Tag Archives: Chelsea

Drogba urges Chelsea support

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Didier Drogba has admitted Chelsea (4/6 – FA Premier League outright) face a battle against Stoke City but wants the fans to give their side all the backing needed to take them to the top of the Premier League.

Manchester United’s 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday lunchtime meant the Red Devils leapfrogged Chelsea to the top of the Premier League, but Carlo Ancelotti’s men can give themselves a one-point cushion with two games to go if they beat Stoke at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Chelsea (1/7 – Chelsea v Stoke City match bets) have only dropped five points on their own turf since the start of the season, and since their defeat to Manchester City at home they have won three in a row at Stamford Bridge, scoring 12 goals in the process.

The Premier League title battle looks like going right to the wire and Chelsea have a tough trip to Anfield after the Stoke encounter, before ending their season playing host to Wigan Athletic.

Ivory Coast striker Drogba (2/1 - first goalscorer) told the official Chelsea website that it is “important” for the fans to create a special atmosphere by getting “really behind” the team.

“We have done well at home. You never know what can happen, games are difficult now,” said the forward.

“Some teams are trying to save lives but some teams are playing for little and can enjoy themselves, and sometimes then you play better.”

He added: “Sunday is the kind of game that we are going to have until the end of the season so we need them to be patient and to really shout and sing and be supportive, that is the only way to win it.”

Chelsea will have to cope without John Terry against the aerial bombardment Stoke (18/1 to win, 13/2 draw – Chelsea v Stoke City match bets) are likely to bring to Stamford Bridge after the former England captain as sent off in their defeat to Spurs last weekend.

Drogba has been struggling with a groin problem but is expected to take part while Ashley Cole could come back into the side after an extended period on the sidelines.

Tony Pulis is set to welcome Ryan Shawcross and Mathew Etherington into his side for the game, and Stoke fans could take some heart from the fact their side have not lost any of their six away league matches so far in 2010.

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Chelsea await Drogba decision

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Didier DrogbaChelsea striker Didier Drogba could join John Terry on the sidelines for Sunday’s home clash with Stoke as the Blues bid to get their Premier League title push back on track (Chelsea 4/7 Outright).

Carlo Ancelotti’s side lost 2-1 at Tottenham at the weekend which saw Manchester United (11/8 Outright) close to within a point with three games left to play in the top flight this term.

The White Hart Lane defeat was compounded by captain John Terry’s red card on 67 minutes while Ivory Coast star Drogba aggravated a groin problem he has been carrying recently.

Whether or not the 32-goal striker requires surgery remains to be seen, with Ancelotti confirming the decision rests with Drogba despite the fact Chelsea are going for the Premier League and FA Cup double.

“He doesn’t have a big problem. It’s more about controlling the situation,” said the Italian.

“He’ll take a decision at the end of the season. But it’s not sure he’ll have surgery.”

However, Drogba could well decide he needs to rest the problem in order to ensure he reaches the World Cup finals (Drogba 20/1 Top Goalscorer) in as good a condition as possible, surgery or not.

Ancelotti still feels the Premier League title is Chelsea’s to lose after United managed to secure a 1-0 win at Manchester City in the early kick-off on Saturday thanks to a late Paul Scholes header.

He added: “We are top of the list with only three games left so every team wants to be in our place.

“We have two at home and one difficult game away. We can be the best again. A one-point lead is not bad at this stage of the season.

“To be sure we have to win all three games. Now the most important is against Stoke.”

The Potters arrive at Stamford Bridge having again guaranteed their Premier League status with games to spare after winning promotion in 2008.

But boss Tony Pulis is eager to move the Britannia Stadium outfit further up the table next season from the confines of mid-table security.

He told the Sunday Mirror: “We want to take it up another level and that may mean shifting a few players on.

“There are a few players whose futures will be discussed and we will see where it takes us.

“There has to be changes if we are to move on because if you stand still you’re dead.”

Pulis’ challenge is to add to his squad while maintaining the unity that has largely served them well over the last three years.

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Coles’ goals for Chelsea and England

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Chelsea's Ashley ColeThere is good news for England fans with the news that Ashley Cole is set to start on the bench for Chelsea against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. (Spurs 11/4, draw 12/5, Chelsea 10/11).

Cole has been out of action for two months since fracturing his ankle in a clash against Everton in February and although he has not played any practice games since he returned to training, Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that he will be part of the squad for the trip to White Hart Lane. He has returned quicker than expected – he had been initially pencilled in to return at the end of April – and Ancelotti has been quick to praise Cole’s commitment and the Stamford Bridge medical staff.

The return of Cole will be seen as a boost for both Chelsea and England. Chelsea are hoping to secure the double this season and are currently four points ahead of Manchester United at the top of the Premier League. Three points against Spurs will take them one step closer to their first league title since 2006. They are 10/11 to beat Spurs and 1/8 favourites to win the league.

Chelsea are also in line for the double after their 3-0 success against Aston Villa last weekend secured an FA Cup final appearance against Portsmouth on May 15. They are 1/4 to lift the famous trophy. However, Ancelotti has been quick to tell his players to forget all aspirations of winning the double and has urged them to retain their focus.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Ancelotti stated;

“My work is very easy, because they know what they need to do. We never speak about the double. That’s not the right way to prepare at all.

“It is not a formality we will win the title. We have to play very important and difficult games and we have to pay attention.

“Now, the title is not so sure for us. We have to fight again. We are working to win both the league and the FA Cup. We are involved in both and in a very good position, but nothing is decided.”

Ancelotti is aware that Spurs will be a tricky prospect and they impressed him during their 2-1 defeat of Arsenal in midweek.

Meanwhile, Joe Cole is focusing on club over country for the time being, although he has not given up hope of being recalled to Fabio Capello’s England squad ahead of the World Cup.

Both Coles have suffered with injuries this season and patchy form has seen Joe drop out of the England reckoning. However, he knows that you can’t talk your way into the England squad and he is focused on playing his best for Chelsea, helping them to secure a historic double. After that, he has admitted what will be, will be.

Speaking about the prospect of playing in the World Cup, he stated; “I just want to work hard for my team-mates and whatever happens happens. It’s obviously something I’d like to play in but at the moment I’m just concentrating on helping Chelsea win the title.”

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