Premiership preview: Chelsea v. Middlesbrough
Saturday, 10 February 07, 02:32 AM · Comments (7)
Three more Chelsea players returned injured from international duty this week.
Wayne Bridge suffered a thigh strain during training with England, John Obi Mikel played 90 minutes for Nigeria in midweek despite an existing thigh strain, and Michael Ballack suffered damage to a hamstring during Germany's game against Switzerland.
Better news for Jose Mourinho is John Terry's much anticipated return to the starting line-up. Mourinho may also be able to recall Khalid Boulahrouz and Arjen Robben as both returned to training this week.
Middlesbrough beat Chelsea 2-1 on Teesside back in August. Mark Viduka scored the winner that day but is expected to miss this game with a calf injury.
Gareth Southgate is also without Lee Cattermole, but Mark Schwarzer is likely to return.
Chelsea last suffered defeat in the Premiership at Stamford Bridge on February 21st, 2004, when Arsenal defeated Claudio Ranieri’s team 2-1.
After this game the Blues don't play again in the League until March 3rd. Avoiding defeat will establish the phenomenal record of three years unbeaten at home.
Chelsea have not lost to Boro at the Bridge since 1975.
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As predicted Wayne Bridge is in the squad.
Wow, it's the first time my cable actually doesn't show Chelsea live. It's MU - Charlton for me now, then it's Newcastle...
Chelsea's game will be shown very late. Wankers! I pay so much money...
Solid victory today. Middlesbrough never looked too threatening, even if we didn't have Ballack, Mikel, Carvalho... Terry's comeback was extremely comfortable, and the Makelele/Diarra midfield pairing seemed to work effectively. That said, we didn't truly break through them until we gained some width and speed with Robben. What a super sub!
Drogba has to be Player of the Season.
Five wins and five clean sheets in five games. I think it's finally safe to say that the crisis is over. Watch out, United!
I get the feeling that this is the sort of season where the crisis is never really over.
But United do look unstoppable now... :-/
7 Comments · Add yours
I know it has not got any conenctio with todays game, however this is the funniest thing I have heard lately.
The Colorado Rapids could change their name to Colorado Arsenal after forming a "development partnership" with the Gunners. (Times)
if terry is back, we can have more life in the midfield with essien there.
common chelsea lets get it on!!