Ancelotti demands early European progression

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Carlo Ancelotti has told Chelsea it is crucial they qualify for the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.

The Blues, who already sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League, can secure a spot in the European knockout stages with two games to spare if they clinch at least a point against Spartak Moscow at Stamford Bridge.

Further to that, a three-point haul against the Russian giants would see the reigning league champions claim the top spot in qualifying Group F by making it four wins from four.

Italian Ancelotti, whose team visit Liverpool four days after the Spartak clash, feels a good result on Wednesday night would be enough to fire a warning to their title rivals.

"It's very important to win this game," Ancelotti said in The People.

"We can qualify and claim first place. And that will allow us to stay more in focus in the Premier League as well.

'Important'

"It's not just about resting players in the final games. Without pressure you can also have less problems mentally and physically which is good for the players. So it's very important to get three points.

"It will not be easy because in the away game they caused us a lot of problems."

Ancelotti is expecting another strong display from Yuri Zhirkov, who netted to help Chelsea to a 2-0 victory over Spartak in Moscow.

The Russian has struggled to establish himself at the Bridge since signing for £18million from CSKA Moscow last summer, but Ancelotti feels he is beginning to settle.

He said: "It's a big time for him. I think he also played well last year but now he is playing regularly. The goal in Moscow was good to improve his confidence."

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11668_6478495,00.html

[Cameron 30]

Get them through now and we'll have two mid week games where we can probably rest 6-7 players.

Would still probably given Essien a rest vs Spartak, maybe A.Cole too. Didier/JT if they need it.

[5354 204]

I would like to see Essien, Malouda and Anelka rested.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Very good point from Carlo. If we progress now we can stroll through the 2 remaining ones, perhaps give our reserves a run out. Give people like Ferriera & Hilario 90mins

[Wilson 358]

Yeah, get it out the way ASAP. It's no big deal because we will win the rest of our qualifying games anyway. But still, get it out the way and focus on league.

[Rambo 1,729]

I would like to see Essien, Malouda and Anelka rested.

good point, same with ivanovic and ashley

[kwylino 329]

I would rest Drogs Branslav Ashley Essien cech and Anelka rested

But i would bench anelka And Cech In case of emergancy

If they arent injured i would love to see mceachran Kakuta and Tore [if he can play in first team]

[True_Blue 469]

I expect a mixed team for this European fixture and a solid 2-0 win,because we will ease our minds of Europe and concentrate more on the Premiership.

[Kez 2,727]

We should have no problem qualifying tomorrow & give some players vital rest.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

I believe our priority should be our next Premier League matches; on Sunday and Wednesday (against Fulham). What I'm saying is we shouldn't bother playing too many first teamers if we don't need to.

[Laylabelle 9,359]

Job done next two months are horrible fixtures so least this is dusted.One point needed to finish top which should be simple enough but least we're through

[Kostas 1,468]

I think we could even finish 1st losing the next two games but having the best goal difference..

[BlueLion. 21,491]

We simply will not lose at home to Zilina after they lost 7-0 at home to Marseille