Hopefully a case of lighting striking twice however I suspect we will face a tougher challenge on Saturday than we did on Wednesday night.

Clearly many players will return to the starting line up but I personally hope Alex retains his place to deal with Kevin Davies (either that or Ivanovic keeps his place in the centre)

Clearly Cech, Drogs, Nic, Frank and JT will return, as will Ash.

Is Bosingwa injured? If he is, the Beletti may keep his place, or be shunted aside for Branna, depending on Alex. Agree with loz about having a physical presence in the middle of defence.

One question, will Joey still top the diamond?

Here's what i want to see

--------Cech

--boss---alex---JT----Ashley

---------Ballack

----Essien-------lamps

-----------joey

-----nico-------drogs

Depending of course whether boss and ashley are back from injury. Im sure Riccy will also start over alex and i wouldnt be suprised to see malouda starting over essien or ballack.

the only area of question for me is the full back situations. I think JT and Alex will start, and then it could be Ivan and Paulo, or Belletti and Ashley, but I think Bosingwa is still out

One question, will Joey still top the diamond?

Unless they're planning on resting him, I can't see why he wouldn't the way he has played the last couple of games.

Here's what i want to see

--------Cech

--boss---alex---JT----Ashley

---------Ballack

----Essien-------lamps

-----------joey

-----nico-------drogs

Depending of course whether boss and ashley are back from injury. Im sure Riccy will also start over alex and i wouldnt be suprised to see malouda starting over essien or ballack.

That's pretty close to the strongest lineup we could field although most would see Essien playing behind ballack, and I might fancy ivanovic in front of Alex. Malouda may be due for a run, and bossy probably won't be fit. On current form that's probably the lineup I'd like to see against Mancs

That's pretty close to the strongest lineup we could field although most would see Essien playing behind ballack, and I might fancy ivanovic in front of Alex. Malouda may be due for a run, and bossy probably won't be fit. On current form that's probably the lineup I'd like to see against Mancs

I prefer it with essien in a more advanced position as i feel he can wreak more havoc in the opponents half but i don't really mind which way round it is.

---Cech---

---Beletti---Alex---Terry---A.Cole

---Ballack---

---Essien---Lampard---

---Joe Cole---

---Anelka---Drogba

http://www.chelseafc.com/page/LatestNews/0...1842139,00.html

Ashley, Boss, Zhirkov and Mikel are still unavailable with Brano and Kalou are doubts.

Hilario is out as well.

We will probably see this:

-----------Cech-------------

--Belletti---Alex---JT----Paolo

-----------Essien------------

--Ballack------------Lamps---

------------Joey-------------

-------Nico-------DD---------

Subs: Turnbull, Ricci, Bruma, Deco, Malouda, Sturridge, Borini

if those are the injuries, then I think that is pretty much the line up we will see.

Here's what i want to see

--------Cech

--boss---alex---JT----Ashley

---------Ballack

----Essien-------lamps

-----------joey

-----nico-------drogs

Depending of course whether boss and ashley are back from injury. Im sure Riccy will also start over alex and i wouldnt be suprised to see malouda starting over essien or ballack.

Boss is injured.

----------------Cech

--Ivanovic--Alex--JT--Paulo

---------------Essien

-----Ballack----------Lampard

--------------Joey

-------Anelka-----Drogba

No real surprises, I'd like to see Ivan at right back over Belletti, who was poor on Wednesday, and Alex in for Riccy.

Subs: Turnbull, Riccy, Hutchinson, Deco, Malouda, Sturridge, Borini

I thought Hutch was still injured, but I think we'll see that starting line up. Maybe with Kalou and Bruma on the bench ahead of Hutch and Sturridge/Borini

Hutchinson isn't injured.

Injuries to our first and second choice full backs at the same time is a real worry as we are to face Man Utd in a week's time.

Kalpitv, I think that is possibly why we are resting them right now. Nothing against Belletti of Ferreira, but I think they are good enough to cover this weekend while getting fit for the Man U game

If ashley is fit then i cant see the reason behind resting him for tomorrow. Alex if fit should be a starter.

Joey's played in both matches since he returned from injury. I think Carlo will be tempted to rest him for this game with maybe Deco starting at the tip of the diamond

Here's what i want to see

--------Cech

--boss---alex---JT----Ashley

---------Ballack

----Essien-------lamps

-----------joey

-----nico-------drogs

Depending of course whether boss and ashley are back from injury. Im sure Riccy will also start over alex and i wouldnt be suprised to see malouda starting over essien or ballack.

That is (for me) the clubs best starting XI, were lucky enough to be entering a period of the season where all will be available and fit. Luckily we also have some big games coming up. The run up to xmas is crucial.

Cant see us giving any quarter for this game. 1-3 to us.

Official Line-Up:

Cech, Ivanovic, Carvalho, Terry, Paulo Ferreira, Essien, Ballack, Lampard, Deco, Anelka, Drogba.

Subs: Turnbull, Joe Cole, Malouda, Sturridge, Alex, Belletti, Borini.

Come on Chels. Hope Ashley and the Boss are back for yoonited at home next week

Why Joey isn't in a first squad??

joey cole on the bench? wtf carlo

Makes perfect sense. Two games in 4 days clearly took a lot out of him, as he looked knackered by halftime in the CC game. Im sure he'll come on at some point, but you can't go from 8 months without playing to starting 3 games in a week.

...you can't go from 8 months without playing to starting 3 games in a week.

Was just about to post the same. There's no sense in burning him out instantly after he's made his comeback.