Premier League Preview: Chelsea vs. Wigan Athletic

After 37 games, it all comes down to this. Chelsea know that only a victory against Wigan Athletic will guarantee them the Premier League title on Sunday — although depending on how Manchester United fare against Stoke City a draw or even a defeat could still see the crown secured.

But, in front of the Stamford Bridge faithful, Carlo Ancelotti and his players know that only a comprehensive win will end the campaign in the style befitting of champions. Few expect the Blues to lose — Wigan, after all, having nothing to play for — but the intense pressure of closing out a title campaign has caused stranger collapses in the past.

And it is not as if Roberto Martinez's side don't have the credentials to upset Chelsea, having beaten their more illustrious opponents at the DW Stadium last September — Ancelotti's first defeat as the club's manager. On that day the Latics were helped by Petr Cech's dismissal, but Hugo Rodallega in particular proved himself a striker capable of causing major problems to John Terry and the Blues' defence.

Six months later, however, it would be a surprise if Wigan could pull off their own double to deny Chelsea a shot at theirs. In last Monday's 2-2 draw with Hull City the club's players showed some signs of lethargy after securing their top flight future - a symptom that, if it persists, the Blues are more than capable of taking advantage of.

What is more, the Latics have traditionally been poor travellers against top sides this season, losing 5-0 at Manchester United, 4-0 at Arsenal and — most memorably — 9-1 against Tottenham Hotspur. Added to that they head into Sunday's game with a less than full-strength defence to rely on.

With Chelsea having knocked seven past opponents three times this season, all in front of their home fans, Martinez's squad might be heading to west London more with thoughts of avoiding a last day embarrassment than causing a historic last day upset.

FORM GUIDE

The Blues have only conceded two goals in their last five games — both against Spurs in their disappointing defeat at White Hart Lane. With four other clean sheet victories notched up, Ancelotti's side enter the final day in nigh-on perfect spirits.

Wigan, on the other hand, have shipped goals left, right and centre in recent games, despite clinching an impressive victory against Arsenal that knocked the Gunners out of the title race. Defeats to both Fulham and West Ham on their recent travels suggest London isn't a happy hunting ground for them — with little prospect of that changing on Sunday.

Chelsea

Liverpool 0-2 Chelsea (Premier League)
Chelsea 7-0 Stoke City (Premier League)
Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Chelsea (Premier League)
Chelsea 1-0 Bolton Wanderers (Premier League)
Aston Villa 0-3 Chelsea (Premier League)


Wigan

Wigan 2-2 Hull City (Premier League)
West Ham United 3-2 Wigan (Premier League)
Wigan 3-2 Arsenal (Premier League)
Wigan 0-0 Portsmouth (Premier League)
Fulham 2-1 Wigan (Premier League)


TEAM NEWS

Chelsea

Carlo Ancelotti will be without both Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel (who had surgery on a knee injury this week) for the game, which means Michael Ballack will have to continue in his slight make-shift role as the side's holding midfielder.

Both Jose Bosingwa and Ricardo Carvalho continue their long-term absence, but otherwise Ancelotti has a strong squad to choose from.

Didier Drogba has concerns over a persistent groin injury, but will doubtless look to play through the pain barrier in helping his team-mates to a first title since 2006.

Possible starting XI: Cech; Ivanovic, Alex, Terry, A Cole; Ballack, Lampard, Malouda; Kalou, Anelka, Drogba.

Wigan

Charles N'Zogbia returns to action after missing the last game against Hull, which will be a major boost for Roberto Martinez as he will be without some other key players.

Both goalkeeper Chris Kirkland (hand) and defender Titus Bramble (stress fracture) continue to miss out with injury problems, while two on-loan forwards, Marcelo Moreno (ankle injury) and Scott Sinclair (ineligible), are unavailable.

Midfielder Paul Scharner will be involved, however, in what will be his last game for the club.

Possible starting XI: Stojkovic; Figueroa, Gohouri, Caldwell, Melchiot; McCarthy, Watson, Diame; Moses, N'Zogbia; Rodallega.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Chelsea

Rather than rely on one man, Carlo Ancelotti will be delighted to go into the game with so many players capable of delivering. Contrary to the early stages of the season, no one player has been imperative to the Blues' success in recent weeks. But the pressure of the occasion might see the side revert to type, and as such Didier Drogba has got to be his side's key man.

The Ivorian has been his side's top goalscorer all season, with 26 goals in 31 league games to date, and has frequently been deferred to as the potential saviour when times have been tough. One the first day of the season against Hull the 32-year-old scored twice (the last deep into injury time) to grab an important momentum-building victory — it's not beyond the realms of possibility he will bookend a fine individual season with a similar impact performance this weekend.

Wigan

Preparing to face an onslaught of shots on goal at Stamford Bridge, Manchester United's hopes of a last-day upset rely predominantly on the golden gloves (or otherwise) of Wigan's reserve goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic. Which won't exactly have Sir Alex Ferguson jumping for joy.

The Serbian, currently on loan from Sporting Lisbon, enjoys a questionable reputation with English audiences after a few suspect performances for his current employers. With the 26-year-old hoping to put himself in the transfer window — not to mention his country's World Cup squad — for the summer, Sunday would be a fine time for the 6ft 5in shot-stopper to cut out the errors and put in a commanding display, and perhaps even keep his first clean sheet with the club.

The Last-Day Failure At Juventus That Haunts Carlo Ancelotti Ahead Of Premier League Decider

Perhaps owing to his reputation today as one of the world's best managers, many people tend to forget that Carlo Ancelotti had been regarded as something of a loser in football management until seven years ago, when Milan defeated Juventus on penalties at Old Trafford in a dull 2003 Champions League final.

No moment in his early coaching career shaped this initial perception more than Juve's last-day collapse, which saw Lazio pip them to the 2000 Serie A title.

Having been Serie A runners-up with Parma in 1997, earned successive second-place finishes with Juve in 2000 and 2001 and been eliminated in the semi-final of the Champions League in 1999 by Manchester United - despite leading 3-1 on aggregate in the second leg in Turin - Ancelotti was tagged by the Calcio community as a “nearly-man”.

Much in the same way as another former Chelsea boss, Claudio Ranieri, is still viewed today.

These disappointments eventually led to Carletto’s departure from Juve at the end of 2000-01, with former general manager Luciano Moggi of the opinion that Ancelotti lacked the winning mentality to take his team over the final hurdles.

Moggi brought back 1990s winning machine Marcello Lippi, who immediately reclaimed the Scudetto in his first season after returning and then defended it the following campaign.

While Ranieri has never displayed much bitterness despite all his near misses, you can sense that despite winning two Champions Leagues and a Scudetto post-2003, Ancelotti’s earlier failures still irritate him.

"Do I have to go over it again?" he complained at a reporter in Friday's press conference who asked about the climax of the race in 2000.

The biggest scar was left almost exactly 10 years ago, during one of the most infamous matches in Italian football history.

The venue was the Stadio Renato Curi as Juventus travelled to mid-table Perugia on the final day needing just a victory to see off Lazio in the championship race.

All three points seemed a formality as the modest, unspectacular Umbria outfit, who possessed few star players and a young Marco Materazzi, were already safe from relegation. And in Italy teams with nothing to play for traditionally put up no fight against title challengers or relegation battlers in the closing rounds.

But a huge cloud then emerged, quite literally. Juventus had controlled the first half, with Pippo Inzaghi and Zinedine Zidane (twice) being inches away from putting the Bianconeri ahead.

Before half-time, a beautiful blue sky suddenly turned into a monsoon-like downpour, allied with hailstones and thunder and lightning. The pitch soon became as waterlogged as a World War One trench.

It appeared inevitable that the game would be suspended when referee Pierluigi Collina came out during the break and attempted to bounce the ball, only to see it stop dead in the puddles of water.

Both sets of players waited in the changing rooms for 82 minutes before, incredibly, they were eventually called back out to play the second-half.

The conditions were truly horrific with the ball regularly holding up in the aqua-pools. The match became something of a lottery, and astonishingly Perugia took the lead thanks to a superb volley from Alessandro Calori on 50 minutes.

Juventus laid siege as they looked to salvage the Scudetto, but a string of missed chances (including an Inzaghi sitter), as well as a quite impossible playing field, saw Perugia hold on.

With Lazio beating Reggina 3-0 (and watching almost the whole of Juventus’ second-half on the Stadio Olimpico pitch) Sven Goran Eriksson’s men were crowned champions.

This had been an unlikely triumph for the Swede, whose side had trailed Juventus by five points with three games remaining and nine points several weeks earlier.

Juventus were furious, and protested that the game should never have resumed in such conditions and after such a long delay.

Collina has been detested by the club’s fans ever since. But that was and is no consolation for Ancelotti, who still has a notable sense of exasperation whenever the subject rears its head.

A decade on from sinking in the Perugia whirlpool, he will be determined not to drown again when Chelsea host Wigan Athletic at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

Essien In Ghana's Plans

Michael Essien has been included in a provisional 30-man squad for Ghana ahead of the World Cup.

The Chelsea midfielder has been sidelined since suffering a knee injury during the African Cup of Nations in January.

Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac has been keeping a close eye on the 27-year-old's rehabilitation and has named him in a squad for a training camp at the end of May.

Rajevac has also selected four players, including three goalkeepers, who play club football in Ghana.

Portsmouth midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has been called up despite previously playing for Germany at youth level, although his inclusion in the final World Cup party depends on a green light from Fifa.

Boateng's brother Jerome was named in a provisional Germany squad earlier this week and the two could play against each other at the World Cup.

Ghana open their Group D campaign against Serbia on 13 June before taking on Australia six days later and then Germany on 23rd June.

Chelsea Set For £40m Raid On AC Milan Striker

AC Milan striker Pato could be on his way to Chelsea after Roman Abramovich gave the go-ahead to a £40m bid.

Carlo Ancelotti has identified the Brazilian as his number one summer target and informal talks between the clubs are believed to have already begun.

The Blues tried to land Pato last summer but had to let their interest cool over doubts about their transfer ban and because Milan did not want to ship out another key player after selling Kaka to Real Madrid.

Yet the Italians are now short of cash and are thought to be receptive to a deal.

Chelsea Starlet Set For FC Twente Loan Spell

Chelsea will send brilliant babe Jeffrey Bruma to Twente Enschede next season to play Champions League football - and come back as a first-teamer.

The 18-year-old Dutch centre half led the club’s kids to FA Youth Cup glory and has also made a couple of first-team appearances for the Stamford Bridge club this season.

But supremo Frank Arnesen thinks Bruma would benefit from a spell of regular action back in his homeland and a deal is teed up - whether Steve McClaren stays as coach or not.

Bruma, who joined Chelsea as a kid, is tipped to be John Terry’s eventual successor but the teenager needs to get games to continue his progress. Twente won the title and will be in the elite competition next season.

Malouda: 'Title Failure Would Be Worst Blow Of My Career'

Florent Malouda has admitted it would be “the worst blow” of his career if Chelsea failed to win the Premier League title.

The French winger has been one of the stars of the Blues’ season which sees them just one win from claiming their first league title since 2006.

Chelsea must keep their nerve to beat Wigan at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and Malouda said: “Nobody here even thinks about anything other than a victory. To fail would be a disaster.

“For me, it would be the worst blow in my career, but with our fans at Stamford Bridge behind us we believe that’s impossible.

“If you analyse the numbers and statistics in our season, then Chelsea deserve to be champions and yet we know we must still win on Sunday to confirm our achievement.

“We will forget the nerves and we know we will have to play with our heads and be patient. I am totally convinced we will be champions.”

It has been one of the most exciting title races in the history of the Premier League with the three-way race between Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal developing into a two-horse race in the past three weeks.

Now, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will try to ensure there are no slip-ups against Stoke, meaning Chelsea must win against Wigan to avoid the unthinkable.

But having lost at the DW Stadium already this season, Malouda has been quick to emphasise Carlo Ancelotti’s side cannot afford to take the Latics lightly.

Malouda said: “We know Wigan will not give up against us, but our chance of winning the title should be big enough to overcome any obstacle placed in front of us.

“The key to beating Wigan will be to score the first goal, we must not think about Manchester United and for Chelsea the only interest is our match.”

This season Malouda, 29, has been in easily his best form since arriving from Lyon in a £12million deal in 2007.

And the Frenchman, who has just been voted Blues’ player of the year by his team-mates, hopes a Chelsea title win will only be the first part of a double celebration.

Malouda added: “I came to the Premier League to win titles and personally I am very motivated for Sunday. The day when you can win a title is special for any player, it hardly happens every day.

“The squad is in good shape and we have so much belief and confidence. I’m optimistic but we still haven’t won the title yet.

“United is a tough rival, a great team, but I think we have been consistent – we’ve won twice against them.

“We’re ahead of them by such a small margin and that shows how competitive it has been. We have great respect for them.

“Personally, I am determined to win two trophies this season and if we can achieve that then I will enjoy a really special celebration.”

Lampard Desires Double Glory

Frank Lampard claims he will rate this season as his finest in Chelsea colours if they win the double.

The England international became the first midfielder to breach the 20-goal barrier in the Premier League last weekend when he grabbed the second goal in the 2-0 win at Liverpool to put the Blues within touching distance of the title.

Carlo Ancelotti's side can clinch top spot when Wigan visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday, while an FA Cup final against Portsmouth follows the week after with Chelsea red-hot favourites to win the trophy for the second successive year.

And Lampard insists he is ready to show his worth once again as he bids for glory on two fronts.

"Because of the goals I have scored in this run-in, this season is up there with my best already," the 31-year-old, who has scored nine goals in his last seven games, said in The Sun.

"Last season was my best yet all-round because of the way I played, but then you think how important it is to perform at the business end of the season.

"You always remember the players that turn up for the big games and help win leagues - guys like Wayne Rooney or Thierry Henry.

"So, if we do go on to win it this season, then I would have to say that for the trophies and the goals that this is my best campaign."

Chelsea have endured several distractions this term with John Terry and Ashley Cole subjects of off-field allegations about their personal lives, while the club were forced to fight off a transfer embargo following the signing of Gael Kakuta.

Lampard, however, believes everything which might have thrown Chelsea off course in their pursuit of trophies, has in fact, made them stronger.

"People should realise that it has been a mad season," the former West Ham player added.

"Stuff has happened on and off the pitch to make things more difficult but there has been a positive reaction from all of us.

"True, there have been times when we have not been at our best but who else has scored seven goals three times in the league?

"We have overcome a lot but we are a strong group at Chelsea and if we weren't we would not have pushed ourselves to the brink of winning a Double."

Manchester United Could Launch Audacious Bid For Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka

Manchester United are ready to raid their title rivals for Nicolas Anelka should contract talks with Chelsea break down, according to The Sun.

The tabloid claims that the France international striker, who has one year remaining on his current Blues deal, is a target for United.

Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson is looking for a replacement for Bulgarian mis-firing forward Dimitar Berbatov, who has failed to impress at Old Trafford since his £30.75 million move from Tottenham Hotspur.

Ferguson was thought to be keen to bring the well-travelled Anelka to Old Trafford in 2008, when the Frenchman left Bolton Wanderers for Chelsea in an £18m move.

Anelka has already played for five Premier League teams but could join United for a reported fee of around £8m.

Ferguson is thought to want a strike partner for Wayne Rooney next season and the experienced Anelka, who was the Premier League’s top scorer last season, could fit the bill.

Premier League Is Still The Best, Says Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard has insisted the Premier League is stronger than ever as Chelsea stand on the brink of winning the title for the first time since 2006.

The Chelsea vice-captain rejects suggestions the league is not as strong as in previous years as they prepare to face Wigan Athletic at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

A win for Chelsea, who head the table over Manchester United by a single point, will guarantee them the title in Carlo Ancelotti's first season as coach.

The Italian's team have been defeated six times in league games this campaign, but they are in pole position at the most crucial point of the season.

"This is the position we wanted to be in," said Lampard. "Some people have said the league has gone downhill but I don't think it has.

"The league has improved because the teams in the middle of the table and down the bottom have been fighting even harder and are more organised.

"It has proved more difficult for the bigger teams to win regularly week in, week out, and if we can win one more game it will be a big achievement to win it this year due to circumstances.

"To win the league you can never have it smooth and there are not many seasons when it is plain sailing all the way through.

"You are fighting against big teams in Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and others and there are times you have to stay strong. In the moments when we were down this season we have stayed strong."

Lampard will earn his third champion's medal should Chelsea achieve their aim.

Chelsea, under coach Jose Mourinho, won the title in 2005 and 2006, and another triumph would also end a run of three successive title successes by United.

Watching Sir Alex Ferguson's side take the trophy three times in a row only increased Lampard's desire to win the trophy again.

"Credit to them, they deserved to win it in recent seasons," said Lampard. "We are there to battle with them and we have been in touching distance.

"I was very proud of winning the league twice, particularly the first time because of all the years Chelsea had gone without it.

"It was a huge thing to be part of that group but if we can go and win the Double it will be right up there with that because not many clubs have done it in history."

Meanwhile, Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba claims he will gladly forego winning the Golden Boot this season if Chelsea can land the League title and then secure 'The Double' by beating Portsmouth in the FA Cup final on May 15.

Drogba is vying for the scoring award with Wayne Rooney on 26 goals and he has already collected the club's player of the year award.

"It has been the best season in my career so far," said Drogba. "When you have a season like this, individual trophies like player of the year are good, but I want more and I want to share with my friends.

"I really want to win the Premier League trophy and the FA Cup again, this is very important.

"I really don't mind if I don't win that (the Golden Boot) and I win the Double. That is really what matters.

"It has been a great season and I am really happy. Everybody knows my history with the fans here and there have been some difficult moments, but really and honestly we are always talking the same language and that is Chelsea."

Drogba also hailed the influence of Ancelotti.

"It is his first year here and it could be the best season in Chelsea's history so I hope that there will be more seasons like this one," added Drogba.

"He put a lot of confidence in this team and a desire to play well, start from the back, short passes - completely different to what we were doing before.

"There are many ways to win football matches and I think this way is one of the best."

Didier Drogba: Our Solidarity During John Terry Scandal Was The Turning Point In The Season

Didier Drogba has admitted that the manner in which the Chelsea squad overcame the ‘storm’ of John Terry’s off-the-field problems proved the turning point in their season.

The Chelsea skipper was the subject of intense media coverage after allegations of an affair with the former partner of Wayne Bridge, once a teammate at Stamford Bridge, broke, resulting in Fabio Capello’s decision to strip him of the England captaincy.

Drogba admits that the Blues performances suffered as a result of the intensity of the situation, but believes that the camaraderie of the squad pulled them through.

“We showed solidarity between us just as we've always done each time the club is in the middle of a storm,” Drogba told France Football magazine.

"I think it was a key moment of our season because we were losing points on the field and Terry was not performing as well as usual."

The club’s top goalscorer insisted that whilst their Champions League elimination at the hands of Inter was a disappointment, the prospect of securing a Premier League and FA Cup double means that the season can still be a success for Chelsea; a campaign which has produced his best performances since he arrived at Stamford Bridge.

"I think it's been by far my best season here... ending the season ahead of Rooney in the scoring charts would be the icing on the cake," Drogba added.

"It still can be a good season because only six teams have completed this double in England until now. If we achieve that, we'll make history.”