COME ON CHELSEA

By Since66
August 20 2011

They can be as bad as each other, but please AvB start with Hilario. Turnbull makes me shudder!!! Just over a year ago newly promoted WBA rolled into Stamford Bridge and were battered, on the wrong end of a 6-0 scoreline. Robbie Di Matteo, manager at the time, was sent packing back up the M6 with his tail firmly between his legs.

A year on. Robbie is back at the Home of Football, assistant to AvB who spoke about reminding Robbie of that day last year.

AvB said, "I think Robbie is too depressed about the result last to talk about it. We had some banter about it but he is now on this side and he just wants to win, like we all do.

"Of course it will be emotional for him seeing people he is close to. For sure he will salute those people."

Cech is expected to be out for four weeks after injuring his knee in training.

Also out is David Luiz, still with a thigh problem after returning from Copa America and not forgetting long term absentee, Michael Essien.

Despite his personal problems, Obi Mikel has told AvB that he wants to play.

AvB said, "I have to go with the word my player gives to me. Mikel feels well enough to play. Player that go through major disappointments or personal things in their lives can still be okay to play because they feel well on the pitch.

"It is the way to avoid the things that are running in their personal lives or to focus on the different things.

"Mikel made himself available for training and selection so I will just judge it like that.

"I agree he is showing amazing mental toughness."

After last week's magnificent performance, frankly Chelsea cannot do without him.

New signing Romelu Lukaku is available for selection, but Oriol Romeu is not available as he only started training on Thursday on his return from the U20s World Cup.

The overnight transfer rumours suggest Mata has practically signed and Tottingham have agreed to let Modric join.

Expect lots of activity next week.

UP THE CHELS


Twitter: @WVOMChelsea