On Sky
Chelsea travel to Fratton Park eager to keep the nine point gap between them and their nearest rivals. It is a game Chelsea should win as a fragile Pompey seek new guidance after the sudden exit of Alain Perrin.
Vital Quotes:
Frank Lampard has suggested that beating the current record of consecutive Premiership appearances will not affect his game and will play no part in his thinking. Perhaps Frank is more concerned with scoring a goal or two to stay at the top of the Premiership scoring charts.
Mourinho after having previously stated that pressure is something felt by fathers trying to feed their families with no money to buy food may cast a wry eye in the general direction of the Pompey bench where Alain Perrin will be conspicious by his absence. Pressure1 Did it cause his downfall?
Portsmouth Team News:
It’s hard to guess who’ll turn out for Pompey. The team, as a whole will be up for it and keen to impress the man in temporary charge. After all, temporary could become permanent if Portsmouth pull off the improbable and defeat the Champions.
Player to watch: Matthew Taylor
The left sided player has developed from a promising talent into a Premiership class left-sided player. After starting his career at Luton, Matthew now borders on being recognised for international honours. His shooting ability could test Chelsea and Petr Cech will need to remain alert to prevent Matthew repeating the marvelllous 35-yard effort he recently notched against Sunderland.
Chelsea Team News:
Mourinho will welcome back Dider Drogba to his squad after the Ivory Coast striker served his one match suspension against Newcastle United last weekend. Whether he starts or not is another question.
His replacement against Newcastle, Hernan Crespo, has fared well in the two games since notching up two goals in as many games. Crespo finally looks to be at home in a Chelsea shirt and the Argentine striker is keen to make the central striker position his own.
Mourinho also has Shaun Wright-Phillips available again after the tiny winger missed the trip to Anderlecht through suspension. However, with Cole and Duff plying their trades so well on the flanks, Shaun may have to be content with a place on the bench.
Makelele will definitely be missing. The knee injury he sustained in a challenge with Scott Parker, in the Newcastle game, is likely to keep him out for several weeks yet. Michael Essien will step into Makelele’s role with Eidur Gudjohnsen occupying the third midfield role.
In reality it’s hard to see Mourinho not starting with the same eleven that performed so admirably against Anderlecht in midweek. Indeed, with Glen Johnson and Arjen Robben still carrying knocks his options are somewhat limited.
Player to watch: Joe Cole
Joe Cole has transformed himself from starlet to Chelsea hero. In just over twelve months he has gone from bit part player to Chelsea hero. Joe is currently enjoying his role as a wide player and has developed his defensive responsibilites. Often scoring vital goals, don’t be surprised if Joe repeats his feat of last year and notches another at Fratton Park.
Match Facts & Stats
Last season Chelsea took all three points as they triumphed 2-0. Frank Lampard will be making Premiership history by making his 160th consecutive Premiership appearance beating the record of 159 currently held by David James.
Ref Watch:
Phil Dowd needs to be alert to ensure the vociferous Pompey support do not sway his opinion in a match that could well turn out to be a physical affair.
He has a record of 7 matches, 1 red, 25 yellows.
Match Prediction:
Pompey will be eager to impress now that player power has reportedly helped to eject Alain Perrin. The home side will start with the usual passion expected but expect Chelsea to absorb the pressure and nick the three points on the counter attack, possibly by two clear goals.
Next Fixtures:
Chelsea entertain Middlesbrough next Saturday with a blank midweek ahead due to their inability to beat Charlton Athletic in a Carling Cup penalty shoot out. The inability will give Mourinho the chance to get his troops together for a prolonged spell of bonding as Chelsea prepare to enter a busy Christmas period.