Bolton travel to Stamford Bridge to take on the dysfunctional family of Chelsea this afternoon, with the focus very much on Andre Villas-Boas’ team selection.
Bolton travel to Stamford Bridge to take on the dysfunctional family of Chelsea this afternoon, with the focus very much on Andre Villas-Boas team selection. There were dissatisfied mutterings due to Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard being dropped to the bench against Napoli, and the discontent was hardly eased with a disappointing 3-1 to the Italians. In fact, theres a lot of uncertainty at Chelsea all round right now, but the Blues managers future is becoming decidedly more certain as the games go on, and certainly not in a good way. His fate may well be sealed if the Blues cant see off the challenge of the Trotters in this game. One thing we can be sure of is that AVB has come up well short of his admittedly incomparable benchmark compatriot and former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho. Though it is undoubtedly a good time to face the West London club, Owen Coyle will be all too aware of his sides pathetic record against them. They havent won since 2003, and it was a win against Bolton that ended Chelseas slump last season when Carlo Ancelotti was at the helm. Could there be de ja vu at the Bridge? I think that although the visitors arent on great form, (their recent impressive streak came to an end with losses at the hands of Norwich and Wigan) this is the best chance theyll have of taking three points from the Blues home patch, especially if Juan Matas finger injury rules him out. Add to this the drama of Gary Cahill facing his old club (thats not really a huge amount of drama though to be honest, unless he scores) and a capacity crowd ready to jump on the back of their team at the drop of a hat, and we can expect a rather nervy affair.
Team News
Chelsea: Jose Bosingwa is likely to miss out due to a muscle injury, so AVB may be forced to play his malcontent of a left back Ashley Cole. Fernando Torres has recovered from a mild sickness mid week, and Juan Mata should start despite a broken finger. Bolton Wanderers: Mark Davies has a hamstring problem but is likely to play if picked, Kevin Davies will miss out with ligament damage and Joe Rileys foot injury keeps him out. Probable Line ups Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech, Ivanovic, David Luiz, Cahill, Cole, Ramires, Romeu, Sturridge, Mata, Malouda, Drogba Bolton (4-4-2): Bogdan, Steinsson, Knight, Wheater, Robinson, Eagles, Reo-Coker, M. Davies, Petrov, Tuncay, Ngog
My Prediction
A tight one surely, unless Chelsea start well in which case I can see them being spurred on by the fans. As it goes though Im going with a 1-1 draw that, if accurate, may be enough to put Villas-Boas out of a job. Saying that Im not all that sure where a goal will come from in this Bolton team. Perhaps Gary Cahill will put one in his own net. For old times.