Midfielder backs Blues boss

As the English media continues to scrutinize Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas for reducing veteran Frank Lampard's role in team, all eyes will be on the Blues' team sheet when they face Valencia in the UEFA Champions League tonight.

However, regardless of who Villas-Boas prefers to choose, midfielder John Obi Mikel is convinced that the manager's arrival has sparked a healthy competition for places and for that, he must be lauded rather than criticized.