So, there we have it, the teams are in. Chelsea play hosts to Turkish outfit Galatasaray tonight looking to progress into the next round, and the starting line ups have been announced. See below for team news.
When Branislav Ivanovic signed for Chelsea back in 2008 few could have envisaged the impact he would have at the club. Coming over as a bustling centre-back from Lokomotiv Moscow, The Serbia international has now played in 256 for the Blues and is still a first choice in the team. According to the Daily Mail, the club are opening talks to keep him at the club for a further four years.
Footballers are all over-paid, soft excuses for athletes. Or at least that’s how many portray them. The reality behind the newspaper stories is hours of hard work through the week both mentally and physically, helping the community via charity events and then playing a hugely important game while being abused by tens of thousands of know it all defenders. For me, they deserve large amounts of money, especially as they are making the club a hefty income through retail sales.
Brazil international Hulk stirred the pot in west London yesterday as he posted a picture on his official Instagram account. Having been linked with a move to Chelsea in the past, according to the Daily Mail, the stocky forward must have known that the image of him and his agent on a private jet would have sparked speculation. The post was captioned ‘Going to work in London. With my manager and friend # Teo’. But should the £39m-rated Zenit striker be on his way to the Bridge, what would he bring?
Chelsea are a team enjoying a wave of success right now. Not only do we have our hero of a manager back at Stamford Bridge, but we are also seven points clear at the top of the Premier League and have every chance of progressing into the next round of the Champions League. We have plenty to shout about in the capital right now but I think season could be even better.
Chelsea are firm favourites in their London clash with Tottenham this afternoon, though they will certainly have to slog it out to get a result. So how should Jose Mourinho line his men up against Spurs?
Ashley Cole has been a superb servant to Chelsea over the years, but this season hasn’t been one to remember for the England international. The former Arsenal left-back has lost his place in the first team due to the fine form of Cesar Azpilicueta and because of the timing – the World Cup is just around the corner – and the fact that he is out of contract at the end of the season, his career could be unravelling before our eyes.
A last minute equaliser from West Brom denied Felix Magath a winning start as Fulham manager, but in hindsight, a 1-1 draw can be considered a solid result. They host local rivals Chelsea, looking to pick up on any momentum that they may have gained from the Hawthorns.
After a disappointing draw away to West Brom in the league and defeat in The FA cup to Manchester City, Chelsea will be looking forward to putting their title hopes back on track when they host Everton.
Being a long-term Chelsea fan, I have experienced some of the most extraordinary scenes in my 24 years of living. Growing up in west London I have been privileged with what has been going on at Stamford Bridge and the staff that has gone with it. I am aware that it can’t last forever and those I grew up watching may not be staying at the club for much longer, but after hearing Jose Mourinho pouring doubt into Ashley Cole’s future at the club I couldn’t help but feel a little bit gutted.