Big game at the Bridge on Super Sunday. Personnel decisions are likely to play a significant role in the outcome. So, let's channel our inner Andre Villas-Boas and sort this one out.

Cool? Cool.

I see you.

Andre Villas-Boas faces all kinds of issues entering our match against Manchester United.

Juan Mata has spoken ahead of the United game on Sunday. In the short time he has been here in England, he has made an impact and has become an important player for Chelsea now and in the future.
Speaking of the weekend, Mata reveals that the players aren't happy with the ways things are going but are determined to put things right in every game starting with United.

Chelsea's succes in overcoming Queens Park Rangers on Saturday apparently brought some negativity for them as one of their important players, Ramires, was forced to leave the pitch with what looked to be a knee injury.

This situation is apparently worrying for the Blues' manager, Andre Villas-Boas, who tried to be optimistic with his Brazilian midfielder's condition, hoping that it won't be a very serious knee problem for the ex-Benfica man.

Ya está en marcha la Copa Africana de naciones, rompiendo como siempre el calendario ya que realizarla en enero no es el mayor beneficio para los clubes que al fin y al cabo son los dueños de las cartas de los jugadores. Bastantes de ellos en Europa, aunque en esta edición el número es menor por algunos países que clasificaron por sorpresa y tienen menos futbolistas en el viejo continente o ninguno como Sudán, porque sino el número de 184 jugadores que se desempeñan ahí y jugarán ésta edición hubiera aumentado con Nigeria, Sudáfrica, Togo, Camerún o Argelia presentes.

Saturday afternoon is without question a huge game as we take on QPR in the FA Cup at Loftus Road. We all know the story that has made headlines from the previous game and the same story will remain the focus on Saturday.
It will be a time for cool heads, for composure and for assurance on the pitch for those players wearing that Chelsea shirt.

This doesn't sound too promising. While the rest of the boys headed off to Spain after the disappointing draw with Norwich City, Frank Lampard remained behind. Poor guy.

He instead headed back to London in order to undergo scans on what is suspected to be a torn calf muscle. You may recall him being removed after only 37 minutes at Carrow Road.

It's a simple question but with a difficult answer. With a chance to close the gap on City, United and Spurs, Chelsea travel to Carrow Road in Saturday's lunchtime kick off.
With three players added to the fold and in contention to start the question is who do you think should start this game for Chelsea?

Josh McEachran has signed for Swansea on loan until the end of the season in what appears to be a cracking move for all parties concerned.
We all know the situation with getting first team football here at Chelsea and with Raul Meireles, Lampard and Ramires playing well and Michael Essien back, it's harder than ever for Josh to break into the side these days.

I said on here that I would take a win before the game no matter how well or bad we played in this one and as I sat on the tube going home I was relieved. Chelsea at times played well but again found ourselves exposed by in form Sunderland and if the likes of McLean and Bendtner had taken their chances, it could have been a very different story.

It has indeed happened. We have reached the magical plateau of 40 points, and are thus unlikely to be relegated. Three cheers. As for this fixture, it was a right odd one, with the Chels looking equal parts sterling and benumb, particularly in defense. Chances, there were a fair few for both sides.

It has indeed happened. We have reached the magical plateau of 40 points, and are thus unlikely to be relegated. Three cheers. As for this fixture, it was a right odd one, with the Chels looking equal parts sterling and benumb, particularly in defense. Chances, there were a fair few for both sides.

By Chris Wright

Given the current penchant for the two-footed Exocet-style challenge as favoured by Glen Johnson among others, here is Pies' pick of the XI worst, shin-splintering, sinew-shredding, ligament-twanging, bone-flaking tackles to ever take place on a Premier League pitch (that we could find corresponding videos for).

So AVB speaks of Cahill and one possible other signing, dependant on value for money in this window which leads me to ask "Who is the second signing?".
You do have to wonder who it would be coming into the club as we have to consider the players who are due to be leaving or reported as doing so as early as this month or the end of the season when their contracts expire.

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has been given a timely boost as tenacious midfielder Michael Essien took a huge step forward in his return from injury. The Ghanian star returned to reserves action yesterday, playing 75 minutes as Chelsea's reserves fell to defeat.

Essien exploded onto the Premier League scene when he arrived at Stamford Bridge, but a string of injuries in the past year has made him a forgotten figure.

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has been given a timely boost as tenacious midfielder Michael Essien took a huge step forward in his return from injury. The Ghanian star returned to reserves action yesterday, playing 75 minutes as Chelsea's reserves fell to defeat.

Essien exploded onto the Premier League scene when he arrived at Stamford Bridge, but a string of injuries in the past year has made him a forgotten figure.

Getting close in securing Gary Cahill from Bolton Wanderers, Chelsea apparently will still continue their surge in the winter transfer market and capture at least another quality player.

This confirmation was revealed by the club's tactician, Andre Villas-Boas, who unfortunately still can't confirm, whose the other player they're trying to grab this January aside from Cahill.

Might the prodigal son finally be on the mend? More, after the jump:

Back in Blue

You might remember Michael Essien. You might not. Either way, dude is back in action, getting his first run in some months as he works his way back to fitness with the reserves.

By Alan Duffy

Chelsea's erratic first half of the 2011/12 campaign may have all but ended their title dreams, but the news that Ghanaian midfield supremo Michael Essien is back in action will surely give AVB and his army of Blues' fans a right old boost.

Liverpool is reportedly considering a January raid on Chelsea midfield target Fernando Reges.
The 24-year-old FC Porto star has emerged as one of a number of players in the position who is of interested to the club, according to The Daily Mail, with Celtic's Beram Kayal another player on the club's transfer radar.

Liverpool is reportedly considering a January raid on Chelsea midfield target Fernando Reges.
The 24-year-old FC Porto star has emerged as one of a number of players in the position who is of interested to the club, according to The Daily Mail, with Celtic's Beram Kayal another player on the club's transfer radar.

It's a fact that I think will divide opinion amongst Chelsea fans, Spurs fans and even football neutrals right now. Chelsea had a hoodoo over Spurs for years and called their patch "three point lane" but you have to admit we can't call it that anymore can we.
Spurs (no matter what your bias is) have done great under Harry Redknapp considering that some of them didn't want him!

Image: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images Europe.

We're really feeling Michael Essien getting into the spirit of things at the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship.

Image: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images Europe.

O.M.G. Is there any way we can 'unsee' that?

I think many of us were looking forward to seeing the face of Michael Essien on English Premier League pitches some time this holiday season. It looks like we're going to have to wait a bit longer, however.

Not quite ready

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas, speaking at his pre-Wigan press conference, touched on Essien's progress or lack thereof.

I think many of us were looking forward to seeing the face of Michael Essien on English Premier League pitches some time this holiday season. It looks like we're going to have to wait a bit longer, however.

Not quite ready

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas, speaking at his pre-Wigan press conference, touched on Essien's progress or lack thereof.

In the summer, Chelsea were heavily linked with a potential transfer move for Luca Modric and Gary Cahill and with the winter transfer window set to open, rumors obviously spreads again regarding that possibilities.

However, the club's new manager, Andre Villas-Boas, immediately squashed the rumors as the young tactician noted that those players are not in his mind again this season, since he is pretty much satisfied with what he has at the moment.

Hi everyone,
It has been clearly seen that Roman Abramovich is starving for titles and does everything possible to dominate England and Europe. However, things have not been going the way he wishes. Unlike some other clubs, finance is one of the least of worries that the owner has, thanks to his outside business which does not make him shy to spend almost unlimited amount of money with the club.

Ivory Coast are the heavy favourites going into the African Cup of Nations in 2012 in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea next year.
The Elephants will be able to call upon on the service of a number of high profile European players such as the Toure brothers, Salomon Kalou, Gervinho and Didier Drogba.

I saw so much Michael Essien in Arsenal's Alex Song yesterday I couldn't believe my eyes. The 5.9M rated Fantasy Premier League midfielder has never been a consistent fantasy acquisition nor has he performed at world class levels in ... Continue reading →

As much as Andre Villas-Boas and Kenny Dalglish would prefer it not to be the case, all eyes will be on Fernando Torres, with a few glances towards Raul Meireles, when Chelsea host Liverpool on Sunday.
Torres and Meireles both left Anfield within the last 12 months under respective clouds having been seen by many on Merseyside to have forced their transfers to Stamford Bridge.

He'll be needing the toilet after Liverpool are done with his side on Sunday...Liverpool make the trip down South on Sunday to face Chelsea in the first of two clashes this month with the London side. This game has had enough spice sprinkled over it in the recent weeks, the factors of Torres and Meireles will surely add to the already predictable atmosphere and both clubs could seriously do with a big win.

Reds Aim To Show Torres & Meireles What They're Missing

He'll be needing the toilet after Liverpool are done with his side on Sunday... Liverpool make the trip down South on Sunday to face Chelsea in the first of two clashes this month with the London side. This game has had enough spice sprinkled over it in the recent weeks, the factors of Torres and Meireles will surely add to the already predictable atmosphere and both clubs could seriously do with a big win.

CHELSEA v Liverpool: Andre Villas-Boas set to only be without Michael Essien for Reds clash

Andre Villas-Boas expects everyone but Michael Essien to be fit for Chelsea's Barclays Premier League game against Liverpool on Sunday.

View the full story here: The Mail

A news article on 2011-11-18 16:15:58 from: The Mail

This news item has been reproduced from today's media.

Chelsea v Liverpool preview: Carragher set for Reds return

Michael Essien is out for the hosts

View the full story here: The Mirror

A news article on 2011-11-18 14:01:04 from: The Mirror

This news item has been reproduced from today's media.

As you already know, a promising young midfielder named Josh McEachran may be leaving the club on loan in January. Could an injury-blighted veteran with monster upside make his return around the same time? We can only hope.

Moving forward

Andre Villas-Boas, speaking today in his customary pre-match press conference, dropped some knowledge on the situations of both Didier Drogba and Michael Essien.

As you already know, a promising young midfielder named Josh McEachran may be leaving the club on loan in January. Could an injury-blighted veteran with monster upside make his return around the same time? We can only hope.

Moving forward

Andre Villas-Boas, speaking today in his customary pre-match press conference, dropped some knowledge on the situations of both Didier Drogba and Michael Essien.

Tomorrow is the second of two massive games as we look to cut the gap to the Manchester sides above us and for some of you, it gets no bigger than QPR v Chelsea. Back in the big time, QPR will want to do everything they can to get one over us but saying that, surely with the form we are showing and the goals we are scoring, Chelsea have to be favourites for this one?

I think we all can agree that it's a bit too late to do a recap. Lamb to the slaughter it was and all.

What we can do is drop five things we learned from watching the destruction. After the jump and the epic screencap of Toretto and O'Conner you can check my Fast Five, compiled after watching the match a second time.

Nigeria is apparently shit. Thank the sweet lord.

Hanging out in January

Apologies for not getting this up early. Most of us were doing the full-time job thing when the news broke. Me, I was doing some low-rent promotion at a local mixed martial arts event with a good friend.

Book review by guest editor Paul Demko.
Interviews with professional athletes are, as a general rule, terrible. Most players have become so jaded by the insatiable need of sports reporters for interesting (i.e. controversial) material that they inevitably revert to a tedious torrent of cliches.

Here we go again, up next in the Premier League is Bolton away on Sunday at the lunchtime kick off. We know Michael Essien is out injured and Fernando Torres serves the first of his three game ban so he is also out. With more or less the rest of our squad available to play I just wonder how AVB will approach this one.