53 years ago, Ted Drake led Chelsea to our first league title and it was at this time that the first European Cup was to be played during the following season.  Not many know that Chelsea were the first English (and British) club to qualify for Europe’s premier competition. 

In those days of course, the FA was led by stuffed shirts and blazers (What do you mean? Was led! – Ed) and frowned severely on Johnny Foreigner interfering with “our” sport.  Chelsea were “recommended” by the FA NOT to accept the invitation to play in the first European Cup.  We weren’t going to incur the wrath of our country’s maximum authority so we acquiesced (Later, Manchester United to their credit, stuck two fingers up at the FA and entered the competition). 

Who knows what we might or might not had achieved back then but tomorrow evening is a chance, finally, to settle an old account. 

We’ve waited a long time for this yet I feel comparatively calm at the moment.  Monaco and then later Liverpool (up until recently our nemesis in European football) have stood in our way – but now – finally – we have our chance! 

The other day at work, I started to think about “that night coming up” and the butterflies came straight away.  No doubt tomorrow late afternoon, I may have to have a few beers a bit earlier than usual to help nullify the nerves. 

We are the “away” team tomorrow I understand so the bad news is that we won’t be wearing white socks – apart from that, we should be ok! 

Both ourselves and Man Utd have no injuries to report – should be a good game then?  Well, I’m not so sure.  The pitch, despite being recently re-laid has been receiving very critical reviews and to make matters worse, storms are forecast for today in Moscow – we could be looking at a quagmire during the 2^nd half. 

The conditions are not conducive for passing football and I’d be really tempted to go 4-4-2 with both Anelka and Drogba up front and give old red nose a nasty surprise into the bargain!  It won’t happen though – Grant will stick to his 4-3-3. I imagine something like this:                                               

                                           Cech

              Essien     Carvalho      Terry       A Cole

                                           Makelele

                    Ballack                                  Lampard 

            J Cole                    Drogba                 Malouda

We should be fitter than them and as time goes on we could capitalise – especially if it goes into extra time.  I just hope we don’t do our usual, go 1 up and then sit back and invite them on - waiting to hit them on the break. 

Man Utd have very few weaknesses but one of them is that they are not used to defending and being put under pressure – so please lets not let up on them if we go ahead. 

We will no doubt have other opportunities in the Champions League in the future if we come back empty handed tomorrow night but so what?  Let’s take this opportunity NOW! 

Come on Chelsea! Carpe Diem! SIEZE THE DAY!

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