DYC.

''Chelsea plan to rest Michael Essien for tomorrow's Champions League tie away to Spartak Moscow'' http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/8070120/Chelsea-must-show-some-backbone-following-goalless-draw-away-to-Aston-Villa.html ''Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard missed Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Aston Villa and Michael Essien will be rested in Russia.'' http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1321391/Chelseas-talented-kids-set-thrown-firing-line-injuries-toll.html#ixzz12hr7YZzZ Don't know if it's true but both sources claim Michael will be rested. We have to win this game so it's better if we field our strongest team. Winning tomorrow and beating them at home will secure us qualification and rest our (key-) players in the last two group matches. Also giving our youngsters the posibility to play CL matches

Grazie molte, Carletto.

Personally, I don't like giving all the credits to the goalkeeper when it comes to clean sheets. Great stat though.

For me, Cech has been great since our 09/10 season. And like you said, he's been continuing his great form. I think it's safe to say now that Petr is one of the top five goalkeepers in the world now, maybe even top three (Cech, César & Casillas, triple C's )

Yup, been saying that since his arrival at Chelsea. Yesterday was actually his first(!) game where he played in his natural position with us. He's such an quality player.

Why do people keep mentioning Man Utd but not mention Arsenal ?

Great to see José back btw. :chelsea2:

Yup. Gaël and Danny are trying way too hard to impress. Hopefully Carlo will find a way to make them relax.

Chance to go seven points clear.. too bad. Disliking the midfield-three Essien, Mikel, Ramires more and more, passing game is way too slow and predictable. Zhirkov and McEachran were a breath of fresh air when they came on. Maybe take a little risk and start Josh. Would be great to see how he plays from the start. Cech saved us in the first half. So thank you, Petr. Kakuta and Essien were very poor today. Anelka annoyed me today. He kept drifting to the sides and we really needed someone in the centre.

ANELKA NOOOO

McEachran's ball control is really amazing, especially for a Englishmen.

No bodies in the box at all

Go Zhirkov ! What a breath of fresh air.

Are my eyes deceiving me? Is Zhirkov actually playing on the left wing :mellow:

Injured.

We've been lucky so far. Josh on for some desperately needed creativity ? Or allow Kakuta to play more in his favoured position behind the striker ?

We're playing horrible

Come on boys ! They're playing like they haven't touched a ball in months..

Why does it look like we're not playing with a striker :huh: No one's in the centre...

Can't wait for this game to start. We just have to win. Anelka, lead us to victory ! :chelsea2:

'Drogba had a fever this week and was not able to train, he started today but is not fit. He took antibiotics in the last days and needs to train next week and I'll know if he is available for the game in the Champions League.

Much respect for Arsenal. So many injuries (key-players out) but still being able to perform at that level.

Happy with the win. Three points for us, 0 points for a title contender. Great. But still waiting for Chelsea to finally starting to play non-counter football against a top side at home. That would make us 'perfect'. :cfc:

Alex should really stop hitting balls so hard. He could really hurt someone...

That was some great work by Ramires. Real warrior and still so calm afterwards.