BlueLion.

Quality, would buy all three of those

Sturridge HAS to start this game. If Ancelotti has any back bone and is not scared to bench one of the egos, then he will play him.

I would mate, most definitely

Arsenal will not beat Aston Villa, so let's not worry about them.

Well said, couldn't sum it up any betters. Haters gonna hate.

The worldwide players’ union FIFPro and FIFA today announced the 55 players shortlisted for the FIFA/FIPro World XI 2010 (see full list below), which is to be revealed at the FIFA Ballon d’Or gala in Zurich on 10 January 2011. The 50,000 professional footballers belonging to the players’ unions across the world that form FIFPro received voting forms in a secret ballot to nominate their peers for inclusion in their World XI – choosing the best four defenders, three midfielders, three forwards and goalkeeper of 2010. World champions Spain lead the way with the most players in the shortlist with ten, followed by nine from Brazil, eight from Argentina, six from England, four from Germany, three each from the Netherlands and Italy, two from Portugal and one each from Uruguay, Wales, France, Bulgaria, Serbia, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Ghana, the Ivory Coast and Cameroon. Spain’s Primera Division attracted the most nominees with 18, followed by England’s Premier League with 17 and Italy’s Serie A with 15. Four nominees came from Germany’s Bundesliga and one from France’s Ligue 1. The final FIFA/FIFPro World XI will be announced at the FIFA Ballon d’Or gala in the Zurich Kongresshaus on 10 January 2011. During this televised gala, the winner of the FIFA Ballon d’Or for the best player of 2010 and the FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year 2010 award will also be revealed. Meanwhile, the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men’s Football award and the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women’s Football award will be presented for the first time, while the FIFA Puskas Award for the best goal of the year will be announced for the second year running. The FIFA Presidential Award and the FIFA Fair Play Award will also be presented during the gala. Chelsea representatives: - Petr Cech, Ashley Cole, John Terry, Didier Drogba, Michael Essien and Frank Lampard. The 55-player shortlist in full: Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy, Juventus FC), Iker Casillas (Spain, Real Madrid C.F.), Petr Cech (Czech Republic, Chelsea FC), Julio Cesar (Brazil, F.C. Internazionale), Edwin van der Sar (Netherlands, Manchester United FC) Defenders: Daniel Alves (Brazil, FC Barcelona), Gareth Bale (Wales, Tottenham Hotspur), Michel Bastos (Brazil, Olympique Lyonnais), Ashley Cole (England, Chelsea FC), Patrice Evra (France, Manchester United FC), Rio Ferdinand (England, Manchester United FC), Philipp Lahm (Germany, FC Bayern Munchen), Lucio (Brazil, F.C. Internazionale), Maicon (Brazil, F.C. Internazionale), Marcelo (Brazil, Real Madrid C.F.), Alessandro Nesta (Italy, AC Milan), Pepe (Portugal, Real Madrid C.F.), Gerard Pique (Spain, FC Barcelona), Carles Puyol (Spain, FC Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Spain, Real Madrid C.F.), Walter Samuel (Argentina, F.C. Internazionale), John Terry (England, Chelsea FC), Thiago Silva (Brazil, AC Milan), Nemanja Vidic (Serbia, Manchester United FC), Javier Zanetti (Argentina, F.C. Internazionale) Midfielders: Esteban Cambiasso (Argentina, F.C. Internazionale), Michael Essien (Ghana, Chelsea FC), Cesc Fabregas (Spain, Arsenal FC), Steven Gerrard (England, Liverpool FC), Andres Iniesta (Spain, FC Barcelona), Ricardo Kaka (Brazil, Real Madrid C.F.), Frank Lampard (England, Chelsea FC), Javier Mascherano (Argentina, FC Barcelona), Thomas Muller (Germany, FC Bayern Munchen), Mesut Ozil (Germany, Real Madrid C.F.), Andrea Pirlo (Italy, AC Milan), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany, FC Bayern Munchen), Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands, F.C. Internazionale), Xabi Alonso (Spain, Real Madrid C.F.), Xavi (Spain, FC Barcelona) Forwards: Dimitar Berbatov (Bulgaria, Manchester United FC), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast, Chelsea FC), Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon, F.C. Internazionale), Diego Forlán (Uruguay, Atletico Madrid), Gonzalo Higuain (Argentina, Real Madrid C.F.), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden, AC Milan), Lionel Messi (Argentina, FC Barcelona), Diego Milito (Argentina, F.C. Internazionale), Arjen Robben (Netherlands, FC Bayern München), Ronaldinho (Brazil, AC Milan), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Real Madrid C.F.), Wayne Rooney (England, Manchester United FC), Carlos Tevez (Argentina, Manchester City FC), Fernando Torres (Spain, Liverpool FC), David Villa (Spain, FC Barcelona) http://www.fifa.com/ballondor/media/newsid=1341042/index.html

Essien's still suspended unfortunately. Another point about their defence is Coloccini is suspended, which will mean Drogba's day has become slightly easier than it would have been. Coloccini is brilliant in the air afterall.

I'm not arguing that, I'm arguing your final point. You say he gave the ball away too much... his passing statistics are excellent! On the occasions he gave the ball away, I counted four were forced clearances and at least three were because of a lack of options. The rest were interceptions. Can't really complain about that, his overall game was excellent. People need to appreciate he was playing in a completely new position last night, yet he looked assured, confident and composed - plus the fact he is only a month older than me! Fantastic. Absolutely agree, I think we're all keen to show Josh patience because he is English; much the same as Sturridge.

Essien is back for the Everton match (December 4th) and with no further mishaps, Lampard will be fit for that match as well. Providing at least one of Terry and Alex is fit, we'll have a team second-to-none: Petr Cech Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry/Alex, Cole Mikel Essien, Lampard Anelka, Drogba, Malouda Substitutes: Turnbull, Ferreira, Bruma, Zhirkov, Ramires, Kalou, Sturridge

I'll never understand the Ferreira hate. Someone give me a better example of a third choice right-back? Perhaps more to the point, can anyone give an example of a better role model and professional? Ferreira has been loyal to this club - he has never spoken out against the management or threatened to score an own goal (take note Gallas), and gives a consistent seven out of ten every single match. Great man and a great footballer.

Seriously? I think that's a little extreme considering how many good passes he made!

Chelsea 2-1 MŠK Žilina Tuesday 23 November, UEFA Champions League, Stamford Bridge Chelsea's young side set about putting a forgettable fortnight behind them with a come-from-behind victory over Slovakian champions MŠK Žilina. Babatounde Bello gave the unfancied visitors a shock half-time lead after a smart first-time finish following neat interplay on the edge of the Chelsea box, but the hosts rallied and achieved an early second half reply through Daniel Sturridge's well-taken finish. Didier Drogba then saw a free-kick spectacularly touched onto the woodwork whilst Patrick van Aanholt nearly capped a full European début in magical fashion when his long-range blockbuster hit the frame of the goal. However Chelsea's dominance was not to be denied, and Florent Malouda poked home a late winner from captain Didier Drogba's knock down to not only continue Chelsea's perfect European form this campaign but also to confirm qualification as group winners - all ahead of a previously difficult-looking tie to Marseille that suddenly appears to now be a less-taxing fixture. The result will come as a welcome relief for Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti, whose side had lost three of their last four matches coming into this game against a Žilina side who had suffered just a single defeat domestically all campaign. However with qualification already guaranteed, Ancelotti was able to field a swathe of his talented youngsters, all of whom put in impressive and assured displays across the pitch. A win against the spirited Slovakian champions will not completely silence the doubters even in spite of an accomplished Chelsea performance, but the result nonetheless will improve the mood at Stamford Bridge after a harrowing two-week period which has seen them surrender a five-point lead in the Premier League and suffer the surprise loss of assistant coach and fans' favourite Ray Wilkins. The excellent second half fight-back will no doubt offer much confidence to Ancelotti's troubled and injury-stricken squad ahead of a daunting trip to Newcastle at the weekend, and the positives that can be taken from the performances of Sturrdidge, van Aanholt and Josh McEachran in particular will come as welcome news to the beleaguered Chelsea coach. Chelsea supporters will also find some solace in seeing the ghost of their last home match - a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Sunderland - firmly banished to the confines of memory. The first half was ultimately quite frustrating for Chelsea - who, incidentally had failed to find the net in three of their last four matches. After a quiet opening spell, Ancelotti's youthful side were beginning to impose themselves to a greater extent but suffered a shock setback when Bello superbly fired the ball beyond second-choice goalkeeper Ross Turnbull. It was typical of Chelsea's recent form to suffer such a set-back, and a cruel irony could be seen in the give-and-go fashion of the goal which saw Bello combine wonderfully with Robert Jez before turning and poking first-time into the corner with aplomb; a goal that was trademark SW6. Stamford Bridge had been stunned into silence save for the pocket of boisterous visiting supporters from Slovakia. The players' response to going a goal down was slightly more vocal than the disapproving support, with Sturridge at the heart of everything good in an attacking sense; the young striker first poking wide before bringing an excellent save out of the inspired Martin Dubravka. Turnbull had to be on his toes to emulate his opposite number when he prevented the visitors from inexplicably extending their lead with a good close-range save from Majtan, but Chelsea were beginning to turn the screw. First Malouda narrowly fired over from long-range with a scintillating drive, whilst Sturridge missed by an equally minute margin when he hooked an effort from inside the six yard box just over. Malouda then saw a deflected drive arc narrowly wide of the target as a frustrating first half came to a close. The introduction of Salomon Kalou after the break for the effervescent Gael Kakuta instantly turned the game for Chelsea as they came out buoyed by an improved performance following their shock early concession. It was the Ivorian who fashioned the Blues' first chance of the second period but he unfortunately failed to sufficiently control his strike from range, although his second major involvement paid more fruitful dividends. Picking up the ball, his low, teasing cross evaded the Žilina defence and found the unmarked Sturridge at the far post who duly tapped the ball through the legs of Dubravka. It was a goal that was deserved for the young England striker, who had also scored in Chelsea's 4-1 rout in the return fixture on the opening day of the competition. Suddenly Chelsea players were soaring with confidence, and a siege mentality ensued as the Blues looked to complete an impressive turnaround. Patrick van Aanholt was enjoying an accomplished game at left-back and his involvement in the match increased as the match progressed; on 53 minutes he delivered a ball that Drogba could only head at the goalkeeper whilst Ramires unleashed a monstrous, swerving effort from distance that narrowly flew wide of the target. The young Brazilian then saw a second deflected effort test Dubravka as Chelsea continued to turn the screw. Drogba then hit the woodwork mere moments later when his expertly-struck free-kick was finger-tipped by the goalkeeper onto the post, and when Bruma returned the ball, Ivanovic headed over from six yards. With the visitors hanging on by the skin of their teeth, the Žilina players could breathe a collective sigh of relief as the ball would not sit for the rampaging Sturridge inside the box. Sturridge eventually bent an opportunistic shot around the post before van Aanholt left the goalpost shaking when his thunderous drive from 25 yards clipped the frame of the goal. Chelsea were looking increasingly menacing, though chances began to become more infrequent as Sturridge was replaced to a standing ovation. Nicolas Anelka replaced the young Englishman to pose a very different threat to the Žilina defence, whilst the Blues continued to pepper Dubravka's goal with a number of efforts; the most notable from Malouda who rifled the ball into the side netting when he perhaps should have found the top corner. But Chelsea were simply not to be denied a deserved winner, and it came from the boot of Malouda who made amends for his earlier misfire with a simple close-range finish. There was perhaps a sense of inevitability about the way in which the goal was crafted; on a night where it was supposed to be the youngsters who shone, it ironically was the experienced Chelsea frontline who won the game in a single passage of sublime simplicity and quality. Anelka's cross into the box was headed down in typical Drogba fashion for Malouda to tuck away ahead of Dubravka to ensure a much-needed win was delivered to the paying customers. A roar of jubilant cheering - with one or two sighs of relief thrown in for good measure - erupted around Stamford Bridge as Žilina's brave resistance was thwarted at the death. There was even time for young Jacob Mellis to make his Chelsea bow before the game expired to a round of appreciate applause from the Blues faithful - a win was what was needed, and a win was what was delivered. ___________________________________________________________________ Chelsea (4-3-3): Turnbull; Ferreira, Bruma, Ivanovic, Van Aanholt; Ramires, McEachran (Mellis 90+1), Malouda; Kakuta (Kalou 46), Drogba, Sturridge (Anelka 73) MŠK Žilina (4-4-2): Dubravka; Angelovic, Piacek, Pecalka, Gergel; Jez, Guldon, Bello, Vladavic (Rilke 89); Majtan (Poliacek 84), Ovavec (Ceesay 63) The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Chelsea's number 23, Daniel Sturridge

Josh was the most competent player on the pitch throughout the whole game for me. I don't see why you are so vehemently defending Kakuta, he did nothing to impress me. He did nothing for me to curse him and call him overrated - believe me, I know we have to be patient with young football players - but he has made no impression on me this season. That is my opinion and I am perfectly entitled to it. He may show a lot of promise to you, but for me, I'm unconvinced. Plus Kalou did more in 45 minutes than Kakuta did. I know I shouldn't compare but if you want to break into this Chelsea side as a kid you have to better the player who normally plays there - and for me, Kalou played better than Kakuta tonight.

Absolutely delighted. I know we were playing against the whipping boys but to see all (well, nearly all) of our youngsters play so well is refreshing. Turnbull had a good game and did nothing wrong in my view; his handling was spot on and I recall him making a very good save when it was 0-1 to keep us in the game. Bruma was solid, van Aanholt played exceptionally well, Sturridge was probably the best player on the pitch and certainly full of effort and attacking intent which is what you want to see. McEachran was superb, his composure on the ball truly astounds me. Was also nice to see Mellis on the pitch. The only disappointment for me was Kakuta who still has yet to make an impression at all this season. Out of the 'old fogeys,' I thought Ferreira had a very good match, Ivanovic was faultless, Ramires was assured in the second half, Malouda was effervescent at times but when he was involved we looked very dangerous. Impressed with Drogba's work rate tonight too, I've been critical of his performances and commitment recently, so it was great to see him so fired up and trying to work the crowd as well. Kalou was very good as well, I firmly believe he changed the game at half-time and might have had a goal himself. Can't complain with any performance from the old guard tonight. Truly chuffed.

Suddenly quite optimistic about this game. 2-0 Chels I say.

So the team is likely to be along these lines: Turnbull (confirmed) Bosingwa/Ferreira Ivanovic Bruma (confirmed) Cole/van Aanholt Ramires McEachran (confirmed) - if he is playing the holding role it means Mikel will get a rest, most likely. Malouda/Kakuta Sturridge/Malouda Anelka/Drogba Kalou/Kakuta

Reading the comments from the opposition fans who are actually praising Drogba (I know, I'm shocked too), has made my morning.

If Ancelotti, an astute manager who is one of the most-loved and respected characters in the game, is forced to leave this club, I want the board out. This club is becoming an absolute joke in terms of the way it is run. It is impossible to expect to win every game and every trophy!

I agree one hundred percent, Esk, as usual. The effort in yesterday's match cannot be faulted and it truly was an incredibly fortunate result for Birmingham (and United) that we were beaten.

Probably, but I'm not going to mess with the skin settings and Jim's far too busy to look into it.

Thank you very much I firmly believe we shouldn't be too disheartened - I thought we played very well in all fairness, and if we play in such a fashion against Newcastle we will surely win.

As a goalkeeper myself, I've never understood why people say goalkeepers need a rest. Actually considering the amount of work he's done recently to save us from embarrassment, maybe he does But in all seriousness, resting a goalkeeper? Football is more about the mental aspect than the physical side for a goalkeeper, and the finest way to hone that mental prowess is to play game after game after game. There is no harm in Cech playing and indeed captaining the side on Tuesday, especially since he will have the rest of the week to prepare for the Newcastle game.

Absolutely agree with you mate. But take Vidic, Ferdinand, Scholes and Carrick out of the United team, and have only a half-fit Rooney. Similarly consider Arsenal with Van Persie at 50%, no Fabregas or Alex Song, with Koscielny and Vermaelen both out as well. They'd struggle too. My point is any team would struggle without the calibre of players we're missing, namely the world's best attacking midfielder in Lampard, arguably the best all-round player in the Premier League (Essien) and the best defensive partnership in the league (bar perhaps Vidic and Ferdinand) in Alex and Terry.

Add Essien to the mix and you're spot on, mate.