Chelsea FC - A Samillyroy Legacy Returns for FM13

[samillyroy]

UEFA Champions League Group Stage, Matchday 4
Stamford Bridge, London

	CHELSEA	3	0	BATE BORISOV
	Lampard (19) Moses (24, 29)

Victor Moses ravaged the BATE defence and was unlucky not to get a hat-trick.

Chelsea were back to their rampant best against BATE Borisov tonight as their weakened side all but sealed qualification to the knockout stage of the Champions League. Lampard got Chelsea underway with a penalty before Moses took control of the game.

It took just 15 minutes for Chelsea to get the breakthrough, but the first quarter of an hour was incessant Chelsea probing and BATE soon cracked, Torres going down under a challenge from Yurevich. Lampard stepped up to confidently put Chelsea ahead.

Moses then took things into his own hands, picking the ball up on the left, striding past two players before slamming home past the bewildered goalkeeper.

And he was at it again moments later, once more picking up the ball and beating his man with blistering pace before finding the far corner with an exquisite finish. Throughout the rest of the first half he looked for the hat-trick but couldn't find it.

Torres put in a good performance up front for Chelsea, laying on both chances for Moses and he constantly linked up the play but an injury sustained by Lampard late in the second half will be of concern for the Chelsea boss.

A good evening for Chelsea fans though as they are a win against Benfica away from sealing Group G and sailing through to the next stage.

I'm pleased with the result, the performance and for the players who came into the squad. Victor was fantastic and we're very much aware of the talent that he possesses - we hope to get even more out of him as the season goes on.
Frank's injury looks fairly bad and could keep him out for a month or so. That's a big blow for us but we have players who can step up.

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[samillyroy]

Chelsea v. West Ham United
Premier League Matchday 11, Stamford Bridge


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KEY PLAYER - MAROUANE CHAMAKH (10 Apps, 3 goals)

Chamakh has made the most of his loan move to West Ham by putting in some top displays to keep Andy Carroll out of the squad. It hasn't been enough to stop the Hammers struggling though as they languish just outside the drop zone.

TEAM NEWS

Chelsea are without Demba Ba and Frank Lampard for the foreseeable future, so Milan Lalkovic and George Saville have been drafted into the first team from the reserves.

West Ham have injury worries of their own, and Matty Taylor, James Collins and Matt Jarvis will all miss this derby clash.

MATCH PREVIEW

This is a much anticipated game in East London, and the Hammers fans would dearly love to get one over their richer neighbours. Chelsea stuttered in their last two games with draws against Swansea and Stoke so they will want to please their fans and get a win here today. Expect a fiery atmosphere and plenty of goals.

We're determined to get back into winning ways in the league and after that mid-week performance I'm confident we can do that. Demba and Lamps will miss out but I have confidence in the other lads I have coming into the side. We'll get by.

 

[cfc12345]

DO DO DO DO VICTOR MOSES!!!

 

[jozzy98]

Looking Good mate! COME ON CHELS

 

[samillyroy]

Premier League Matchday 11
Stamford Bridge, London

	CHELSEA	2	1	WEST HAM	View attachment 321125
	Torres (30, 58)			Maiga (61)

Fernando Torres was back to his best with two exquisite goals.

Fernando Torres reminded Chelsea fans what he was all about with two brilliant goals to see off their London rivals, despite having Oscar and Gary Cahill sent off for second yellow cards.

It was a hard fought affair from the first minute, and Cahill was in the book after just quarter of an hour for a slide tackle on Andy Carroll. Chelsea took the lead after half an hour though when Torres collected the ball just inside the area before finding space and slamming home on his left foot.

But just before half time, Cahill mis-timed a challenge and was dismissed to leave Chelsea with a tough ask in the second half. David Luiz was his replacement as Victor Moses made way and it didn't seem to make much difference to Chelsea as they scored a second on the hour.

A long ball from Ivanovic found Torres chasing through. It seemed like he was too isolated, but he nutmegged Winston Reid before slamming past Kelemann from the tightest of angles to double the advantage.

But West Ham were back in it moments later as Modibo Maiga found space at the back post to bring the Hammers back into it. And Chelsea's day went from bad to worse when Oscar got himself sent off for a second yellow card as well, much to the disgust of the Chelsea fans.

Despite the 2 man advantage, West Ham failed to make anything of note and despite half hearted claims for a penalty against Ivanovic, didn't come close to threatening Chelsea who held on for a vital 3 points.

I have to say I'm a little dissapointed with the red cards, especially Oscar's second challenge which was barely worth a yellow. But the boys showed their character to the fans this evening and I am delighted with Fernando's contribution. I hope it continues.

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[samillyroy]

cheers guys it's going well at the minute, keeping up the pace for the title. villa up next so should get 3 more points!

 

[samillyroy]

Aston Villa v. Chelsea
Premier League Matchday 12, Villa Park


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KEY PLAYER - FERNANDO TORRES (14 Apps, 4 goals)

View attachment 321143
It's been a tough season again for Fernando Torres but he showed his worth in the last two games - 2 assists against BATE and 2 goals against West Ham sees the Spaniard back into good form but he will want that to continue into today's game.

TEAM NEWS

Chelsea have a number of players out for this game which will concern the manager. Oscar and Gary Cahill both sit out the match with suspension, whilst Frank Lampard and Demba Ba are joined on the injury list by John Terry.

Aston Villa also have problems though - Gabby Agbonlahor, Matty Lowton, Ron Vlaar, Yacouba Sylla and Ciaran Clark are all out with injuries leaving the struggling side short of numbers.

MATCH PREVIEW

Chelsea got a hard fought win against West Ham but they need to follow that up here against struggling Villa. Paul Lambert's side have been inconsistent at best but won in their last outing. They'll want to get their first back to back league wins in over 2 years but they will be hard pushed to achieve that against the Blues.

Villa Park is a daunting place to come, especially with the number of players we have out for this game, but I have confidence in the boys that we can go out there and grab the 3 points. It's vital at this stage that we keep in touch with the likes of City and Spurs.

 

[samillyroy]

Premier League Matchday 12
Villa Park, Birmingham

View attachment 321154	ASTON VILLA	2	3	CHELSEA
	Bent (62, 82)			Cole (27) Benayoun (86) Torres (90)

Torres completed an unlikely late comeback to steal the 3 points for Chelsea.

Chelsea escaped a potentially embarressing defeat at Villa Park thanks to late goals from Yossi Benayoun and Fernando Torres. Chelsea had taken the lead, only to go behind thanks to two fine Darren Bent finishes. But a late flourish sent the points to Stamford Bridge.

Up against a young and tenacious Villa side, Chelsea were always going to have to fight 100% to get the victory, and their first half performance was not worthy of the goal that they went into the break with. Enda Stevens felled Ramires in the box and Ashley Cole stepped up to steer home the penalty.

But Villa fought back excellently, with two goals in the last half hour. Darren Bent first chested a Benteke flick before slamming home a fine volley and then slotted home Ireland's through ball with just 10 minutes to go - cue wild home celebrations.

But Chelsea were not to be denied. Juan Mata had been replaced by Yossi Benayoun and the Israeli slotted home a superb early cross from Victor Moses to put Chelsea level.

And if you thought they were done there, then think again. Fernando Torres stole all three points with the last kick of the game to secure a brilliant victory.

I was furious that we'd thrown away that goal lead, though Villa were worthy of that. But full credit to the lads at the end because we threw the kithcen sink at them and eventually they capitulated. Yossi is a credit to himself, and if he keeps performing like this then who knows what the future holds for him at Stamford Bridge.

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[samillyroy]

Benfica v. Chelsea
UEFA Champions League Group Stage, Matchday 5

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KEY PLAYER - RODRIGO (13 apps, 8 goals)

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Was on loan at Bolton a couple of years ago and has since become a regular at the Lisbon based side. Lightning off the mark and with a keen finish, he scored in the reverse fixture 2 months ago. Chelsea should be wary of his ability.

TEAM NEWS

Chelsea are without Frank Lampard and Demba Ba but welcome back John Terry for this game.

Benfica are without key midfielders Radja Naingollan and Carlos Martin which could be a critical blow.

MATCH PREVIEW

Chelsea weathered the storm in the first meeting between the two before seeing them off thanks to some brilliant goals from Ramires. He will be back to play today and if the Blues can secure victory then they will win the group and qualify for the Knockout Stage. Benfica are 4 points behind Basel and really need a win here if they are to stay in the competition, though they are still on course to qualify for the Europa League.

We saw in the first game that Benfica are tough opposition and it was just our extra quality and some good defending that saw them off. To travel to Portugal is a tougher proposition so I would be delighted to get something from this game.

 

[samillyroy]

UEFA Champions League Group Stage, Matchday 5
Estadio da Luz, Lisbon

	BENFICA	1	3	CHELSEA
	Rodrigo (69)			Marin (73) Torres (84) Terry (87)

Terry completed the comeback with his first of the season, sealing passage to the knockout stage.

Chelsea waited until they went a goal down to play in this match against 10 man Benfica. Substitute Marin was the catalyst for the comeback, scoring once and setting up two to see Chelsea qualify for the next stage of the competition.

The Blues were slow out of the blocks, and Benfica really showed some spirit as they looked to keep themselves in the competition. It mattered not because Basel were winning in BATE but they created a number of opportunities, Wanyama particularly impressive.

But their hard work was undone in the second half when Perez received his marching orders for a second yellow. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Benfica took the lead when Gary Cahill's shocking back header was intercepted by Rodrigo who stole in to score.

That simply roused a sleeping Chelsea, and substitute Marin collected the ball outside of the area before slamming over Vitor. He was then felled in the area 5 minutes later, and Fernando Torres scored his 4th goal in 3 games to put Chelsea in the lead.

His excellent in swinging corner was then slammed home by the head of captain John Terry to seal a rousing comeback and secure Chelsea's place in the last 16.

A top display in the second half. I thought we looked pretty limp but that is fair considering the injuries we have had and the tiring game against Aston Villa at the weekend. Despite that we came through and got the win despite going behind so all in all I am a happy manager tonight.

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[samillyroy]

QPR v. Chelsea
Premier League Matchday 13, Loftus Road

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KEY PLAYER - LOIC REMY (5 Apps, 2 goals)

View attachment 321183
Loic Remy joined from Marseille in the summer but has been blighted by injuries. He should play today and having only started once and still managing 2 goals, he should prove to be a thorn in Chelsea's side. Has pace to burn and a lethal finish.

TEAM NEWS

Gary Cahill and Oscar come back into the fold having served their suspensions. Demba Ba and Frank Lampard remain injured.

Estaban Granero, Fabio and Stephane M'Bia are all out for QPR.

MATCH PREVIEW

QPR avoided relegation on the last day of the season last year, and will be trying to avoid a similar scrap after spending a good amount of money over the summer. They are currently down there though, and will be looking to get their season on track with a victory over their West London rivals. Chelsea came from behind to beat Villa in their last match and will be full of confidence. The last time these two met here, it was a 1-0 victory for the home side.

This is a scrappy derby, we're prepared for that and I know the players will be professional. We got a little carried away against West Ham and nearly threatened to ruin our hard work so I hope for a more conservative approach in this game - though I'd take the win over that!

 

[samillyroy]

Premier League Matchday 13
Loftus Road, London

View attachment 321194	QPR	1	3	CHELSEA
	Townsend (35)			Cahill (20) Torres (55) Cole (79)

Cahill got Chelsea on their way with his first goal of the season.

Chelsea cruised to victory against struggling QPR thanks to goals from Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole and a resurgent Fernando Torres. The R's struck back through Townsend but barely mustered more than a couple of shots on target.

Chelsea got off to a flyer after just 20 minutes as Gary Cahill rose highest to head home Eden Hazard's excellent corner kick, scoring his first goal of the season.

But as they looked to kick on from a winning position they were pegged back thanks to a brilliant Townsend strike, catching the ball on the half volley and hitting it low past Petr Cech to level matters.

In the second half, Chelsea started slowly but Marko Marin was once again the bright spark in their attack and he laid a great ball over the top for Torres to chase. He outmuscled Samba (incredibly) and then slotted past Julio Cesar to put the Blues back in front.

And with ten minutes to go, Ashley Cole stepped up to convert a penalty after Oscar was hauled over in the box to seal a decent victory.

Every win is vital and this keeps the momentum going. I am happy for Gary because he's been brilliant all season and he's been waiting for a goal.
Fernando is in great form at the moment and we hope it continues but there are a lot of games to play in the season so I hope to give a couple of the younger players some minutes over the next few league games.

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[samillyroy]

Manchester City v. Chelsea
​Capital One Cup Quarter-Final

KEY PLAYER - SERGIO AGUERO (20 Apps, 14 goals)

Sergio Aguero didn't feature when these two met in the Charity Shield but he has been in great form in the Premier League, scoring 14 goals already. The Argentine is a lethal finisher so Chelsea will have to be on top of their game to keep him off the scoresheet.

TEAM NEWS

Chelsea are without Demba Ba and Frank Lampard but welcomed 17-year old Islam Feruz into the first team set up this week, a month after he signed his first professional contract.

Manchester City are without the suspended Yaya Toure and the injured Carlos Tevez, something of a relief for Chelsea.

MATCH PREVIEW

At the Quarter-Final stage, things start to get a little more serious in this competition. Both teams see it as an easy chance to secure some silverware so there will be no let up in the line-ups. City are top of the league at the moment but Chelsea are also in good form and just 3 points behind so this game could go down to the wire. City will go into the match as favourites because of their home advantage.

We did well to beat Arsenal in the third round but we were a bit lucky against Watford so I'm hoping we put on a good performance today. I'll be picking a very strong line-up because we really want to win this trophy and I hope we're in for a good game.

THIS MATCH WILL FEATURE LIVE TEXT COMMENTARY

 

[cfc12345]

Torres is on fire! Some good results mate lets hope you beat city

 

[samillyroy]

LIVE TEXT COMMENTARY - REFRESH FOR UPDATES
Capital One Cup Quarter-Final, Etihad Stadium, Manchester

MANCHESTER CITY 2 - 1 CHELSEA

19:05: Good evening and welcome to what promises to be a mouth-watering contest between two form teams in English football at the moment! These two met earlier in the Charity Shield and on that occasion it was City who were victorious on penalties. What does tonight have in store for us?

19:12: In the last two rounds, Chelsea saw off Arsenal with a 2-0 victory and Watford on penalties after being held 0-0 in normal time. Manchester City on the other hand saw off Sheffield Wednesday and West Brom. As home side, many are putting them as favourites for this game.

19:18: A weakened Chelsea team travelled to an in-form Arsenal in this competition and gave them a thoroughly convincing beating though so City can afford no complacency tonight. It will be interesting to see Chelsea's line-up and they'll be coming through shortly!

Manchester City v Chelsea
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Cole, Terry, Cahill, David Luiz, Mikel, Hazard, Moses, Ramires, Torres. Subs: Turnbull, Bertrand, Ake, Benayoun, Romeu, Mata, Feruz
Manchester City: Pantillimon, Kolarov, Nastasic, Kompany, Zabaleta, Javi Garcia, Milner, Kaka, Rodwell, Ben Arfa, Dzeko. Subs: Hart, Sinclair, Nasri, Maicon, Aguero, Silva, Richards

19:28: The amount of depth in Manchester City's squad is frightening, with Aguero, Silva and Nasri all named among the substitutes. Manager Illyroy springs a surprise with David Luiz coming into the midfield and Eden Hazard assuming a more central midfield position.

19:35: We saw a similar formation deployed against Manchester United by Illyroy and we know how things worked out then - I'm sure that he'll be hoping for something similar tonight.

19:43: It's also interesting to note that Chelsea have two teenagers on the bench tonight - Nathan Ake and Islam Feruz. Both are Academy products and could feature at some point tonight. Indeed Nathan Ake has already made two professional starts for the club and impressed so he will be hoping to get some more minutes under his belt tonight.

19:56: The teams are out on the pitch. Just a short time to go until kick off here at the Etihad Stadium!

20:01:

We're underway in this Capital One Cup Quarter Final!

20:09: Both teams feeling their way into this game at the moment. Kaka finds some space and gets a shot away but it's high and wide and is never going to trouble Petr Cech.

20:14: And that's the end of Milner's night. He is being forced off through injury and is replaced by Maicon.

20:21: Chelsea open up City for the first time out on that wide left and it's Moses getting the better of Brazillian Maicon. He gets in a decent cross but Kompany reads it and heads clear ahead of Fernando Torres.

20:30: Very little to report here at the Etihad. Chelsea are arguably on top but are struggling to create much. Eden Hazard is looking a little uncomfortable in this deeper role and I would expect that to change in the second half.

20:42: GOALFLASH Manchester City 1 - 0 Chelsea (Pablo Zabaleta)

Man City goal: Kolarov comes forward for City for the first time and finds Kaka making the overlap. It's a great ball in by the Brazilian and Zabaleta times his run perfectly to get ahead of Cahill and slot past Cech. Advantage City.

20:45: HALF TIME Manchester City 1 - 0 Chelsea

Manchester City 1 - 0 Chelsea
That goal on the stroke of half time changes the complexion of the tie. Chelsea were containing City well up until that point and to be honest it was their only real chance of the half. The Blues will have to come out attacking in the second half if they want to progress.

21:00: We're back underway. Chelsea looked to have changed shape with Hazard pushing forward behind Torres.

21:02: Fine save from Cech! City are straight out of the blocks as Dzeko heads a Javi Garcia cross goalwards but Cech is across to claw away from the top corner.

21:11: GOALFLASH Manchester City 2 - 0 Chelsea (Vincent Kompany)

Manchester City goal: That could be crucial! Vincent Kompany collects the ball in the box from Silva's corner and has time to adjust and slam past a rooted Petr Cech. Poor Chelsea defending.

21:12: Chelsea's response is to bring on Spanish midfielder Juan Mata in place of Victor Moses. They need something soon to get back into this game.

21:24: Chelsea are knocking on the door with some early crosses but those two goals either side of half time have really knocked the stuffing out of them. Maicon clears Ramires' latest ball into the box.

21:32: GOALFLASH Manchester City 2 - 1 Chelsea (John Terry)

Chelsea goal: Is there time?? Just over ten minutes remain and Chelsea have one back as captain John Terry scrambles in a Hazard corner.

21:38: Another Hazard corner and this time David Luiz collects it on the edge of the box but slams his shot just wide of Pantillimon's post. Chelsea are running out of time.

21:41: Ohhh and that was the chance! Mata takes down a Cole pass in the area and finds Torres whose first touch and turn is excellent but he can't get power into the shot and the keeper saves low to his right.

21:45: 3 Minutes of injury time.

21:46: And Hazard has struck the woodwork!! Ivanovic plays in an early cross and Hazard is completely free at the back post and strikes first time only to see it rebound off the post. Maicon scrambles it out for a corner..

21:47: Fine save Pantillimon! Ramires crosses in and Terry is highest again but Pantillimon makes a great reflex save to deny the Chelsea captain. Is that the last chance?

21:48: FULL TIME Manchester City 2 - 1 Chelsea
It's all over and Chelsea have been beaten here by Manchester City which sends them crashing out of the Capital One Cup. They played well in that second half but two poorly conceded goals either side of half time have cost them dearly.

I feel for the boys, I really do. There was only one team in it in that second half and we made chance after chance but it wasn't to be. It's dissapointing because it's another chance at winning a trophy gone but we did our best and we'll move on to the next challenge.

Chelsea's Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic after conceding a poor opening goal.

 

[samillyroy]

NOVEMBER REVIEW

November brought a number of challenges but the Blues fought strongly on all fronts. Save for a defeat against Manchester City in the last game of the month, it was a month to savour. Most memorable was the comeback away to Aston Villa when Torres struck with the last shot of the game, whilst 3 consecutive wins in the Champions League has all but secured the top spot in Group G.

November was a good month for us. We were tested on a number of fronts and really showed our quality. I am dissapointed to be out of the Capital One Cup but we gave it our best shot and just came short on the day. That happens, it's football and we have plenty more to look forward to. December brings the Club World Cup and another shot at silverware so we have plenty to be excited about.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH FOR NOVEMBER
View attachment 321430
FERNANDO TORRES
No doubt about this one, Torres put in some superb performances this month. Following the injury to Demba Ba against Stoke, Torres came in and scored a brace against West Ham and goals against Aston Villa and Benfica. A sterling month for the Spaniard and the Blues will hope that he continues in this vein.

TOP GOALSCORERS ALL COMPETITIONS
Fernando Torres (7 goals)
Ramires (5 goals)
Demba Ba, Eden Hazard, John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses, Frank Lampard (3 goals)

DECEMBER PREVIEW
December is an exciting month for Chelsea with the Club World Cup on the horizon. A final Champions League game and some big clashes against the likes of Arsenal and Everton are also close in hand as well as the infamous Boxing Day fixtures. A key month in the season for Chelsea as they fight on all fronts once more.


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[samillyroy]

Chelsea v. Everton
Premier League Matchday 14, Stamford Bridge


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KEY PLAYER - LEIGHTON BAINES (15 Apps, 4 goals)

View attachment 321436
Ashley Cole's main competitor for a spot in the England squad has been having another great season on Merseyside. Everton's top goalscorer with 4 goals is not bad for a left back and his attacking presence could be felt by Chelsea here this afternoon.

TEAM NEWS

No fresh injury worries for Chelsea, but Frank Lampard and Demba Ba remain sidelined.

Everton are without key striker Nikica Jelavic and young defender Shane Duffy.

MATCH PREVIEW

Everton have had a decent start to the season and sit in 8th position at the present time. There problem has been goals and when your left back is your top goalscorer you know you have problems. Chelsea often struggle against Everton historically and at this point of the season it could be vital to get the three points here this afternoon. The manager is somewhat fearful ahead of this clash.

Having played against City mid-week and with Basel coming up on Wednesday, we have had to have a shuffle of the squad so I'm hoping that doesn't affect our rhythm too much because Everton are a very tough side to beat. We need to get straight back on it though and get 3 points today.

 

[samillyroy]

Premier League Matchday 14
Stamford Bridge, London

CHELSEA

0

0

EVERTON

View attachment 321440

Fernando Torres had a number of chances but had an off afternoon.

Chelsea ended a dissapointing week by dropping points on Manchester City in the title race despite dominating their Merseyside opponents. The Blues spurned a number of good opportunities with Juan Mata coming in for a lot of criticism.

The Spaniard was exceptional in his first season in England but has failed to hit those heights so far this season. He broke through on a couple of occasions after good one-twos with the impressive Hazard but twice skewed wide when through on goal.

Everton rarely threatened and in fact only registered one shot on target in the whole game, a header by Victor Anichebe in the dying moments.

Chelsea could have won it when substitute Yossi Benayoun skimmed past Jagielka and shot from 25 yards, only to see his shot bounce off the crossbar and fall to Torres who could only blast over the bar when well placed.

A frustrating week for Chelsea as they fall 5 points behind leaders Manchester City.

Everton are dogged opponents and we deserved to beat them today but it wasn't to be. We're all concerned with Juan's form but we also know he has the quality to perform better than he has and it's simply a case of grooming that quality and he will start to shine.

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[samillyroy]

Chelsea v. FC Basel
UEFA Champions League Group Stage, Matchday 6

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KEY PLAYER - MARCO STRELLER

View attachment 321446
The tall centre forward put in a good performance against Chelsea and has scored some vital goals for Basel as they qualified for the knockout stages. He will know that a win at Stamford Bridge will see them qualify as Champions so Cahill and Terry are in for a tough night.

TEAM NEWS

Frank Lampard is back in training but doubtful to play, but Demba Ba remains on the sidelines.

Basel have a number of injury worries with Dragovic, Voser, Bobadilla, Degen and Vailatti all set to miss out on the trip to London whilst Marco Streller, their top goalscorer, is a doubt.

MATCH PREVIEW

These Swiss opponents were a thorn in Chelsea's side when they met last, and have found their strength in defending. They will need to take the initiative today though as they need a win to win the group outright. Chelsea know that a draw or a win in their favour sees them through as champions, hopefully ensuring an easier draw for the next knockout round.

We're not thinking about who we'll get in the draw, we're just seeing this as another game to win and we need to get back into winning ways quickly after two set backs last week. Basel are tough opponents but we know we have the quality to compete.

 

[samillyroy]

UEFA Champions League Group Stage, Matchday 6
Stamford Bridge, London

	CHELSEA	3	1	BASEL
	Cole (23) Ramires (41) Terry (76)			Salah (77)

Cole popped up with his third of the season to set Chelsea on their way.

Chelsea won their Champions League group with ease after dispensing of runners-up FC Basel. Ashley Cole popped up in the first half to give them the lead before Ramires scored his 5th of a prolific campaign.

The Blues were at it from the off, eager to put the dissapointments of the past week behind them and finally seal Group G. Ivanovic's early cross from the right found Ashley Cole lurking at the back post and he tucked away with ease for his third of the year.

And just before half time, it was that man Ramires who doubled the lead, volleying home a fine Fernando Torres cut-back. Chelsea added a third in the second half when John Terry rose highest to head home Oscar's corner.

Despite a late consolation from Salah, Chelsea breezed through this game without really getting out of second gear which will be pleasing for the manager ahead of the trip to Japan and the Club World Cup.

It's good to be finally assured of winning the group. We have been the best team throughout and to win 5 of our 6 games is a great achievement and credit to the players. This was a top drawer performance.

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