Chelsea 2-0 Blackburn

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Just been doing a little bit of research and I've just come to the following realisation:

Chelsea have won 9 out of 10 matches against Blackburn Rovers that Michael Essien has played in, keeping seven clean sheets in the process.

• Chelsea 4-2 Blackburn (05/06)
• Blackburn 0-2 Chelsea (06/07)
• Blackburn 0-2 Chelsea (06/07) - Carling Cup
• Chelsea 3-0 Blackburn (06/07)
• Chelsea 2-1 Blackburn (06/07) - FA Cup
• Chelsea 0-0 Blackburn (07/08)
• Blackburn 0-1 Chelsea (07/08)
• Chelsea 2-0 Blackburn (08/09)
• Chelsea 5-0 Blackburn (09/10)
• Blackburn 1-2 Chelsea (10/11)

[jmarlow 458]

quick question, I need to pick my ticket up from the box office today do I only need my membership or do I need to bring anything else with me? I have never had to pick tickets up from the box office before, can anyone help?

[DYC. 7,542]

"I have doubts about the selection, up front and also in midfield," Ancelotti said. "The performances of Sturridge and McEachran are the reason I have doubts. I want to take the right decision. There were very important performances against Ipswich, so I have to take them into consideration."Essien has struggled at times to reproduce the irrepressible form he enjoyed before suffering cartilage and meniscus damage in his left knee a year ago – he suffered a cruciate ligament injury in the same joint two seasons ago – and has recently been affected by a toe injury. Drogba, such an influential figure in the dressing room and unimpressed at being on the bench for last month's visit to Tottenham Hotspur, has understandably seen his impact this term reduced by a bout of malaria.

Yet the pair's continued toils may now have opened the door to fresher, younger legs and a glimpse at the club's future as Chelsea seek a timely and convincing league win against Blackburn this afternoon. Asked whether such players as Essien and Drogba might be omitted, Ancelotti said: "Yes, why not? My job is to choose the best team to play the game. Maybe sometimes there are some players who are not in the best condition to play.

Come on Carlo, surprise me/us.

[Jose M 140]

......................Cech................................

Bosingwa....Bruma........Terry........Ashley

Josh....Ramires... Lampard

.........Anelka.......Drogba....Sturridge....................

[BlueLion. 21,491]

quick question, I need to pick my ticket up from the box office today do I only need my membership or do I need to bring anything else with me? I have never had to pick tickets up from the box office before, can anyone help?

Take your proof of purchase/confirmation email as well just in case

[Peace. 4,352]

It's really hard to believe Carlo here... Since this summer he promises us things... Like the involvement of the youth.

So I will only believe him once the team sheet is out. For now I think it's just a way to scare Essien (and maybe the other old players).

Drop Essien remains a gamble imo. Blackburn is a very rugged team and Josh is really skinny and he is only 17 years-old. First of all, I don't know if he will be able to deal with BlackBurn's physical strenght, and, I imagine he can be injured easily with such beasts... If it was up to me, I would give him a start just against the likes of Black Pool, Wigan etcetera. We can't risk his career.

If a 'youth' must start, it's Sturridge no doubt. I think I would have a heart attack if he doesn't start - especially if it's Kalou who start instead of him lol.

[Drogba11CFC 108]

Mail's lineup:

Cech

Bosingwa Ivanovic Terry Cole

Lampard Ramires McEachran

Anelka Drogba Malouda

[Steve 10,227]

Blackburn Opposition Views

http://www.talkchels...tion-views.html

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Carlo Ancelotti appears to have survived the axe, for the moment at least, but some of his most senior players may not be so lucky.

The Chelsea manager is considering leaving out either Didier Drogba or Michael Essien, or even both, for today's home game with Blackburn Rovers, and pitching into their places a pair of young Englishmen.

Daniel Sturridge is the only striker in real form at the club. He scored twice in last Sunday's 7-0 demolition of Ipswich Town in the FA Cup third round, following five goals for the reserves against Tottenham Hotspur three days earlier, and is pushing to replace Drogba. Last season's Golden Boot winner has struggled for form this season, with eight Premier League goals from 20 appearances, including a hat-trick in the opening game against West Bromwich Albion.

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/Drogba-and-essien-pay-price-of-chelsea-slump-2185039.html

[LDN Blue 7,903]

I'll be surprised if the Drog is left out for a full 90minutes though.

[Badboy 1,526]

Carlo Ancelotti appears to have survived the axe, for the moment at least, but some of his most senior players may not be so lucky.

The Chelsea manager is considering leaving out either Didier Drogba or Michael Essien, or even both, for today's home game with Blackburn Rovers, and pitching into their places a pair of young Englishmen.

Daniel Sturridge is the only striker in real form at the club. He scored twice in last Sunday's 7-0 demolition of Ipswich Town in the FA Cup third round, following five goals for the reserves against Tottenham Hotspur three days earlier, and is pushing to replace Drogba. Last season's Golden Boot winner has struggled for form this season, with eight Premier League goals from 20 appearances, including a hat-trick in the opening game against West Bromwich Albion.

http://www.independe...mp-2185039.html

Would you start Danny ahead of Drogba today ?

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Would you start Danny ahead of Drogba today ?

I wouldn't. I'd play him ahead of Anelka instead.

[Badboy 1,526]

I wouldn't. I'd play him ahead of Anelka instead.

The thing is Drogba still gives you a great out let when he is in the team, he plays with his back to goal it makes things easier for the other players.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

The thing is Drogba still gives you a great out let when he is in the team, he plays with his back to goal it makes things easier for the other players.

Yeah exactly, I think Sturridge's movement would benefit Drogba is he could pick him out from a pass. Danny sometimes goes for goal when he has other options available - something he can easily improve on. If he can out run the defence and find that crucial ball to Drogba to finish they can make a great partnership.

[Badboy 1,526]

Yeah exactly, I think Sturridge's movement would benefit Drogba is he could pick him out from a pass. Danny sometimes goes for goal when he has other options available - something he can easily improve on. If he can out run the defence and find that crucial ball to Drogba to finish they can make a great partnership.

The thing is i don't like seeing sturridge out wide he is a forward !

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Essien, Drogba & Malouda start.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Cech

Bosingwa - Ivanovic - Terry - Cole

Essien

Ramires - Lampard

Anelka - Drogba - Malouda

Subs: Turnbull, Ferriera, Bruma, McEachran, Mikel, Kalou, Sturridge

No youth.. Who's surprised?

[Kostas 1,468]

Same old same old Just when we were getting naive.