took their foot off the gas and allowed the visitors back into the game.

Despite that, Boro struggled to create many clear-cut chances and Stuart Downing's low shot from distance, which Carlo Cudicini saved easily down to his right, was about all they good muster in the opening half.

Chelsea could have extended their lead as the half wore on but Kalou saw his shot blocked after good work from Michael Essien, and Joe Cole shot straight at Schwarzer after a marauding run from Drogba.

And just before half-time the Ivory Coast striker had a great chance to make it 2-0 but he headed Cole's cross over the bar when unmarked.

The second half followed the same pattern as the first with Chelsea making most of the early running.

John Terry headed straight at Schwarzer and Essien's dipping volley flew just over, but the home fans were frustrated as their side's football lacked pace and penetration.

Manager Avram Grant replaced Michael Ballack with Shaun Wright-Phillips and he should have put the game beyond doubt as he first shot wide and then over when well placed.

Brazilian striker Alves should have levelled the score with 20 minutes remaining, when he beat the on-rushing Cudicini to the ball 35 yards out but hit the post with his shot.

And although the visitors swarmed forward in the closing stages, luck was on Chelsea's side.

First Alves headed onto the crossbar and Wheater followed suit with the rebound, before the ball fell to Jeremie Aliadiere who smashed his effort well wide.

Chelsea manager Avram Grant:

"It was important to get the win at this stage of the season.

"There are a few games to go. It was not a great performance but it was very important that we got the points.

"Middlesbrough's set-pieces troubled us in the second half but I think we deserved the victory even if it was not a quality game.

"We didn't play as well as we can and sometimes this happens. But we created chances and scored a goal so that is what matters."

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate:

"I think the second half we were much better. In the first half we looked like we came here to swap shirts and watch Chelsea play.

"But in the second we rattled them, put pressure on Chelsea and I was pleased with the second half. We could have had a penalty and pushed them all the way.

"We changed the shape at half-time and our mentality changed as well. We seemed content to be losing 1-0 and needed to be more positive and test them which we did.

"This is a young group of lads and this kind of performance, especially the second half, will help them grow in belief."

Chelsea: Cudicini, Belletti, Carvalho, Terry, Bridge, Ballack (Wright-Phillips 65), Essien, Obi, Joe Cole, Drogba (Alex 89), Kalou (Anelka 78).

Subs Not Used: Hilario, Shevchenko.

Booked: Belletti.

Goals: Carvalho 6.

Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Young, Wheater, Pogatetz, Taylor, O'Neil (Johnson 79), Cattermole (Shawky 89), Boateng, Downing, Sanli (Alves 64), Aliadiere.

Subs Not Used: Turnbull, McMahon.

Booked: Cattermole.

Att: 39,993

Ref: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire).

[onethailand]

Man of the Match: G. Post (Chelsea)

[mrtoad]

Man of the Match: G. Post (Chelsea)

[oldgit]

Man of the Match: G. Post (Chelsea)

Didn't you know our manager's got a hot line to heaven?

[mrtoad]

Man of the Match: G. Post (Chelsea)

Didn't you know our manager's got a hot line to heaven?

It seems that way.

[Seapok]

Man of the Match: G. Post (Chelsea)

Didn't you know our manager's got a hot line to heaven?

It seems that way.

I just hope our luck holds out tonight, a 2-0 win would be very pleasing on the eye!

[MSingh]

As Seapok hasn't seemed to post the Match Report from alst night, it gives me great pleasure to say................

Fenerbahce 2-1 Chelsea

By Chris Bevan

Fenerbahce mounted a stunning comeback to shock Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

Chelsea took the lead when Deivid diverted Florent Malouda's cross into his own net and Michael Essien also hit the bar in a one-sided first half.

But the Turkish side levelled when London-born Colin Kazim-Richards smashed home Mehmet Aurelio's pass. And Deivid made amends for his early error to win the game with a superb 30-yard strike into the top corner.

Teams of the calibre of Inter Milan, PSV Eindhoven and Sevilla have also come a cropper at the Sukru Saracoglu stadium this season but Chelsea's defeat was a huge surprise after the way they began the game.

The hostile atmosphere provided by their fans has undoubtedly played a part in Fenerbahce's impressive home record in Europe but the Istanbul crowd were soon silenced here.

606: DEBATE Does Grant still know what he's doing? I think not!

bluereed

Zico's tactic of pushing Fenerbahce's full-backs forward left Malouda and Joe Cole acres of space on the flanks in the early stages and it was from that route that the visitors' goal came.

Michael Ballack dummied the ball for Malouda to run down the left and his cross flew into the net after hitting Deivid's outstretched leg.

Fenerbahce did not learn from that setback and could easily have been 2-0 down within minutes when Essien strode forward unchallenged down the right and crashed a shot against the bar.

The chances kept coming for Chelsea too and Didier Drogba headed wide before he forced a great save out of Volkan Demirel from a tight angle.

Demirel did well again before the break when he beat Drogba to Ballack's through ball with the home defence again nowhere to be seen.

It seemed just a matter of time before Avram Grant's side got a second goal but instead, as the game wore on, Fenerbahce fought back.

Deivid grabbed a spectacular late winner for Fenerbahce

Their first chances of the game resulted in Alex heading wide when well-placed before Mateja Kezman tested Carlo Cudicini with an overhead kick.

And Chelsea looked less than convincing at the back even before Richards, who managed only one goal in the Premier League last season during an ill-fated spell at Sheffield United, came off the bench to play a key role in his side's fightback.

The former Bury and Brighton forward gave his side some much-needed energy up front alongside the lethargic Kezman and his pace also played a part in their equaliser.

Richards ran clear to meet Aurelio's lobbed through ball and power his shot past a helpless Cudicini.

That clearly rocked Chelsea and suddenly they were the side looking vulnerable, while Fenerbahce poured forward.

Grant's side seemed to have weathered the storm, however, and they threatened again through Ballack before Deivid turned from villain to hero in dramatic style with nine minutes left.

The Brazilian picked up the ball 30 yards from goal and considered his options before unleashing a thunderous strike that flew past Cudicini and into the roof of the net.

Credit must go to Zico for masterminding his side's recovery but Chelsea's first defeat in Europe adds fuel to the fire for those who doubt Grant's ability in big games - and leaves the Blues boss with plenty to think about ahead of next Tuesday's second leg.

Fenerbahce: Demirel, Turaci, Lugano, Edu Dracena, Wederson, Maldonado, Aurelio, Boral (Kazim-Richards 54), Deivid, Alex, Kezman (Senturk 72).

Subs Not Used: Kulbilge, Cakmak, Aslan, Bilgin, Sahin.

Goals: Kazim-Richards 64, Deivid 81.

Chelsea: Cudicini, Essien, Carvalho, Terry, Ashley Cole, Makelele, Joe Cole (Anelka 85), Ballack, Lampard (Obi 76), Malouda, Drogba.

Subs Not Used: Hilario, Ferreira, Kalou, Wright-Phillips, Alex.

Goals: Deivid 13 og.

Att: 49,000 Ref: Claus Bo Larsen (Denmark).

[mrtoad]

As Seapok hasn't seemed to post the Match Report from alst night, it gives me great pleasure to say................

Fenerbahce 2-1 Chelsea

Att: 49,000 Ref: Claus Bo Larsen (Denmark).

Very happy with that result, but to be honestI still reckon Chelsea will get through comfortably. I'm no fan of them, but they are a good team, and have an excellent record at home.

Looks like a Liverpool v Chelsea Semi final, again.

[chavy]

Another foot in mouth comment from Masefield last night. After dominating the first half but only having a solitary goal to show for it, Masefield was asked by JD. "Do you think this domination could come back to bite Chelsea due to not putting away their chances" Masefield..."No way, Chelsea are far too dominant to let that happen ... Well done Mase, top pundit !!

[mrtoad]

Another foot in mouth comment from Masefield last night. After dominating the first half but only having a solitary goal to show for it, Masefield was asked by JD. "Do you think this domination could come back to bite Chelsea due to not putting away their chances" Masefield..."No way, Chelsea are far too dominant to let that happen ... Well done Mase, top pundit !!

A top <deleted> is a far better description.

[oldgit]

Seriously though,lads,this bloke is getting paid decent money to indulge us in his superior knowledge of the game but all he ever does is go for the obvious. He doesn't think about the game the way and weigh up the options because he's a lazy minded loafer.

Regarding the game,Chelsea should have put the game away before half time.The problem was that Drogba wanted to be on the end of everthing when there were other players in much better goal scoring positions.The number of times I saw Joe Cole,Ballack and Mallouda making runs into acres of space inside the box only to see Drogba take the wrong option.If we had shown some imagination around the penalty area,we wouldn't be sweating on the home tie.

[Seapok]

Seriously though,lads,this bloke is getting paid decent money to indulge us in his superior knowledge of the game but all he ever does is go for the obvious. He doesn't think about the game the way and weigh up the options because he's a lazy minded loafer.

Regarding the game,Chelsea should have put the game away before half time.The problem was that Drogba wanted to be on the end of everthing when there were other players in much better goal scoring positions.The number of times I saw Joe Cole,Ballack and Mallouda making runs into acres of space inside the box only to see Drogba take the wrong option.If we had shown some imagination around the penalty area,we wouldn't be sweating on the home tie.

Thanks for doing my post Msingh, I really couldn't be bothered last night, what is that toad up to? why play Essien at right back when we have two recognised right backs, who have both won the Champions League! Mallouda......what the hel_l was he doing on the pitch, the guy is a waste of space, no confidence and no pace. Mourinho would of taken him off at half time, playing Anelka for 6 minutes out on the wing???...........Avram sort this mess out or we will end up with nothing

[Seapok]

Ballack: We threw it away

Michael Ballack could not hide his frustration at seeing Chelsea slip to a late 2-1 defeat to Fenerbahce.

The Blues had been coasting in the first leg of their quarter-final clash against the Turkish outfit, before slipping to defeat.

Deivid's early on goal put Chelsea in front, but second half efforts from Colin Kazim-Richards and a wonder goal by Deivid capped a remarkable turnaround.

"We're very disappointed. We had a big chance to win here. It shouldn't happen," he told Sky Sports.

"We gave them a chance to come back. We're very disappointed because we didn't play badly in the second half.

"Even at 1-1 we had two good chances to score the second goal. Me and Didier had chances to score a second goal. It was our fault.

"We threw it away. It was a good game. We controlled the first half. We didn't concentrate enough. We have to concentrate for 90 minutes.

"Everything is in our hands. We need to win to return leg."

[scousemouse]

Even tough you got beat I'm sure your lot will turn over Fenerbache at the Bridge.

Fenerbache are a force to be reckoned with on their own patch after having beaten Sevilla , Inter Milan and now Chelsea , but away from home they are pish and we'll be seeing you in the Semi's .

[mrtoad]

Seriously though,lads,this bloke is getting paid decent money to indulge us in his superior knowledge of the game but all he ever does is go for the obvious. He doesn't think about the game the way and weigh up the options because he's a lazy minded loafer.

Regarding the game,Chelsea should have put the game away before half time.The problem was that Drogba wanted to be on the end of everthing when there were other players in much better goal scoring positions.The number of times I saw Joe Cole,Ballack and Mallouda making runs into acres of space inside the box only to see Drogba take the wrong option.If we had shown some imagination around the penalty area,we wouldn't be sweating on the home tie.

Thanks for doing my post Msingh, I really couldn't be bothered last night, what is that toad up to? why play Essien at right back when we have two recognised right backs, who have both won the Champions League! Mallouda......what the hel_l was he doing on the pitch, the guy is a waste of space, no confidence and no pace. Mourinho would of taken him off at half time, playing Anelka for 6 minutes out on the wing???...........Avram sort this mess out or we will end up with nothing

I ain't done nothing.

Seriously, I reckon you'll turn them over by 3 goals at home.

[scousemouse]

Even though you got beat I'm sure your lot will turn over Fenerbache at the Bridge.

Fenerbache are a force to be reckoned with on their own patch after having beaten Sevilla , Inter Milan and now Chelsea , but away from home they are pish and we'll be seeing you in the Semi's .

... but I would prefer it if Fenerbache won of course

[Seapok]

Even though you got beat I'm sure your lot will turn over Fenerbache at the Bridge.

Fenerbache are a force to be reckoned with on their own patch after having beaten Sevilla , Inter Milan and now Chelsea , but away from home they are pish and we'll be seeing you in the Semi's .

... but I would prefer it if Fenerbache won of course

If we make it to the semi's and if you do also of course we have to beat you this time, 3rd time lucky and law of averages and all that.

[Seapok]

Grant demands focused finish

Chelsea manager Avram Grant fears a lack of concentration may scupper his side's hopes for silverware this season.

The Blues remain in the hunt for glory both at home and abroad this season, but recently let a 3-1 lead slip against Tottenham in the Premier League and on Wednesday Fenerbahce came from a goal behind to record a first leg advantage in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

And Grant insists his players must begin to focus for the full 90 minutes as the end of the campaign approaches.

"It has happened to us for the second or third time and especially when we play well," said Grant.

"We lost our concentration against Tottenham in what was one of our best performances in the league. It then happened in the Champions League when we produced one of our best performances in Europe.

"When you play well, maybe it is human nature, you think everything is going well and you don't need to be careful.

"We don't like it and it will not happen again. We need to continue to play good football like we did against Tottenham and Fenerbahce but we need to concentrate all the game. One attack can lose you a game like it did on Wednesday."

Chelsea, who travel to Manchester City on Saturday, sit second in the Premier League and Grant is keen to add pressure on table-topping Manchester United with three points at Eastlands.

"We are coming now to the important part of the season and we need to do our job," Grant continued.

"Manchester United are ahead of us and they have tough games like us. We need to do our business and maybe put a little bit of pressure on them."

Meanwhile, Grant is expected to stick with Carlo Cudicini in goal against City - despite Petr Cech nearing full fitness following an ankle problem.

"Until yesterday Cech had made a lot of improvement and we need to see where he is at the end of the recovery period," Grant added.

"He is better than 50-50, he is almost ready. It will be a medical decision. But we have other goalkeepers who have done a good job this year."

[MSingh]

Thanks for doing my post Msingh, I really couldn't be bothered last night, what is that toad up to? why play Essien at right back when we have two recognised right backs, who have both won the Champions League! Mallouda......what the hel_l was he doing on the pitch, the guy is a waste of space, no confidence and no pace. Mourinho would of taken him off at half time, playing Anelka for 6 minutes out on the wing???...........Avram sort this mess out or we will end up with nothing

My pleasure Seapok..

[Seapok]

Man City 0-2 Chelsea

Chelsea saw off Manchester City to move to within two points of Premier League leaders Manchester United.

Avram Grant's side were gifted the lead when Richard Dunne diverted Nicolas Anelka's cross into his own net.

City responded by creating a succession of good chances and Carlo Cudicini did well to keep out Martin Petrov's shot.

But Salomon Kalou rounded Joe Hart and slotted home to give Chelsea breathing space, and only two superb Hart saves stopped Anelka adding to their tally.

It was a vital win for Chelsea and means they maintain the pressure on United, who travel to play Middlesbrough on Sunday.

Grant was in charge when Chelsea thumped City 6-0 at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season and the way they began this game suggested they would enjoy another walk in the park.

The visitors were well on top even before Dunne diverted Anelka's cross past Hart while trying to prevent it from reaching Michael Essien.

Only a superb saving tackle by Nedum Onuoha stopped Anelka when he broke free again minutes later as Grant's side continued to press.

Things looked ominous for City, who have gone off the boil badly in recent weeks and have only won three of their last 15 league games.

But they responded well and with better finishing could have been level by the break. Petrov rattled one shot wide and Michael Johnson skied a volley when well placed.

City went even closer when Benjani pulled the ball back for Stephen Ireland, who saw his goalbound shot cannon over off Juliano Belletti's leg.

And it took a superb save from Cudicini to tip over out Petrov's next effort - which was heading for the top corner - before Ashley Cole had to clear Johnson's deflected shot off the line.

Chelsea were still looking dangerous on the break and only another superb Onuoha tackle stopped Anelka when he found more space in the area.

But it was not until Kalou scored their second goal that they looked at all comfortable with the lead.

Essien was involved again in the build-up, with his pass deflecting off the luckless Dunne and into the path of the Ivory Coast striker, who finished with aplomb.

That ended City's hopes of getting anything from the game and if not for Hart they would have suffered an even heavier defeat.

The England Under-21 star did well to deny Anelka in a one-on-one situation when he ran through seconds after Kalou had scored.

And Hart made an even better stop when he tipped the Frenchman's header on to the bar before recovering to paw away the rebound.

Chelsea can head into the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Fenerbahce on Tuesday with renewed confidence.

But City's slump continues and a serious-looking injury to Onuoha, who was stretchered off in pain before the end, added to what was a frustrating afternoon for their manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.

[truebluefan]

Man City 0-2 Chelsea

Chelsea saw off Manchester City to move to within two points of Premier League leaders Manchester United.

Avram Grant's side were gifted the lead when Richard Dunne diverted Nicolas Anelka's cross into his own net.

City responded by creating a succession of good chances and Carlo Cudicini did well to keep out Martin Petrov's shot.

But Salomon Kalou rounded Joe Hart and slotted home to give Chelsea breathing space, and only two superb Hart saves stopped Anelka adding to their tally.

It was a vital win for Chelsea and means they maintain the pressure on United, who travel to play Middlesbrough on Sunday.

Grant was in charge when Chelsea thumped City 6-0 at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season and the way they began this game suggested they would enjoy another walk in the park.

The visitors were well on top even before Dunne diverted Anelka's cross past Hart while trying to prevent it from reaching Michael Essien.

Only a superb saving tackle by Nedum Onuoha stopped Anelka when he broke free again minutes later as Grant's side continued to press.

Things looked ominous for City, who have gone off the boil badly in recent weeks and have only won three of their last 15 league games.

But they responded well and with better finishing could have been level by the break. Petrov rattled one shot wide and Michael Johnson skied a volley when well placed.

City went even closer when Benjani pulled the ball back for Stephen Ireland, who saw his goalbound shot cannon over off Juliano Belletti's leg.

And it took a superb save from Cudicini to tip over out Petrov's next effort - which was heading for the top corner - before Ashley Cole had to clear Johnson's deflected shot off the line.

Chelsea were still looking dangerous on the break and only another superb Onuoha tackle stopped Anelka when he found more space in the area.

But it was not until Kalou scored their second goal that they looked at all comfortable with the lead.

Essien was involved again in the build-up, with his pass deflecting off the luckless Dunne and into the path of the Ivory Coast striker, who finished with aplomb.

That ended City's hopes of getting anything from the game and if not for Hart they would have suffered an even heavier defeat.

The England Under-21 star did well to deny Anelka in a one-on-one situation when he ran through seconds after Kalou had scored.

And Hart made an even better stop when he tipped the Frenchman's header on to the bar before recovering to paw away the rebound.

Chelsea can head into the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Fenerbahce on Tuesday with renewed confidence.

But City's slump continues and a serious-looking injury to Onuoha, who was stretchered off in pain before the end, added to what was a frustrating afternoon for their manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.

[Seapok]

Grant has trust in players

Avram Grant has every confidence that his Chelsea side can overcome Fenerbahce in the UEFA Champions League.

Chelsea head into the second leg on Tuesday at Stamford Bridge trailing 2-1 after Fenerbahce came from behind to win on home soil.

But, folllowing a 2-0 victory at Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday, Grant spoke of his trust in his players.

He is aware progression to the Champions League semi-finals will not be easy, but is backing his squad to secure the necessary result.

"I never know the result before a game; otherwise, I would gamble and become a millionaire," said Grant.

"But I know what I expect and what we can do. I have confidence in my team, never mind whether we are playing Fenerbahce or Barcelona.

"We played well in Turkey, not just in the first half, but in the second half until they scored.

"Fenerbahce are a good team with a good coach (Zico). He was a player I liked very much.

"I know it will not be easy, but I know we can win. We have a lot of quality and can beat anyone.

"During December and January nearly all the big players were out.

"This group of players has brought us to the place we are now. They have done a terrific job - so we trust them."

[Seapok]

Fresh Cech worry for Blues

Chelsea are sweating over the fitness of Petr Cech ahead of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg clash with Fenerbahce.

Cech has just recovered from an ankle injury and was expected to return to The Blues' starting line-up on Tuesday.

However, he is reported to have suffered a fresh injury after taking a knock to the head during training on Sunday.

Due to Cech's previous head injury, which saw him suffer a fractured skull at Reading last season, Chelsea will not want to take any chances with the Czech No.1.

Cech, who still ears a rugby-style skull cap for protection during games, suffered a cut which needed medical attention.

Although not through to be serious, sources have told the Czech media that he is a fresh doubt for the Fenerbahce game.

Italian Carlo Cudicini has been standing in for Cech, but the South West London giants are desperate to get their No.1 back into the starting line-up.

[Seapok]

Cech has surgery after accident

Chelsea will be without Petr Cech for a fortnight after the keeper had surgery to his lips and chin following a training ground accident.

Czech goalkeeper Cech, 25, suffered cuts after colliding with a team-mate.

Cech has missed the last nine games with an ankle injury and will now miss Tuesday's Champions League quarter final second leg against Fenerbahce.

"He has been unlucky with injuries this year," said Chelsea boss Avram Grant. "But this is football - it happens."

Cech now faces a race to be fit in time for the crucial Premier League clash against Manchester United on 26 April.

But Grant hopes he will have him back for the final matches of the season.

"It was a tackle between two players, it doesn't matter who, all that matters is he is injured," he said.

"This year is not a good year for him. It is his third injury.

"He was looking good in training. I think he will be out for two weeks, something like this.

"I don't feel so good about it but every player that is injured doesn't make me happy."

Cech has worn protective headgear during training and in matches since suffering an horrific depressed skull fracture in a challenge with Reading midfielder Stephen Hunt in October 2006. He last featured for Chelsea this season in their 4-0 win over West Ham on 1 March.

[Seapok]

No wonder I'm prematurely gray!, its not easy being a Chelsea fan!

Chelsea 2-0 Fenerbahce (3-2)

Chelsea booked a Champions League semi-final spot as Michael Ballack and Frank Lampard goals saw off Fenerbahce.

Ballack latched on to Joe Cole's free-kick from the right after four minutes to head past Volkan Demirel.

Cole clipped a shot against the post soon after, before Chelsea lost keeper Carlo Cudicini to a hamstring injury.

Lugano and Ugur went close for the Turks before Lampard tapped in late on after good work from Michael Essien to set up a last-four tie with Liverpool.

The result, coupled with Liverpool's 5-3 aggregate win over Arsenal, means the two clubs will go head-to-head in the Champions League semi-finals for the third time in four seasons.

With Chelsea only three points behind leaders Manchester United in the Premier League, they must harbour genuine hopes of winning both trophies now.

After losing the first leg 2-1 there were nerves aplenty at Stamford Bridge, but they were settled somewhat with only four minutes on the clock as the hosts' barnstorming start led to a crucial opener.

Essien was fouled down the right and when Cole swung in the cross, Ballack was on hand to plant a header downwards and across the keeper into the far corner of the net.

Chelsea had started like a train and Salomon Kalou scampered down the left and pulled the ball back for Cole to impudently flick it against the right-hand post with Volkan well beaten.

But having made such a fine start, Chelsea inexplicably dropped the tempo and began to allow Fenerbahce a route back into the contest.

The mood of the visitors improved when Blues keeper Cudicini limped off clutching his hamstring, replaced by Portuguese substitute Hilario.

An injury to Cudicini was the only blemish on Chelsea's night

With Petr Cech out for at least another two weeks with his facial injury, a problem for Cudicini must have been the last thing boss Avram Grant wanted at such a key stage of the season.

Soon after, Hilario was rooted to his line as Lugano sneaked in at the back post to meet an Alex free-kick, but he wastefully headed off target.

Chelsea's increasing willingness to gift possession away continued to make the contest closer than it might have been and only served to give the visitors hope.

Didier Drogba tried to increase the Blues' lead, but twice the big striker saw shots from distance fall into the arms of Volkan.

Fenerbahce brought on former Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman on the hour mark in place of defensive midfielder Claudio Maldonado as they went searching for a goal that would turn the tie around.

Chelsea nearly wrapped it up when Drogba forced Volkan to parry away his 25-yard free-kick, before the Turks went close twice in agonising fashion.

First, substitute Ugur saw his deflected volley scrambled off the line by Hilario, before first leg hero Colin Kazim-Richards stung the palms of Hilario with a 25-yard drive.

After Essien picked up a needless booking for throwing the ball away which will keep him out of the first leg against Liverpool, he got to the byeline and crossed for Lampard to tap in.

It was no more and no less than they deserved for a display which failed to sparkle but got the job done.

Chelsea: Cudicini (Hilario 25), Essien, Carvalho, Terry, Ashley Cole, Ballack, Makelele, Lampard, Joe Cole (Malouda 85), Drogba, Kalou (Belletti 58).

Subs Not Used: Shevchenko, Obi, Alex, Anelka.

Booked: Essien, Carvalho.

Goals: Ballack 4, Lampard 87.

Fenerbahce: Demirel, Gonul, Lugano, Edu Dracena, Wederson (Bilgin 89), Maldonado (Kezman 60), Aurelio, Kazim-Richards, Deivid, Alex, Senturk (Boral 75).

Subs Not Used: Kulbilge, Cakmak, Turaci, Sahin.

Att: 38,369.

Ref: Herbert Fandel (Germany).

[kopite]

what yer reckon then seapok lad?

gonna be a hard 2 weeks with your fixtures. we got fulham and birmingham in between.

3rd time lucky?