Chelsea Fc Thread

[Seapok]

Johnson fails in toilet theft

Glenn Johnson has been fined for attempting to steal a toilet seat and bath taps from a B & Q home improvement store, according to media reports.

It has been claimed that Chelsea defender Johnson, currently on-loan at Portsmouth, tried to smuggle the bathroom fittings out of the store on Wednesday, before being thwarted by police.

Johnson was helped by Millwall striker Ben May, also arrested, with a police spokesman having confirmed that two men had been arrested and fined.

"Kent Police arrested two 22-year-old men on Wednesday on suspicion of theft in Dartford," read the police statement.

"Both men have been issued with 80 pound fixed penalty notices."

Johnson is on-loan at Fratton Park until the end of the season, when he is expected to return to parent club Chelsea.

[Seapok]

FA approve Cech headguard

The Football Association has approved the headguard Petr Cech is to wear on his return from a fractured skull.

Cech could make his first appearance since recovering from a serious head injury suffered against Reading back in October, returning for Chelsea's game at Liverpool on Saturday.

Although Cech is now thought to be ready to make a playing return, he will have to use protective headwear until given the all-clear by specialists.

Referee Rob Styles, who will officiate Saturday's game, has inspected the headguard and given it his approval, according to the FA's head of senior referee development Neale Barry.

"As headguards are not part of the players' 'basic compulsory equipment' as set out in the laws of the game, it's essential that they are safe to wear," said Barry.

"This headguard is soft in construction with padded areas of dense foam all over to protect the head of the wearer. It covers the ears but there's a hole on each side so that his hearing is unaffected.

"The helmet could cause no risk to the safety of either the wearer or any team-mate or opponent of his whilst being worn. It has a Velcro under chin strap and no extraordinary areas on the helmet that could cause unnatural deviation of the ball if it were to either strike the helmet or if the wearer were to head the ball."

While Jose Mourinho has yet to confirm whether Cech will start at the weekend, one player who will definitely not feature is left-back Wayne Bridge.

The England international has suffered knee ligament damage and will be out of action for at least the next fortnight.

"Petr Cech is fine. He is ready. I cannot tell you if he is playing or not because the goalkeepers have to be the first ones to know my decision, but he is ready," said Mourinho.

"We have a new injury with Wayne Bridge. Again a knee ligament, not a big deal but a couple of weeks out. He is an important option for us but now he is out too.

"Ashley Cole is back from suspension but nobody else is back and Makelele is suspended."

[Seapok]

Lamps ready for Anfield test

Frank Lampard admits Saturday's game with Liverpool, which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1, could help shape the destiny of the Premiership title.

Chelsea travel north trailing Manchester United by six points and well aware that defeat is unthinkable, if they are to make any inroads on the league leaders, who play Arsenal on Sunday at Emirates Stadium.

Lampard is also wary of the fact Liverpool would move to within five points of Chelsea, should Jose Mourinho's men taste defeat and it is with a genuine respect that he considers Rafa Benitez's side.

The England midfielder admits Chelsea have not been at their dominant best this season but he is hopeful that a win at Anfield could kick-start their title bid back to life.

"Games between ourselves and Liverpool have always been important," he told Sky Sports News.

"Over the last few years we've played them countless times and they've always been tough.

"It's an important one for us because we've stuttered in terms of league results lately. There's a six-point gap at the top that we want to close and Liverpool are right behind us.

"It's important that we don't let Liverpool close the gap on us and that we close the gap above us.

"Doing it at Anfield will be very tough but we're ready for it."

[Seapok]

Reds boss Benitez wary of Chelsea

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez says his side must not be complacent in Saturday's early game against Chelsea.

Chelsea have recently been engulfed in speculation over boss Jose Mourinho's future amid reports of a rift between him and owner Roman Abramovich.

But Benitez said: "Whatever has been said about Chelsea, it is always hard to play against them - now, a month ago or two months ago. It does not matter."

Chelsea keeper Petr Cech may return after recovering from a skull fracture.

Liverpool have not lost in the Premiership at home since October 2005, when it was Chelsea who beat them.

But Benitez believes Liverpool can breathe new life into their Premiership campaign if they can beat the second-placed Blues and move to within five points of the reigning top-flight champions.

"If we can beat Chelsea, then we can also talk of the top, why not? But we have to win first," added the Spaniard, who along with Mourinho, will be taking charge of his 100th top-flight fixture at Anfield.

"For us to win this game will be a boost for the rest of the season.

"We know we are really close and then people will start talking about the Premier League or second position. It will give us more focus."

Liverpool will also have an extra incentive for victory as their last two home games saw them knocked out of the FA Cup and Carling Cup by Arsenal.

They beat Watford away in their previous game but the Spaniard wants a win over Chelsea to help repay the fans after their 3-0 and 6-3 defeats at Anfield to the Gunners.

The Reds have a poor record against Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal but go into the game with 21 points from a possible 24 in their last eight games.

"Against the top sides we have to improve, and we have the confidence that we can do that," he said.

"We have been able to beat the top clubs in cups, it is in the league that there is the problem. But they are small details, small mistakes. And if you can score first it can change things.

"I am not interested in what has been going on at Chelsea, I am only concerned about what squad and players they will be using, nothing else. I prefer not to talk about our opponents.

"They have a very good team, a good manager and good players. They have a lot of strength and we know it will be difficult, but we also know that our form in the league has been very good.

"It is important for us. They are second in the league and we are a little bit behind that. They need to win to get close to Manchester United, and we need to win to cut the gap. The pressures are the same.

"We know we need to win every game and that means beating Chelsea.

"If we can do that, only then can we think about the second position as a possibility. At this moment it is more important to talk on the pitch."

[Seapok]

Liverpool v Chelsea

Anfield

Saturday, 20 January

Kick-off: 1245 GMT

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

Liverpool are set for changes in attack and defence, where they used three centre-backs last time out at Watford.

Now boss Rafa Benitez must perm two from Jamie Carragher, Sami Hyypia and Daniel Agger, while in midfield Mark Gonzalez is back from a shin problem.

Mikel Jon Obi will start for Chelsea in place of the suspended Claude Makelele with Michael Essien still in defence and Wayne Bridge has a knee injury.

Keeper Petr Cech could make his first appearance since fracturing his skull.

Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Hyypia, Riise, Aurelio, Pennant, Gonzalez, Gerrard, Alonso, Bellamy, Crouch, Fowler, Kuyt, Dudek, Paletta, Zenden, Guthrie.

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

BIG-MATCH FACTS

LIVERPOOL against Chelsea is the heavyweight Saturday lunchtime kick-off, giving the Reds the chance to consolidate their third placing in the table, and the Blues the opportunity to close the gap on leaders Manchester United to three points, as the table toppers don't play at Arsenal until Sunday. Chelsea are the bogey club for manager Rafael Benitez as far as the Premiership is concerned. He has lost all five previous meetings - the only English club to have a 100% League record against him.

The Merseysiders are one of three clubs still with an unbeaten home Premiership record. Chelsea and Arsenal are the others, but only Manchester United have more home points than Liverpool.

Away from the Premier League, Liverpool have won three and drawn three of the last six Champions League, FA Cup and Community Shield games against Chelsea. They've not beaten the Blues in the top flight since a 0-1 triumph at the Bridge on 7 January 2004. Their last home maximum was 1-0 on 6 October 2002, when Michael Owen scored a 90th minute winner.

CHELSEA and Liverpool are both playing their 100th Premiership matches under their respective managers. Jose Mourinho holds that 100% record in League contests with Liverpool, and has won 73, drawn 18 and lost eight of his 99 top flight games in the Stamford Bridge hot seat. Benitez' record as Anfield boss is less impressive - won 55, drawn 18 and lost 26.

These clubs have kept 25 clean sheets between them in this Premiership season (13 for Liverpool, 12 for Chelsea - no clubs have more shut-outs). Only Manchester United have gained more points away from home than Chelsea in the highest League.

The Blues have won the last five Premiership matches against Liverpool, and are therefore bidding for a third successive 'double' over them. A wonder-goal from Didier Drogba earned Chelsea all three points in the reverse fixture in September, despite the second-half dismissal of Michael Ballack.

REFEREE

Rob Styles (Waterlooville, Hampshire)

SEQUENCES/RECENT FORM

LIVERPOOL

Club stats

Fixtures

3rd 43 points

Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 3rd

Lowest could realistically fall: 4th

1. Out of both domestic cups, but won eight of the last 10 Premiership matches, including the last three, and lost just one of 11.

2. Won all 12 League matches in which they've opened the scoring.

3. Have 14 fewer points and have scored 17 fewer goals than Manchester United, but conceded just 16 - the same as the leaders. Both clubs have therefore leaked one goal every 129 minutes (two hours nine minutes) of Premiership football played on average.

4. Top of the Premiership's "Last Six Current Form" table with 15 points out of the 18. Arsenal, Manchester United and Bolton have 13 each.

5. Aiming to stretch their unbeaten home League run to 28 games, and home winning top tier sequence to four.

6. Won the last three home League games with an aggregate of 9-0, and not conceded a League goal at Anfield in six games, or 574 minutes (nine hours 34 minutes) since Gabriel Agbonlahor's goal for Aston Villa in the Reds' 3-1 win on 28 October.

6. Kept the most clean sheets on home soil in the top table (eight), and conceded the fewest goals in front of the home supporters (just three).

7. Go to West Ham next, before the Merseyside derby home to Everton. The Champions League trip to Barcelona is preceded by a visit to Newcastle.

CHELSEA

Club stats

Fixtures

2nd 51 points

Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 2nd

Lowest could fall: 2nd

1. Undefeated in 14 in all competitions. Won eight and drawn six, since losing 0-1 away to Werder Bremen in the Champions League on 22 November. It's their only defeat in 18.

2. On the longest current unbeaten run in the Premiership of 12 matches. Won seven and drawn five since losing 2-1, away to Tottenham on 5 November.

3. Opened the scoring in an unparalleled 18 Premiership games this term.

4. Failed to score in only one League game (0-0, away to Aston Villa on 2 January).

5. Allowed the opposition to score first on the fewest occasions in the highest League (four).

6. Lost only two Premiership games - equal with leaders Manchester United.

7. Dropped 18 points out of 69 - the Red Devils have dropped only 12.

8. Unbeaten in five League games on the road, lost one of the last 10 and only two all season - against Middlesbrough (2-1 on 23 August), and Tottenham (2-1 on 5 November).

9. Resume the battle with Wycombe in the Carling Cup semi-final after this - they stand at 1-1 ahead of the Stamford Bridge leg. Then it's home to Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, and Blackburn in the Premiership. A visit to Charlton and home fixture with Middlesbrough precede the Champions League match, away to Porto.

KEY PLAYER NOTES/POTENTIAL MILESTONES

LIVERPOOL

Squad profiles

Peter CROUCH is Liverpool's top scorer with 10 goals.

Dirk KUYT is the club's leading marksman in the Premiership with seven.

Jose Manuel REINA is the only remaining player to have been on the field for every minute of the Reds' Premiership matches this season.

REINA and Steven GERRARD are the only players to have figured in at least a part of each of Liverpool's Premiership games this season.

If he participates Boudewijn ZENDEN will be facing a former club. The Holland international made 59 appearances and scored four goals for Chelsea between August 2001 and July 2004. Of those, all four goals and 43 appearances were in the Premiership.

If he plays, Jamie CARRAGHER will be making his 450th appearance for Liverpool.

If selected in the 11, CARRAGHER will be making his 300th Premiership start for the Reds.

CHELSEA

Squad profiles

Didier DROGBA is the highest scoring Premiership player this season with 21 goals, 14 of which are League goals putting him one clear of Manchester United's Cristiano RONALDO 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 he plays, Frank LAMPARD will be making his 500th club career appearance (West Ham, Swansea, Chelsea).

Suspended: Claude MAKELELE

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME

Liverpool 1-4 Chelsea

2 October 2005 - Ref: Graham Poll

Liverpool scorer: Gerrard 36

Chelsea scorers: Lampard 27 pen, Duff 43, Cole 63, Geremi 82

THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE

Chelsea 1-0 Liverpool

17 September 2006 - Ref: Mike Riley

Chelsea scorer: Drogba 42

Sent Off: Ballack (Chelsea) 51

HEAD TO HEAD TOTALS

Home and away

League: Liverpool 57 wins, Chelsea 44, Draws 26

Prem: Liverpool 10 wins, Chelsea 14, Draws 5

at Liverpool only

League: Liverpool 42 wins, Chelsea 8, Draws 13

Prem: Liverpool 9 wins, Chelsea 3, Draws 2

[Seapok]

Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea

Liverpool dented Chelsea's Premiership title challenge in impressive style.

Dirk Kuyt took advantage of Peter Crouch's touch to put the skids under injury-hit Chelsea after three minutes.

Jermaine Pennant's brilliant dipping volley effectively sealed the points for Liverpool after 17 minutes in boss Rafa Benitez's 100th league game.

Chelsea staged a minor recovery after the break, but Liverpool could have added a third as John Arne Riise struck the bar with a long-range drive.

The defeat leaves Chelsea six points behind Manchester United - who visit Arsenal on Sunday - and puts Liverpool only five points behind Jose Mourinho's troubled champions.

Chelsea were able to recall keeper Petr Cech after three months out with a serious skull fracture, but suffered a blow after it was revealed defender Ricardo Carvalho was out after being taken ill overnight.

John Terry was still sidelined with a back inury, and with Claude Makelele suspended, Liverpool's furious opening salvo was predictable.

And it reaped a reward after only three minutes when the makeshift central defensive partnership of Paulo Ferreira and Michael Essien was ruthlessly exposed.

Jamie Carragher's long ball was touched on by Crouch, and Kuyt eased his way past Ferreira to side-foot a composed finish past Cech.

And the Czech keeper demonstrated his value to Chelsea three minutes later with a brilliant block from Riise.

But Chelsea, a shambles from the start, did not survive for long and Pennant doubled Liverpool's lead in spectacular fashion.

Pennant, who has struggled to make an impact since his summer move from Birmingham City, took aim as the ball sat up perfectly and sent a stunning dipping volley beyond the outstretched arm of Cech.

Chelsea's day got worse after 20 minutes, when Arjen Robben - who had twisted his ankle in an earlier challenge - limped off to be replaced by Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Liverpool were comfortably in command throughout the rest of the half, and despite faint signs of a Chelsea recovery in the early stages of the second period, it was Benitez's side who looked more likely to add to their lead.

Crouch headed tamely at Cech when he should have done better, and he was slow to react when a Riise thunderbolt rattled back off the bar on the hour.

Despite Chelsea's struggles, it still took Mourinho until 17 minutes from time to introduce £30m misfit Andriy Shevchenko at the expense of the anonymous Mikel Jon Obi.

It was too late to make an impact and Liverpool took the points their performance richly deserved.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho:

"There were definitely mistakes with people not adapting to their positions.

"I was waiting for 15 or 20 minutes to go by with no goals conceded and the confidence arriving. But when the team is very fragile on the pitch and mentally not so self confident it is difficult.

"In the second half I think we played better but Liverpool defended well and were full of confidence. They knew they could be adventurous because our defensive line is fragile."

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez:

"We have three more points and I'm really happy with the situation. We have Man United and Arsenal at home, we have confidence and we are playing well."

"I was confident when I saw my team sheet. "I thought we did a very good job and deserved to win.

"We played well. I don't know if it was because they had problems but we played well."

[ThaiPauly]

Its great that you keep any Chelsea fans out ther up-to-date with all the news Seapok...but surely at a time like this when it looks like the Title is well and truly slipping from your grasp..what are YOUR thoughts and feelings?

I mean Chelsea were rubbish yesterday...and unless some drastic action is taken it is not inconceivable that you won't finish third !!

What do you think about whats going on ??? and more importantly what should be done about it?

[kurgen]

I mean Chelsea were rubbish yesterday...and unless some drastic action is taken it is not inconceivable that you won't finish third !!

I have to agree, the best team won

[farangconnection]

Its great that you keep any Chelsea fans out ther up-to-date with all the news Seapok...but surely at a time like this when it looks like the Title is well and truly slipping from your grasp..what are YOUR thoughts and feelings?

I mean Chelsea were rubbish yesterday...and unless some drastic action is taken it is not inconceivable that you won't finish third !!

What do you think about whats going on ??? and more importantly what should be done about it?

Errrrrrr

1) Chelsea didn't play yesterday. That was a team that most of the big guns would call their Carling cup team. In fact the Chelsea players that were NOT playing yesterday, or did not start the game, would probably challenge for the premiership if they were formed into a team.

2) Even saying that, they played better yesterday than they have over recent weeks.

3) I think Ballack is a stooge, chucked into Chelsea's ranks to mess up their title chances. The gut CANNOT play football. At least he can't for Chelsea.

[ThaiPauly]

Must be very frustrating for you Lampy...I mean that free kick...I have NEVER seen anything like it..you have 50m quids worth of players standing over the ball..and....

Everyone hates Chelsea now....everyone is gonna be pleased that they dont win the title ..and everyone is gonna be pleased to see the back of "THE SPECIAL ONE"

Sorry to say..everyone liked you more before he came with Roman's millions...I remember seeing a freindly at Reading when Ruud was the boss and Vialli and Zola were playing...such skill...such wonderment..you won 2-1, but it was delightful to see such class. Reading fans gave Chelsea a standing ovation as we appreciated the talent on show..but it was not overwhelming..I hope you can see my point. Now everyone WANTS you to loose, and nobody likes Chelsea ...they spend millions and millions and cannot buy a win right now...the laughing stock of the Premiership...you bet...I have more respect for Watford...why? because with what they have ..they fight every minute wheras Chelsea just fade away...Ashley Cole is in grave danger of loosing his England spot since he moved to the Bridge...I reckon our Shorey is a better player than him right now....its a shame..you support them so you have to stick by them and defend them..but I am pleased that you NOW call a spade a spade and are just as quick to critise as to praise.

Chelsea are a club in turmiol right now..just glad that my mate PO is buried under the penalty spot at the shed end and cannot see the shannangins going on above him.

Its over...and I am saying that before the Arsenal game...whatever happens there you have to play them at home I know that ...but even if you win they will be miles in front by then. Thank God for you that at least Drogba is firing this season.

Champions League...well its a possibility if Terry comes back...but without him you are severley lacking in defence.Fererrara (spelling) is rubbish, he would not even get a spot in out team..I have NEVER see him have a good game yet.

I am only saying this as an outsider . I neither LOVE nor HATE Chelsea..I just LOVE football.

Feel free to disagree

[farangconnection]

Must be very frustrating for you Lampy...I mean that free kick...I have NEVER seen anything like it..you have 50m quids worth of players standing over the ball..and....

Everyone hates Chelsea now....everyone is gonna be pleased that they dont win the title ..and everyone is gonna be pleased to see the back of "THE SPECIAL ONE"

Bloody good riddance to " The Special One"..............he's even cocking up the team selections now. Why he didn't play Wright-phillips and Robben together from the start. And he should have kick Ballack into touch and played Bridge in his place. He proved last week he was good enough in mid-field. What a tosser, experiments with a player, it works good, then he doesn't follow up when we're crying out for talent. I would also have played Shevwhatshis name, up front with Drogba. He's so useless now no-body would have bothered to mark him.

[Seapok]

Its great that you keep any Chelsea fans out ther up-to-date with all the news Seapok...but surely at a time like this when it looks like the Title is well and truly slipping from your grasp..what are YOUR thoughts and feelings?

I mean Chelsea were rubbish yesterday...and unless some drastic action is taken it is not inconceivable that you won't finish third !!

What do you think about whats going on ??? and more importantly what should be done about it?

Thanks for your interesting points ThaiPauly, I did start out trying to converse with other like minded Chelsea fans but didn't get much response mainly only from Shedend but he is a busy man and is away alot, so I just continued to update the news and stories.

I do agree we are in a right mess at the moment, Essien was our best player along side Drogba this season and to put him in defence was wrong, yes we do have lots of cash at our disposal so why not just pay over the odds for a decent defender like Curtis Davis or even Matt Upson. To keep Hilario in goal for so long was a joke, the man is rubbish, Joe Cole is a better keeper. I do agree about Ballack, where is the main man that ran the show for Germany during the World Cup? I do believe players shouldn't be judged on their 1st season.....God help you all next season! haha

I can't really agree about your points on "The Special One", he has done a good job so far, its way to early to start giving him stick, yes he has made some bad descisions of late but what other manager out there would do a better job than what he has done already.

I don't agree with what people say about money buys the title, look at other top european teams with big bags of cash, Man Utd, Milans, Madrid and even Barca, they also haven't had everything go there way recently.

We are only 6 points off the top, so I would say to my fellow blue brothers out there hang tight, we will show our true colours and come out triumphant in the end, tonight is a good chance for Sheva to regain some much needed confidence, a hat-trick and a hug from Jose will put the smiles back on our faces!!

[Seapok]

Shevchenko set for Chelsea recall

Chelsea misfit Andriy Shevchenko may win a recall for the Carling Cup semi-final second leg with Wycombe.

With the tie balanced at 1-1 after the first leg, reports suggest Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho will give the struggling striker a start at Stamford Bridge.

Wycombe boss Paul Lambert says they can take advantage of Chelsea's troubles, saying: "All the pressure will be on them - everyone expects them to win.

"We've given a good account of ourselves - now anything can happen."

The boss of the League Two side added: "We've earned the right to go there and play them.

"Regardless of what sort of season they are having they are still in every competition going.

"Even Barcelona didn't beat them at Stamford Bridge this season.

"But somewhere down the line someone is going to have to beat them, so why not us?"

Wycombe striker Jermaine Easter, who netted in the first leg, refused to write off his side's chances.

"Chelsea aren't having the greatest time at the moment," he said.

"They've got a few injuries as well so if you were going to pick a time to play them it would probably be now."

Shevchenko, 30, has only scored six goals in 30 appearances since his £30m summer mover from AC Milan.

And the Ukrainian only came on as a substitute 17 minutes from time in the 2-0 defeat at Liverpool, despite Chelsea going two goals down early on.

Chelsea midfield man Claude Makelele insisted they will bounce back form their recent troubles, saying: "It's true that we're going through a very difficult time but we'll get all the injured players back and then we'll fight until the end of the season for the title.

"We're all completely together in the dressing room. We're a super group."

Makelele's team-mate Mikel Jon Obi, who was part of the team that was held in the first leg, also predicts that the Blues will come out fighting.

He said: "We had a disappointment last game but we want make up for it by going out there and making sure we win this game.

"The spirit is still good, the lads still have confidence in everything we are doing. I am really, really excited about the possibility of playing in this cup final.

"Wycombe were aggressive in the first leg. They were out there to play and they showed they wanted to win but we want it as well."!

[Seapok]

Makelele irked by rift rumours

Claude Makelele has rubbished rumours he has complained to Jose Mourinho about Michael Ballack's impact at Chelsea.

Reports had claimed that Makelele, along with Didier Drogba, had met Mourinho to discuss the German's contribution since joining from Bayern Munich.

But the reports have irked the veteran Frenchman, who insists there has been no rift caused by Ballack's arrival at Stamford Bridge.

"These reports are lies," Makelele is quoted in the Daily Star. "Most people who know me, and who know Didier, would say we are not the type of players to talk in the papers.

"It's daft. Michael Ballack knows that we have solidarity, we're all together, the whole squad, the whole team, so there's nothing in that."

Chelsea are aiming to complete a hat-trick of Premiership titles, but currently trail leaders Manchester United by six points.

The champions have won just once in five league matches, but Makelele disputes the suggestion the club are in crisis.

He added: "It's true we're going through a very difficult time, but things are not that bad.

"I don't think we're having a really bad time yet. We're second in the Premiership, in the Champions League, a semi-final of the Carling Cup and in the FA Cup.

"So, for Chelsea, it's not that bad a period. We'll get back all the injured players and then we will be competitive to fight until the end of the season."

[Seapok]

Chelsea v Wycombe

Chelsea hope to have Ricardo Carvalho back after he missed Saturday's match against Liverpool with a fever and Andriy Shevchenko may earn a start.

Claude Makelele is back from suspension but Chelsea will be without Arjen Robben, John Terry, Khalid Boulahrouz, Joe Cole and Wayne Bridge.

Wycombe welcome back Will Antwi and Matt Bloomfield from injury and Tommy Mooney from suspension.

The visitors may field the line-up that drew 1-1 in the first leg.

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

Wycombe (from): Batista, Palmer, Martin, Antwi, Williamson, Betsy, Oakes, Easter, Mooney, Bloomfield, Golbourne, Doherty, Stonebridge, Torres, Stockley, Anya, Young, Christon, Cadmore, Gregory

[Seapok]

Sheva is back hello, hello!! what a great performance from the man, he deservedly picked up 2 goals, man of the match award and a standing ovation. It was great to see him smiling again, even Jose congratulated him.

I know we paid alot for his services but its great to see the man come to live again, he has taken so much stick from the press and not once has he hid his head. All the players seem to be working together to get him on the score sheet and it paid off well, Sheva spoke after the game and he comes across as being a real top man.

Hopefully now this will kick start his season and put him back on top of the tree!

[Seapok]

Chelsea 4-0 Wycombe (Agg: 5-1)

Andriy Shevchenko grabbed two goals as Chelsea cruised past League Two Wycombe to reach the Carling Cup final.

Shevchenko had already headed narrowly wide when he collected Tommy Doherty's poor pass and slotted home his first.

Jermaine Easter wasted a great chance to level before Shevchenko volleyed a second from Didier Drogba's pass.

The Ukraine striker then played in Frank Lampard who ran from halfway and coolly finished and Lampard made it 4-0 from close range in stoppage time.

If Easter's first-half chance had gone in Wycombe may have made more of a game of the semi-final second leg, but within minutes Chelsea were 2-0 up and the match was as good as over.

Jose Mourinho's side made a blistering start and Shevchenko, who has been blamed for an alleged rift between the manager and the board, should have given them the lead inside a minute.

However, instead of directing Ashley Cole's superb left-wing cross inside the far post he sent it just wide.

Lampard then sent a fierce 25-yard shot just wide after a neat turn on the edge of the box and Shevchenko was denied a certain goal by a superb block from Will Antwi.

The misfiring Shevchenko could have been forgiven for thinking it was going to be another luckless night in front of goal but then took advantage of a dreadful blunder by Doherty to notch his seventh Chelsea goal and put Chelsea in command.

Doherty carelessly played the ball across goal and Shevchenko kept his composure to run through and shoot across goal into the bottom corner.

Wycombe responded brilliantly and enjoyed their best spell of the game.

Tommy Mooney shot horribly wide after a delightful flicked pass from Doherty and the impressive Easter started to pose problems.

And Easter - scorer of the Chairboys' goal in the first leg - had the visitors' best chance of the night but failed to get a proper connection on Betsy's excellent right-wing cross.

Wycombe were instantly made to pay when Shevchenko volleyed in his and Chelsea's second from Drogba's fine pass.

Chelsea were in no mood to ease up after the break and with Lassana Diarra impressing as a makeshift right-back in place of Geremi and Cole enjoying the freedom of the left flank the chances continued to come.

Lampard miscued from six yards after a powerful run from Shevchenko and Drogba shot across goal after outpacing Antwi.

Wycombe then went close when Russell Martin's vicious low free-kick was beaten away by Petr Cech.

But Chelsea confirmed their place in the final against either Tottenham or Arsenal when Lampard ran on to Shevchenko's pass, nicked the ball past the onrushing Ricardo Batista and flicked home.

Shevchenko came off with six minutes to go to a standing ovation from the Stamford Bridge crowd but there was still no handshake from Mourinho.

Lampard sealed the victory in injury-time when he swapped passes with Drogba and swept the ball in from six yards.

[Seapok]

Terry back in full training

Chelsea skipper John Terry has confirmed he is now back in full training.

Terry has been out of action since December 13 after undergoing back surgery.

The England international saw his return to action delayed by a calf injury which was a knock-on effect from the back operation.

Terry admitted the injury had been keeping him out for longer than he expected and he was delighted to be back in training.

"I've been needing more power in my calf to join properly, but I have started full training again," said Terry.

"I've managed to get some power back now. I still need to improve it and it's been taking longer than we thought. But I am delighted to be back involved with the lads."

Terry is now turning his attentions to getting Chelsea's title challenge back on track after last weekend's defeat to Liverpool.

The Blues captain admitted he was boosted by Arsenal's win over Manchester United as it denied Sir Alex Ferguson's men from going nine points clear at the top of the table.

"I'm disappointed that we lost at Anfield, obviously, and we need to pick ourselves up, but in a way that's already happened," added Terry.

"When Manchester United scored I thought that the game was over. But credit to Arsenal, they've given us another opportunity and it is time to put pressure on United now."

[Seapok]

Chelsea v Nottingham Forest

Stamford Bridge

Sunday 28 January

Fourth Round

Kick-off: 1400 GMT

Referee: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire)

Replay date (if required) : Tues, 13 Feb, 1945 GMT

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

Chelsea could welcome back captain John Terry, who has recovered from a niggling calf injury.

But they will be without Khalid Boulahrouz (knee), Arjen Robben (ankle) and Joe Cole (foot).

Nottingham Forest captain Ian Breckin is touch-and-go but Sammy Clingan is back from a three-game suspension.

Kris Commons is likely to miss out with a hamstring injury, while Lewis McGugan is likely to play wearing a gumshield to protect a newly re-inserted tooth.

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

BIG-MATCH FACTS

CHELSEA against Nottingham Forest is a mouth watering fourth round tie to be played out in front of live BBC Match of the Day cameras. It pits Jose Mourinho's internally-troubled Premiership champions who are returning to form, and Colin Calderwood's League One promotion chasers, who have a great football heritage, and under Brian Clough have won more European Cups that the lavishly-assembled Londoners.

The journey to London proved a "Bridge" too far for Paul Ince's improving League Two outfit Macclesfield in the third round, as the Blues hit the 10-man Silkman for six. Chelsea were then held by Wycombe in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final at Adams Park, but ran out impressive 4-0 winners in the return leg on Tuesday night, with Andrey Shevchenko finding his long lost goalscoring touch for a much sought-after brace. Last Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Premiership is Chelsea's only loss in 16 in all competitions.

The FA Cup is the only major domestic trophy manager Mourinho has not won. Semi-finalists last year, when beaten by eventual winners Liverpool, the Blues have only failed to reach the last 16 once in 11 years, when they made a third round exit in 1997-98 to Manchester United. They last lifted the trophy for the third time in their history in 2000 when they defeated Aston Villa 1-0 in the last final to be staged at Wembley.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST gained this high profile trip to west London, after knocking out Premiership Charlton 2-0 in the third round at the City Ground. Nathan Tyson inspired the east Midlanders to their first FA Cup victory over a Premiership club since 1997. Junior Agogo and Grant Holt both hit the net in a thrilling four-minute spell around the half-hour mark.

Now Forest face a mountainous task against the Carling Cup finalists and a club second in the Premiership and 45 places superior on the League ladder. They've lost their last three League games against Chelsea, and have not beaten them since a 2-0 Premiership victory on the banks of the Trent on 11 January 1997. Their last triumph at Stamford Bridge was 12 years ago. Stan Collymore scored both in a 0-2 top flight triumph on 25 January 1995.

The 1979 and 1980 European champions have only won the FA Cup twice in their history (1898 and 1959). They're hoping to become the first lower division club to knock Chelsea out since Millwall managed it on penalties in a fourth round replay at the Bridge on 8 February 1995.

[Seapok]

Chelsea 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Chelsea cruised to victory over League One side Nottingham Forest to book their place in the FA Cup fifth round.

The Blues opened the scoring when Andriy Shevchenko's close-range volley deflected off Forest's John Curtis.

Didier Drogba added another goal with a curling 25-yard free-kick and Mikel Jon Obi then poked the ball home just before half-time.

Forest's best chance came courtesy of Junior Agogo, who fired his shot across goal from 12 yards out.

Some say the FA Cup is a leveller but that was not the case at Stamford Bridge.

Forest, who are third in League One, never got going and failed to put the Blues under much pressure.

Before they could find their feet, the visitors found themselves a goal down when Shevchenko followed up his midweek brace against Wycombe to fire in from five yards, thanks to a massive deflection off Curtis.

Unlike League Two outfit Wycombe, who lost to Chelsea in a Carling Cup semi-final, Forest did not compensate for their individual inferiority with much-needed collective bite.

Consequently Lassana Diarra was allowed to control matters in the middle, which enabled Frank Lampard, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Obi to roam.

And roam they did. Wright-Phillips saw his snatched shot inside the area go fractionally wide, while Lampard had two efforts from the edge of the box blocked by the Forest defence.

However, the third member of the trio, Obi, did get some reward when he poked in the third goal after Lampard's corner deflected off Forest defender Julian Bennett and keeper Smith.

Whatever gameplan Forest boss Colin Calderwood conjured up before the match had to be changed at the break.

The Scot introduced Sammy Clingan for Grant Holt and the tweak seemed to have some positive effect, with the famous Nottingham side enjoying a good spell at the start of the half.

Their best chance of the game came when Agogo eluded his marker at the edge of the area to fire his shot across the face of the Chelsea goal.

But after that bright moment, Chelsea came out of their brief slumber.

Lampard had a shot saved by Smith's leg, Shevchenko rifled two shots wide from inside the area, while Michael Essien had his powerful header saved on the line by Curtis.

By this time the contest was over, allowing Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho the luxury of giving 16-year-old substitute Michael Woods a late run-out in the famous Chelsea colours.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho:

"We killed off the game in the first half and by the second half the game was over.

"I brought on the kids towards the end because of our good position."

Forest manager Colin Calderwood:

"It was a dream tie and we played in a dream - we were ineffective.

"We didn't show any of our ability in the first half.

"If you get through the opening period that's OK, but to come here and play below par wasn't good."

Chelsea: Cech, Geremi, Essien, Carvalho, Bridge, Wright-Phillips (Morais 81), Diarra, Lampard (Woods 78), Mikel, Drogba (Kalou 61), Shevchenko.

Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Ashley Cole.

Goals: Shevchenko 9, Drogba 18, Mikel 45.

Nottm Forest: Smith, Curtis, Breckin, Morgan, Bennett, Southall, Gary Holt, Perch (Dobie 72), Grant Holt (Clingan 46), Tyson, Agogo (Lester 72).

Subs Not Used: Redmond, McGugan.

Booked: Clingan, Lester.

Att: 41,516

Ref: A Wiley (Staffordshire).

[Seapok]

Mourinho denies Chelsea exit talk

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has dismissed speculation he will leave the club at the end of the season.

"I don't have to be confident I am staying. I have a contract until 2010, which is important," he told BBC Sport.

"I am manager today, I am the manager until the end of the season and I believe I will be the manager until the end of 2010.

"If I believe what I read in the press there are 11 candidates for my job but I don't get influenced by that."

When he is back he is always welcome in our dressing room. When he is not around it is because he has other things to do or he prefers to do other things

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho on club owner Roman Abramovich

"I just want to do my work well - the best I can," he said. "The players feel that I am exactly the same - with the same desires and motivation.

"We are together to chase our targets and we are alive in all of them."

There have been rumours that Mourinho's relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been strained but he refused to be drawn on such reports.

"The only thing I can tell you 100% for sure is that everyone at this club wants to win," stated Mourinho.

"That is the most important thing and when I read that we are not pushing in the same direction that is completely untrue.

"Roman and I speak. We speak as always but with a difference.

"The difference is that Roman is not in London for quite a long time but I have no complaints about that because he is the owner of this club and he does not have to give any explanation about his professional and personal life.

"He pays me and chief executive Peter Kenyon quite a lot to run this club so he does not have to be around.

"When he is back he is always welcome in our dressing room. When he is not around it is because he has other things to do or he prefers to do other things."

Meanwhile, Mourinho added that he will not be bringing in any new faces during the transfer window.

"I have John Terry, I have Peter Cech, I don't need more players. I am not going to sign anybody in January," he confirmed.

He added that he expects central defender Terry to return to action for match at Charlton on 3 February.

[Seapok]

Man Utd & Chelsea given home ties

Favourites Chelsea and Manchester United were both handed home ties in the draw for the FA Cup fifth round.

Champions Chelsea will host either Blackpool or Norwich, while United will face Premiership rivals Reading.

Two other all-Premiership matches came out of the hat, with Spurs away to Fulham and Blackburn travelling to the winners of the Arsenal-Bolton replay.

Preston will host neighbours Manchester City, with matches due to take place on the weekend of 17 and 18 of February.

And North End boss Paul Simpson, whose side overcame Championship rivals Crystal Palace in the last round, was relishing a tie against one of his old clubs.

"It's a fantastic draw for us," he said. "I have wonderful memories of my time at City and we hope we'll get a full house at Deepdale for it. It's a great day to look forward to.

"It will be a very tough game. But to be at home gives us a really good opportunity, if we carry on with our home form, to continue to the next round."

Chelsea v Blackpool or Norwich

Watford v Ipswich

Preston v Man City

Plymouth v Derby County

Man Utd v Reading

Arsenal or Bolton v Blackburn

Bristol City or Middlesbrough v West Bromwich Albion

Fulham v Tottenham

[Seapok]

Doctor praises 'strong' Terry

John Terry could have been facing up to six months on the sidelines due to his back injury, according to Chelsea team doctor Bryan English.

The Blues skipper is expected to play his first game since 13th December on Saturday against Charlton having recovered quicker than expected from major spinal surgery.

A calf problem had hindered his return somewhat, but English has now revealed that Terry's plight could have been a lot worse.

Hailing the England skipper's character and mental fortitude during his injury struggles, the Chelsea doctor insisted that such a back injury could well have spelt the end of the player's season.

"Unfortunately, bruising on the nerve results in a slower recovery time than we would have liked, but now he's nearing a return," said English.

"I must stress he had the kind of condition that used to put people out for months, maybe six months.

"It's the kind of problem that would have put him out for the rest of the season. It's been very difficult for him, but he's shown lots of mental and physical strength and we're already in the final stages.

"Nerve damage is such a frustrating injury. With muscle damage you can see and feel it, but with nerve damage all you've got is muscles that are not working properly."

[Seapok]

Lamps: Blues have stayed strong

Frank Lampard has paid tribute to his team-mates for staying strong despite the internal ructions which have threatened to derail Chelsea's season.

In recent weeks the reigning champions have had to contend with daily reports of a growing rift between manager Jose Mourinho and owner Roman Abramovich, as well as rumours of dressing room disputes.

However their Portuguese manager's future now looks to be on steadier ground, until the summer at least, and The Blues are keen to focus all their efforts on closing the six-point gap that separates them from leaders Manchester United.

Chelsea's bid for a third consecutive title has stalled with just one win in their last five games, but Lampard believes the spirit the squad have shown off the pitch will translate into positive results in the coming weeks.

"It's important to keep that togetherness when things aren't going so well, and when people are saying things from the outside, and we have stayed very strong," Lampard told Sky Sports News.

"So I give credit to the lads, we are a strong bunch.

"As soon we drew a couple of games over Christmas people wanted to start saying things, it's part of being at the club, but it is very important as a player that you don't take your eye off the ball and start getting concerned about things off the pitch.

"[You] make sure you train well and play well and that is what we are trying to do."

Lampard also denied that intense media pressure would have an effect on Mourinho, who stated at the weekend that he expects to see out his contract at Stamford Bridge.

"The manger is not a stupid man, far from it, and he will understand it," Lampard added.

"We have all been in the game long enough to know that it is not always plain sailing and good results, so that is not a problem.

"We have to keep looking at the bigger picture, we are in four competitions and we want to win them all."

[Seapok]

Jose: Blues back in business

Jose Mourinho believes the confidence is creeping back into his Chelsea team after a difficult few weeks.

Rumours of a bitter dispute between manager and owner, Roman Abramovich, have been accompanied by a blip in results that has seen The Blues slip six points behind league leaders Manchester United.

Whilst their league form remains patchy, Chelsea have restored some of their old swagger with two comprehensive cup wins over Nottingham Forest and Wycombe in their last two outings.

With key players set to return from injury in the coming days, Mourinho believes his team are beginning to recapture the character that has seen them lift the last two Premiership titles.

"The confidence is back and people are happy," said Mourinho in the Daily Mirror. "And if John (Terry) and Arjen (Robben) are back, our squad becomes strong again with more options.

"One month ago my defenders didn't want the ball. Now they want the ball and pass the ball and keep possession easily.

"The midfield is playing very compact. The young boys are playing very, very well - Lassana Diarra and John Obi Mikel."

[Seapok]

Lampard praises Jose

Frank Lampard insists he would find it hard to imagine life without Jose Mourinho at Chelsea.

Mourinho's future at the club has come under constant scrutiny of late amid talks of a bust-up between Mourinho and owner Roman Abramovich.

There have been suggestions that Mourinho could leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season but Lampard is still hoping the 'special one' will remain at the club.

He said: "Jose is a great manager, and I love to play under him for so many reasons.

"He has given me lots of confidence and been great for the team. For me, he is a joy to work under and I have a great relationship with him personally - so he's great to work for."

Lampard is quick to praise the man who he believes is responsible for creating a winning mentality that was lacking before he arrived.

"It's hard to imagine life without him - but that's football. This is his third season now, but the minute he came in he created a spirit and an atmosphere which is what we needed.

"We didn't have a winning mentality particularly at the club before that, and he brought that to us. That is why we have been successful for the last couple of years."

Lampard has also come to the defence of under pressure striker Andrei Shevchenko who he believes should be praised for the way he has fought back this season.

"There was so much stuff spoken about Sheva, and it was unfair - because a lot of it comes from the outside. It is nothing to do with him.

"The biggest credit I can pay to Sheva is that he didn't really open his mouth and was training very hard.

"He is a world-class player and has shown that for so many years. He just wants to score goals - and he's done that for the last couple of games."

[Seapok]

Cole vows to return

Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has vowed to return to action before the end of the season.

Cole has seen his campaign dogged by injuries this term after missing the start of the season with a foot injury.

The England international has not played since breaking his foot against Manchester United in November and he was forced to go under the knife.

Blues boss Jose Mourinho expected Cole to be missing for the rest of the season, but the former West Ham man is determined to play some part in the remainder of the campaign.

"I need to stay positive to help my body heal and I've used this injury as the chance to look at everything in my game," said Cole.

"I'm trying to take this time out to come back leaner, stronger and faster.

"I don't want anyone to know my comeback targets but I will have a part to play this season.

"I've got games in me this season and I'm really excited about coming back to help the boys win some trophies."

[Seapok]

Chelsea v Blackburn

Stamford Bridge

Wednesday, 31 January

Kick-off: 1945 GMT

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

Michael Ballack and Claude Makelele return to the Chelsea squad after missing the win over Nottingham Forest.

John Terry is still out with a calf injury, and Arjen Robben is unlikely to feature because he is still recovering from ankle ligament damage.

Blackburn new signing Bruno Berner is in the squad while Stephane Henchoz faces a late test on a niggling ankle.

Defender Andy Todd is out with illness and new boy David Dunn is still short of match fitness.

Chelsea squad: Hilario, Cech, Cudicini, Ferreira, Geremi, Carvalho, Essien, Bridge, A Cole, Lampard, Drogba, Diarra, Mikel, Shevchenko, Wright-Phillips, Kalou, Woods, Ballack, Morais.

Blackburn squad: Friedel, Henchoz, Khizanishvili, Emerton, Warnock, Bentley, Pedersen, Mokoena, Tugay, Nelsen, Derbyshire, McCarthy, Nonda, Samba, Brown, Berner, Gallagher, Peter.

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard on Andriy Shevchenko:

"There was so much stuff spoken about Sheva, and it was unfair - because a lot of it comes from the outside. It is nothing to do with him.

"He is a world-class player and has shown that for so many years. He just wants to score goals - and he's done that for the last couple of games.

"Let's hope he continues, because we need strikers who can score goals. Andriy and Didier Drogba are two of the best, and we need them firing."

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes on Chelsea:

"Injuries to John Terry and Petr Cech have obviously affected their balance and flow but they have still been able to win a significant amount of matches.

"Even though some people are trying to say it is a crisis they are still a quality side, even when maybe they are not playing up to the level they have attained before.

"We know we will have to produce to the level we are capable of, and if we do that we have a good opportunity. We have to ask questions of them and cannot allow a team like Chelsea to attack at will."

BIG-MATCH FACTS

CHELSEA go into this home clash with Blackburn six points behind Manchester United at the top of the Premiership table, in the final of the Carling Cup, home to lower ranked opposition for a place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, and eagerly looking forward to a match-up with FC Porto in the last 16 of the Champions League. That's not a bad record for a club reportedly facing internal turmoil.

Jose Mourinho's side are 12 points down on their total at this same stage last season, but hoping to stretch the longest current unbeaten home sequence in the Premiership to an incredible 57 matches.

The Blues have recorded two 0-2 victories at Blackburn this season, in the Premiership and third round of the Carling Cup. Joe Cole, making his first start of the season, and Salomon Kalou got the goals in the second half of the League Cup clash. Mourinho's men are on course for a second Premiership 'double' over Rovers - their only previous single season home and away victories over the Lancashire outfit in this League were in 2004-05.

BLACKBURN ROVERS manager Mark Hughes takes his side back to his former club on the look out for the 200th victory in their Premiership history.

Mid table Rovers are on a good run of form with six victories from their last eight in League and Cup, although they did tumble to a shock 2-1 away defeat to rock bottom Watford in their most recent Premiership encounter.

Rovers have won only one of their last six Premiership visits to Stamford Bridge. They were victorious by the odd goal in three on 22 February 2003 when Dwight Yorke and David Dunn scored their goals.

REFEREE

Graham Poll (Tring, Hertfordshire)

SEQUENCES/RECENT FORM

CHELSEA

Club stats

Fixtures

Going into this midweek round of matches: 2nd 51 points

(all statistics are ahead of Tuesday's Premiership fixtures)

1. Won 10 of the last 16 in all competitions.

2. Lost one of 17 League and Cup matches.

3. Defeat to Liverpool in the most recent Premiership outing, ended a 12-game unbeaten League run.

4. The current tally of 51 points after the first 24 Premiership fixtures, compares with 63 points at this same stage last season, when 66 points were accrued after 25 games.

5. Won 15 top flight games. Only leaders Manchester United (18) have won more, and both have lost just three times - fewer than any other club.

6. Scored the opening goal in 18 top tier clashes. Only the Red Devils can match that.

7. Conceded the opener on fewer occasions than any other club in Premiership matches this season (five).

8. Not lost a home Premiership game under Mourinho (won 40, drawn 10), nor been defeated in the top division at the Bridge since a 1-2 reverse to Arsenal on 21 February 2004 (won 44, 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.

9. Scored 11 goals in the last three League and Cup matches at the Bridge, and conceded none.

10. Away to Charlton after this, and home to Middlesbrough before the FA Cup fifth round tie and the Champions League visit to Porto.

BLACKBURN ROVERS

Club stats

Fixtures

Going into this midweek round of matches: 10th 31 points

(all statistics are ahead of Tuesday's Premiership fixtures)

1. Won four of the last six Premiership outings.

2. Lost two of three League games.

3. Won four of five League and Cup matches on the road.

4. Home to Sheffield United, and away to Everton before the Uefa Cup trip to Bayer Leverkusen.

KEY PLAYER NOTES/POTENTIAL MILESTONES

CHELSEA

Squad profiles

Didier DROGBA is the highest scoring Premiership player this season with 22 goals, 14 of which are League goals putting him one clear of Manchester United's Cristiano RONALDO 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.

BLACKBURN ROVERS

Squad profiles

Benni McCARTHY is Blackburn's leading scorer with 15 goals - 10 in the Premiership.

Brad FRIEDEL is the only remaining player to have started all of Blackburn's Premiership matches this season. Indeed the American has made 100 consecutive Premiership appearances for Blackburn.

If on the field from the outset, Brett EMERTON will be making his 100th League start in a Blackburn shirt.

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME

Chelsea 4-2 Blackburn Rovers

29 October 2005 - Ref: Mike Riley

Chelsea scorers: Drogba 10, Lampard 14 pen, 62, Joe Cole 74

Blackburn scorers: Bellamy 18 pen, 44

THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE

Blackburn Rovers 0-2 Chelsea

27 August 2006 - Ref: Mark Clattenburg

Chelsea scorers: Lampard 50 pen, Drogba 81

HEAD TO HEAD TOTALS

Home and away

League: Chelsea 34 wins, Blackburn 32, Draws 25

Prem: Chelsea 7 wins, Blackburn 11, Draws 7

at Chelsea only

League: Chelsea 22 wins, Blackburn 12, Draws 11

Prem: Chelsea 2 wins, Blackburn 5, Draws 5

[Seapok]

Chelsea 3-0 Blackburn

Chelsea showed signs of returning to their best as they beat Blackburn in a win marred by a serious looking knee injury to left-back Ashley Cole.

Didier Drogba raced through and angled in a precise shot to put Chelsea ahead.

Chelsea wasted a number of chances and almost paid the price when a mistake let in Matt Derbyshire, whose weak effort was cleared by Ricardo Carvalho.

But a trademark Frank Lampard piledriver and a Salomon Kalou sidefoot wrapped up the points for Chelsea.

Blackburn had started off by causing some early moments of panic in the Chelsea defence but were stunned when Drogba put the home side ahead.

The Ivory Coast striker ran on to a Lampard pass and showed his strength, power and unerring accuracy as he held off Stephane Henchoz and sidefooted home a shot across goal.

The lead inspired Chelsea and, in particular, Stamford Bridge marksman Andriy Shevchenko, who continued his recent improvement.

Cole clutches his knee in what could be a long term injury

The Ukrainian produced a busy display but, importantly, lacked his usual clinical edge.

He shot straight at keeper Brad Friedel with one chance while seeing another palmed away by the American.

Benni McCarthy headed a David Bentley free-kick just wide at the other end while Stephen Warnock looked set to equalise following a mazy run past three players.

But, just as he prepared to pull the trigger, a sliding Michael Essien robbed him of the ball with Blackburn showing an attacking instinct which saw them pose a persistent threat.

A poor Essien header back let in Derbyshire but he failed to get a true contact as his flicked shot past oncoming keeper Petr Cech was cleared by Carvalho.

The first half ended with Shevchenko sending a free header into the arms of Friedel before Chelsea were dealt a worrying blow with Cole's injury shortly after the break.

Shevchenko shot too close to Friedel with another opening and it was left to Lampard to power in a trademark 22-yard shot and give Chelsea some breathing space.

McCarthy could have made it a nervous finish for the reigning Premiership champions but his header from close range did not have the purchase to beat Cech.

Shevchenko got a handshake and embrace from manager Jose Mourinho when substituted late on as Chelsea appeared to have left their problems, both on and off the field, behind them.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho:

"It is incredible because we do not have small injuries. It is big injury after big injury.

"I think it was Andriy's best game. He played fantastic.

"In the first half in our difficult period he was fighting for the team like he never did before. He did more than enough to make me happy."

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes:

"They have individual talent that is able to turn a game and get the points for them.

"I feel that's what has happened. We were very much in this game and ended up losing 3-0.

"We are scratching our heads somewhat because we have performed but, more often than not, great players will produce for you when you need them to."

Chelsea: Cech, Diarra, Essien, Carvalho, Ashley Cole (Bridge 55), Ballack, Makelele, Lampard, Mikel (Ferreira 87), Shevchenko (Kalou 84), Drogba.

Subs Not Used: Hilario, Wright-Phillips.

Goals: Drogba 6, Lampard 67, Kalou 90.

Blackburn: Friedel, Emerton, Nelsen, Henchoz (Samba 79), Warnock, Gallagher (Nonda 62), Bentley, Kerimoglu, Pedersen, Derbyshire (Jeffers 78), McCarthy.

Subs Not Used: Enckelman, Mokoena.

Booked: Samba.

Att: 38,000

Ref: G Poll (Hertfordshire).

[Seapok]

Cole suffers knee ligament damage

Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has suffered knee ligament damage - but skipper John Terry is expected to return from injury on Saturday.

Cole damaged his posterior cruciate ligament when landing awkwardly during the win over Blackburn on Wednesday.

But the club say he does not need surgery and the 26-year-old is expected to play again this season.

Terry, since 13 December, had surgery on a back injury and his rehabilitation was complicated by a calf injury.

But he is expected to play against Charlton, with manager Jose Mourinho saying: "Terry is an important player for us. We've missed him and it's important he's back, especially in a period when we keep losing players."

Cole had a scan on his injury on Thursday and it had been feared that he would be out for the rest of the campaign.

It is the latest in a line of injuries to key defenders at Chelsea, with Terry only just set to return after more than a month out and fellow centre-back Khalid Boulahrouz also injured.

Mourinho said: "We are doing so many things to have a team to compete in all competitions and we must compete without Ashley.

"Khalid Boulahrouz will train with the group for the first time on Thursday and maybe in one more week he can play."