AmericanBlue

Has Obi served his suspension while on ACN duty? Regardless, I would prefer to have the ball hawking Essien return sooner. This being said, good will to both Ghana and Nigeria in the semi.

Gone for Ballack. He makes a difference winning headers in the middle and the box. Wayne Bridge, and Joe Cole also had solid performances. Anelka should have notched his second goal for the club. SWP squandered chances, and Malouda seemed to vanish for stretches. Glad to see them secure the points, but can't help but think we will need more goals against Portsmouth and Liverpool.

Everton will score the first goal.

I was slightly disappointed with Ballack's focus yesterday. That being said, our offense seems to run much smoother though him. Hopefully, he will return to form in the next fixture. What are your opinions about the results of Ballack, and Lampard alongside. Will this be a sucessful venture? Or, will there not be enough pace, and quality defense to justify both as starters?

He is carrying the team right now. Putting all of Stamford Bridge on his diminutive frame, and grabbing the points.

I know some of you would make any excuse not to vote for SWP for MOTM. Thats fine, all of you know that without him tonight, the second leg would have been an uphill battle. Hope this a wake up call for all of those SWP doubters. He played tonight with great courage, and amazing passion for the club. Evidence being, his second goal when he rose above the bigger player to claim the advantage for Chelsea in stoppage. Many credits to Ballack for his leadership and distribution. I would prefer to see him continue in this role. Belletti and Bridge need to be first team regulars. Great Game!

With no current signings, has there been any news about Sheva's availability for the QPR game.

I for one think that the squad has improved since Frank's injury. Sure, Ballack won't score as many goals as Frank at the position. But I feel that his passing and creation skills are superior to Lampard. This being said I'm sure that Frank's leadership ability in the dressing room and off the pitch are underrated. Neither are a long term solution.

Personally I feel that nobody should be replacing Belleti with his current form. He has been a major contributor in securing the last six points.

Chelsea has performed better with less over the festive period. Big positive for the players and Grant. Stevie G's best pass of the season.

I'm simply saying he made the most of the contact. No debate about the contact.

Sure would blow to not be able to follow Chelsea's african players progress in the tournament. I'm sure there will be highlights on FSC.

What are the forum's opinions of the Ballack penalty. Dempsey clearly tugged on his jersey, but I feel that it wasn't the kind of challenge that should cause him to go to the ground. Certainly appreciate the call, considering the one that was given against Cole in the first. It just seems that Ballack has the size, that he should be able to continue play after a challenge like that. Comments?

I subscribe to Setanta and have Fox Soccer Channel and GolTV. Will any of these channels be covering the ACN?

I thought that Essien became unavailable as of this morning.