Wigan Athletic, the surprise team amongst the top half of the table, arrive in SW6 to take on the Premiership Champions.
Vital Quotes:
Concern surrounds the fitness levels of Didier Drogba. With Hernan Crespo struggling with a rib injury, the Ivory Coast striker is being forced to play with a minor injury picked up whilst on international duty. Indeed, Drogba himself proclaims ‘I had this injury since November 12th against Romania. I played with the injury against Italy and I’m not supposed to play right now. However, I do it because Crespo is injured. I’m in a lot of pain right now. You could sense it aginst Liverpool when I wasn’t confident. However, I need to help my team as I will be absent for the African Cup of Nations.’ Commendable words indeed from the powerful striker, however the scenario may well see Mourinho enter the transfer market once the transfer window opens to strengthen his striking options.
On another subject, despite UEFA already having intervened, it appears that everybody wants their say about that Essien challenge on Hamman. The latest to step forward with an opinion is none other than the Wigan chairman Dave Whelan. The head of the JJB empire offers the following words, ‘There is no place in the game for that sort of thing. It was the worst tackle I have seen in a long,long time. You should get a minimum 10 game ban for something like that. It was very dangerous. How the guy didn’t break Hamman’s leg I don’t know. It was diabolical and I just can’t understand how the referee can allow anything like that without taking action.’ I guessed he simply missed it Dave!
Chelsea Team News:
Mourinho, before the Liverpool match, bemoaned the fact that he only had a squad of nineteen to select from. Injuries to Claude Makelele, Joe Cole, Hernan Crespo nad Glen Johnson meant that wholsesale changes couldn’t be made for the fixture that was to decide who topped Group G.
However, the selection for the fixture against Wigan Athletic is somewhat clouded in mystery. On Chelsea TV, it was widely reported that more and more players have rejoined full training without revealing any names. Could it be that Chelsea have been stung by UEFA’s recent intervention and have partially closed the media door in self defence? It remains to be seen.
However, despite several unannounced players apparently resuming full training, there is every likelihood that Mourinho will stick with the nucleus of the side that started against Middlesbrough and indeed started the second half against Liverpool during midweek. The only possible changes, if the players are fit, could be the re-introduction of Joe Cole and Hernan Crespo.
Joe Cole was in sublime form before turning an ankle in training and Mourinho will be keen to re-introduce the talented player. In his absence Chelsea have lacked that vital something that can make the difference, that one moment of magic that can turn a match on its head.
Hernan Crespo, on the other hand, is likely to form the spearhead of our attack whilst Drogba is away on international duty. Mourinho will be keen to integrate Crespo into a team that needs to be firing on all cylinders during a January / February period that will decide where the honours will go.
Player to watch: William Gallas
If anyone can find a more solid, dependable, versatile and assured defender in the Premiership than William Gallas let us know. Gallas has played all accross the back four this season and has done a wonderful job. Despite rumours of unrest (and a possible transfer to Juventus) William remains a great favourite of the Stamford Bridge faithful. His speed is his greatest attribute and allied with his defensive abilities ensures that visiting forwards very rarely get the better of him at Stamford Bridge. Watch out for his enterprising runs forward, especially if he’s selected to play on his favoured right hand side.
Wigan Team News:
Paul Jewell will arrive in SW6 with his team on a bit of a slide. After pushing Chelsea so close, on the opening day of the season, Wigan held the lofty position of second in the Premiership for quite a while. However, defeats to Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool have seen the team slip down the table. Jewell will be anxious to stop the slide but is Stamford Bridge, the home of the Premiership Champions, the place to arrest this slump in form? It remains to be seen.
Wigan are a workmanlike outfit who pride themselves on their ability to shut teams down. They are sure to arrive in SW6 eager to press Chelsea and get as many men behind the ball as possible. However, they are dangerous on the break and Chelsea will need to be alert. Look out for Jimmy Bullard and Graham Kavanagh, two players who have shown that they have adapted very well to life in the top flight.
Player to watch: Chimbonda
Since arriving at the JJB Stadium, this full back has become one to watch. His never-say-die attitude has won him many admirers and Paul Jewell is keen to tie him to a longer contract. Unfortunately, Wigan may well find that the transfer window could deprive them of one of the finds of the season.
Match Facts & Stats
Chelsea enter the game on the back of a good run. In five games they have won four and drawn one. In doing so they have kept five consecutive clean sheets as the defence looks to be as mean as last season when records seemingly tumbled every week.
Wigan are, after a great start, on a poor run and are shipping goals. Three at Liverpool last week contrived to give the Latics their worst result since being promoted from the Championship.
Match Prediction:
Chelsea to show patience and poise before finally breaking a resolute Wigan side down to win 2-0
Next Fixtures:
Chelsea travel to Highbury to put the final nail in Arsenal’s pretentions to be title winners this season.