Raising The Banner

Regulars at Stamford Bridge may have noticed an increase in banners around the ground this season and been wondering where they've come from.

Meanwhile, fans watching from home, who have never had the opportunity to visit our west London ground may have seen the new banners appearing on their television screens.

In fact, it's a phenomenon most Blues will have noticed this campaign and the club's Official Website felt it was time to shed some light.

The banners belong to supporters' clubs, a system that gathers fellow fans in their local areas together, allowing them to support the Blues with like-minded people.

And it's pulled in groups of fans from all over the globe, including Dromore, Cyprus, Malta, Sweden, New York and even the United Arab Emirates and Bermuda

There are also banners from home-grown fans, with supporters' clubs originating from Swindon, Lincolnshire and Hastings all having banners on show at the Bridge.

'Opening a supporters club allows fans to meet like minded people in their area and socialise with them,' says David Mills, secretary of the Hastings Supporters' Club, which currently boasts around 170 members, 'it gives you the opportunity to socialise and travel to matches together.'

'We feel appreciated by the football club and in return get the benefits and supporters' clubs are definitely important to the fans these days.'

Striving to add to Stamford Bridge's atmosphere, this season the club has persuaded more supporters' clubs to create their own banners and offered to store them between each home game.

But fans in a supporters' club also bring an atmosphere with them to the Bridge from home, as many travel to games in one big group.

'Supporters' clubs give fans the opportunity to celebrate or commiserate together,' explains Mills.

'On a matchday we perform our pre-match rituals together in big groups, which definitely makes the day more enjoyable.'

The Hastings Supporters' Club's banner hangs proudly in the West Stand, and can be seen on the right side if you're looking from the dugouts.

It's a welcome addition which was created this season, although many die-hard fans may have already seen some representation from Hastings Blues in the Champions League.

'We have a large Hastings Blues flag that is often seen all over Europe but having a banner at Stamford Bridge was a good change for home games,' adds Mills.

'It lets other fans know there is a local supporters' club available if they wish to sign up for next year.'

With the 2009/10 campaign now drawing to a close, Chelsea is keen to see the creation of further official supporters' clubs and their banners before next season.

Initiation of supporters' clubs may take some work, as fans have to organise between themselves the set up of the club, which tier they may choose (they range from bronze to gold memberships) as well as arranging travel arrangements and tickets.

But it's not just about ordering tickets or going to games; many clubs arrange social events and trips. 'My advice to fans looking to set up a supporters' club is that it will take a lot of hard work and effort,' says Mills, 'especially if your club grows to a good size but it's worth it to have a club affiliated with Chelsea.'

The Blues will open affiliation for new supporters' clubs this May, but click here for more information if you can't wait that long.

'We're really hoping to see more banners around the stadium next season,' said Graham Smith, head of ticketing and supporters' liaison at Chelsea.

'And we want to see more supporters' clubs being established as well, it really makes a massive difference to fans across the world, it gives them somewhere to share their love of the club.'

Mills adds: 'Obviously not everyone can afford to attend matches as often as they'd like so to be involved with a club that arranges televised matchdays and more is definitely a benefit as they still feel as though they are involved with Chelsea.

'A group of our members just ran the local half marathon in aid of charity all kitted out in Hastings Blues Chelsea shirts, this got a lot of support around the circuit from fellow Chelsea fans.

'Various other functions include Christmas parties, quiz nights, trips to Star on a Stool and golf days.

'Also, on a matchday, we perform our pre-match rituals together in big groups, which definitely makes the day more enjoyable,' reports Mills.

Bertrand Quick To Deny Rumours!

It was probably only a matter of two weeks ago that rumours began to surface that our promising young full back, Ryan Bertrand, was, supposedly, wanting to sign for Reading on a permanent basis.

Bertrand an England U21 international who has been on loan with the Berkshire club all season, has made quite an impact with the club and pt in another sparkling display in the 6-0 thrashing of Peterborough this weekend.

However, rumours of a permanent departure, from Stamford Bridge, for the twenty year old, appear to have no substantiation with Bertrand quoted in the press as having remarked about the situation,

"Obviously there is some competition at Stamford Bridge and Ashley is there and he’s the best left back in the world. Then you’ve got Zhirkov who is an international."

"It’s important to be patient when you have those sort of players in front of you but hopefully my chance will come."

"We will sit down when I go back and see whether it is better for me to go on loan in the Championship or the Premier League, but I don’t have any problems coming back to Reading."

Obviously, it will be hard for Bertrand to make that breakthrough, especially when you consider the competition he has, but you just never know do you?

Cole Concentrating On Blues Before England

Joe Cole is focusing on winning the Barclays Premier League with Chelsea rather than the World Cup with England.

Cole has struggled to establish himself as a first-term regular under Carlo Ancelotti, but an impressive end to the season with the Blues - who are one point clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League - could yet see him force his way into Fabio Capello's World Cup squad.

The 28-year-old said: "My focus at the moment is just playing well for Chelsea. I don't like to talk about England because you can't talk yourself into an England squad. I just want to work hard and whatever happens happens."

He added: "It's obviously something I'd like to play in but at the moment I'm just concentrating on helping Chelsea win the title.

"I just want to keep playing well. I give everything in every game I play and that's just my nature.

"I want to work hard for my team-mates and manager and what will be will be."

Didier Drogba An Injury Concern For Chelsea During Crucial Premier League Run-In

Chelsea's top scorer Didier Drogba could miss some of the Blues' last three league games, as manager Carlo Ancelotti attempts to guide his team to Premier League glory.

The 32-goal Ivorian has been struggling with a groin strain in recent weeks, and wanted to come off in Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur after causing it further damage.

But Ancelotti had used all three of his substitutions by then, so Drogba was forced to play out the remainder of the game noticably unsettled.

With four games left in the season, player and manager now have to decide how they manage the injury — which may yet require minor surgery before the summer's World Cup.

"It's his decision," said Ancelotti, according to the Press Association.

"He doesn't have a big problem. It's more about controlling the situation. He'll take a decision at the end of the season, whether he has surgery or not. But it's not sure he'll have surgery."

Drogba's countryman, Salomon Kalou, hopes the hitman is available for the remainder of the season — especially as three wins from their final three league games will guarantee the Blues their first title since 2006.

"Every time I have the chance to work with him I listen to what he has to say - he is very important to me," said Kalou.

"When you're talking about strikers in the game today, Didier is one of the best and I want to take advantage of this opportunity to learn from him.

"Didier is like a big brother to me. First of all we come from the same country and that makes us closer.

"He still takes me to one side at training and gives me tips. We are always working in front of the goal. He is always so sharp in front of the net and I want to improve that side of my game."

John Terry's Poor Form Raises Concerns For Chelsea And England

John Terry will this week get a placatory arm around the shoulder and some words of comfort and support as Chelsea look to put their damaged title challenge back on track.

The Chelsea captain’s season has dipped from bad to worse, culminating at White Hart Lane with a performance, in front of Fabio Capello, that the defender will want to erase from the memory bank.

Carlo Ancelotti will tell Terry: “non agitarti”. The Italian will translate that to “don’t panic” but the order, from a man who has experienced everything this game can offer, will be straightforward and calm amid the chaos that is unfolding at the business end of this most compelling of seasons.

Terry will miss the visit of Stoke City as a result of his first red card since December 2008, at Everton, when the same referee, Phil Dowd, sent the player off. This time he went for two yellow cards, for two sloppy fouls, but he could have been dismissed earlier had Dowd spotted Terry pulling the shirt of Jermain Defoe.

He had appeared to recover, with strength, from the allegations of an affair with the former girlfriend of Wayne Bridge and the subsequent loss of his England captaincy.

But the latest display, in a 2-1 defeat, will give cause for concern, both for Chelsea and England, particularly as he was outshone by another defender, Tottenham’s Michael Dawson, who is still waiting to make his senior debut for his country. Dawson later refused to consider the prospect of an England call up, but Capello is considering him for the coming friendlies.

Terry was even involved in an altercation with a Spurs fan at half time. How ironic that the fan has been banned, by Spurs, from the club’s next home game -- the same punishment meted out to Terry for the red card.

“The people are looking too much at John Terry’s performances,” claimed Ancelotti. “He is doing very well. He did a fantastic season. Maybe sometimes he had some problems and didn’t play so well, maybe against Tottenham he didn’t play too well. But he has been absolutely fantastic.”

As for the rashness of being sent-off in a game of such importance, Ancelotti again offered sympathy. “I was a player,” he recalled, “and you know sometimes you are not always rational, you lose sometimes your control.”

Which is something Chelsea can no longer afford to do. “Now we have to win the next game and if it’s possible the next three games and then we are the champions,” he added. “Tottenham played better than us, it can happen, so it’s not a time now to be disappointed, it’s a time to stay calm, to stay focussed and to look forward for the next game.”

As for the possibility that Tottenham could make it a trio of prize scalps, at Old Trafford, Ancelotti added: “They are in a good moment and they could do a very game, but we are not interested, we have to win against Stoke.

“And we have to control this but I think my players have the character and the concentration to maintain an atmosphere of calm and quiet and remain in focus on our match.”

Which is something they failed to do at White Hart Lane. From the early stages Spurs were inspired and having been denied one penalty, won another when Terry was adjudged to have handled David Bentley’s cross. The decision was harsh; the ball bounced awkwardly and may have caught his shoulder, but the complaints were minimal and Defoe, who had missed six of his previous 10 penalties, converted with power.

And when Gareth Bale, quite stunning on the left side, added a second before the interval, the warning bells were alive. Chelsea teams in the past have responded with urgency. This Chelsea side threw in the towel.

They were not helped by a woeful performance on the right by Paulo Ferreira, who was torn to shreds by Bale. He had been ill, his manager insisted, so his failure to appear for the second half was not a surprise.

Spurs had chances to embarrass Chelsea and although Frank Lampard’s late goal gave the visitors hope, losing Terry in the 67th minute, was the final set-back. Now Chelsea face Stoke with a defence missing Terry and Ricardo Carvalho but, almost certainly, reinforced by Ashley Cole, who spent Saturday on the bench.

One more slip, and one wonders what Roman Abramovich will be thinking. Interesting times indeed.

Alan Hansen: Failure To Win Premier League Could Be End Of Chelsea 'As We Know Them'

Former Liverpool defender Alan Hansen believes that, should Chelsea fail to claim the Premier League title this season, then the recent period they have enjoyed as a dominant force in the English top flight could be over.

The Blues lost to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday whilst rivals Manchester United won at Manchester City.

That saw the Londoners' lead at the top of the table cut to just one point with three games left, and Hansen feels that failure to win the title will have consequences far beyond this season.

"As for Chelsea, they will be guilty of the biggest slip-up in the history of the Premier League if they fail to win the title because they have had so many opportunities to put it beyond their rivals’ reach and been unable to do it," Hansen told The Daily Telegraph.

"If they finish without the title this season, it could be the end of Chelsea as we know them. It is such a crucial time for the club.

"Win the league, and Roman Abramovich might be energised by the experience, throw more money at it and go for the big prizes all over again. But with the team needing new blood, he might decide that, although he has had a great time, the party is over."

Hansen feels that neither Chelsea nor United have been top class teams this season, with United's experience and, crucially, their manager, playing major parts in their title challenge.

"No matter who wins the title this season, though, it will be the first time that an average team will have claimed the Premier League crown," the former Liverpool skipper added.

"Jose Mourinho changed the face of English football when he was at Chelsea because his team raised the bar so high that you had to be a great side to win the league during his time at Stamford Bridge.

"But neither United nor Chelsea can lay claim to being a great side this season. If United win the title, it will be down to their perseverance and ability to do what champions do in terms of never giving up.

"They also have the figure of Sir Alex in the dressing room, warning players that they might not have a future at United and hammering home the message that they never give up."

Liverpool face Chelsea on May 2, and Hansen insists that there will be no difference in attitude from Rafael Benitez's side, even though a win for them could hand bitter rivals Manchester United the title.

"There is absolutely no chance whatsoever that Liverpool will be handing out any favours to Chelsea at Anfield, even it means that they ultimately play a pivotal role in handing United their 19th league title," he asserted.

"Sir Alex Ferguson knows this only too well and anybody who might doubt Liverpool’s integrity and resolve will be seriously mistaken.

"In 1995, Liverpool almost handed the title to United by beating Kenny Dalglish’s Blackburn on the final day of the season, but United’s failure to win at West Ham proved their downfall.

"Liverpool will be approaching the Chelsea game in exactly the same manner. They will be 100 per cent professional and they would expect the same from United."

Chelsea Analysis: Carlo Ancelotti Likes Stability, But Blues Definitely Need Changes This Summer

In between the confirmation of Ashley Cole's return to the first-team squad and various denials that the double was already in the bag, the most significant comment of Carlo Ancelotti's Friday press conference almost slipped under the radar. Asked by one journalist if he agreed with Fabio Capello's reported comments that the Premier League would have to spend to regain its grip on European competition, the coach said he didn't think it was the "most important thing".

Asked for a second time to clarify whether he would be reaching for the cheque book come the season's close, Ancelotti took the opportunity to state his position unequivocally. "No, it's not necessary to spend a lot of money this summer," he said.

Whether Chelsea or Manchester United end up winners, they will have suffered more Premier League defeats than any champions in nine years - United lost six times in winning the league in 2001. It doesn't take a visionary to work out that United miss a certain number 7, and that they could do with a better blend in midfield. But for the Blues - and Ancelotti - their strength this season in having a team full of experienced campaigners could prove to be their weakness in the future.

It's only natural that Ancelotti should put his faith in seasoned pros. This, after all, is what sustained him in eight seasons at the helm of AC Milan. He deserves enormous credit for keeping Milan competitive in Europe at least. The outstanding achievement on his CV when he arrived at Stamford Bridge was his Champions League record, with wins in 2003 and 2007 sandwiching the extraordinary loss to Liverpool. Performance in Serie A was far from what was hoped for, though. One Scudetto (in 2004) was Ancelotti's haul, and his last three seasons saw Milan struggle even to hold on to a Champions League spot - a humbling situation for a side so used to making their presence felt in that competition's final stages.

2006-07 4th place - Milan started the season on minus eight points, their punishment for their part in the Calciopoli scandal, but even with those points reinstated they would have finished 28 points behind champions Inter.

2007-08 5th place - the European champions missed out completely, having to content themselves with a UEFA Cup spot

2008-09 runners-up - despite a few end-of-season wobbles, Milan clinched second position and an automatic return to the Champions League group stage

Ancelotti's league record is tempered by a few mitigating factors: the aforementioned Calciopoli, and the fact that Milan's owner Silvio Berlusconi provided less and less funds to strengthen the side.

In his last season in Italy the coach acquired Mathieu Flamini on a free; plus Ronaldinho, who was widely considered to be a spent force, and certainly played like it in his debut Serie A season; and 30-somethings Gianluca Zambrotta and David Beckham (on loan).

This lack of investment was not an overnight thing. A look at the Champions League final line-ups in 2005 and 2007 reveals only four changes to the starting line-up for the latter final - Massimo Oddo, Marek Jankulovski, Massimo Ambrosini and Filippo Inzaghi coming into the XI for 2007. Ambrosini and Inzaghi were already at the club, and had been part of the squad for the 2003 win over Juventus at Old Trafford too. In fact, the whole starting XI in 2003 were still at the club in 2005 with all but Inzaghi (injured) in the squad for the Athens final.

At Stamford Bridge, it's been no secret that owner Roman Abramovich has wanted to make Chelsea financially self-sufficient for a number of years - it was with this in mind that he appointed Peter Kenyon. Perhaps the ability to keep getting more out of ageing players was an element of Ancelotti's profile that made him attractive to the Russian. Yet if Chelsea's league performance started to wane in the fashion that Milan's did the coach would swiftly find himself out of work, and age is starting to catch up with the squad.

Ancelotti: Character To Cope

Carlo Ancelotti has given support to his captain in the wake of John Terry's red card at Tottenham.

The Chelsea manager spoke about pressure generally following the 2-1 defeat at White Hart Lane but asked specifically if he believes Terry is coping with pressure upon him especially; Ancelotti pointed anyone raising that question to the big picture.

'All the people are looking too much at his performances,' the Italian said. 'Maybe sometimes he had some problems and he didn't play so well, maybe on Saturday he didn't play so well, but you have to look to the whole season of John Terry which is absolutely fantastic.

'I was a player and I know as a player sometimes you lose your control and any player can do this.

'John Terry is under pressure now, but everyone is under pressure at this moment,' Ancelotti added. 'He is the captain and he is involved in this exciting race and it's nothing special.

'The pressure is normal. To have pressure at the end of the Premier League is normal. We are top of the table and I think we have less pressure than the other teams.

'We have to control this but I think my players have character and concentration to maintain their focus on our matches.'

It was not a good day for Terry, nor other areas of the Chelsea defence and Ancelotti admitted there were problems with the right-hand side from where both Spurs goals originated. Paulo Ferreira, he reported, had suffered sickness is the days leading up to the game but Branislav Ivanovic, who replaced the Portuguese right-back at half-time, was not fit enough after injury to play a full 90 minutes.

What Ancelotti refuses to accept influenced the result was news of Manchester United's late winner prior to our kick-off.

'We were disappointed yes but we were involved in an important game and we prepared very well for this game, nothing changed about the pressure on this game after the goal by Scholes.

'It was bad day. Tottenham played better than us but it is not a time to be disappointed, it is a time to stay calm, stay focused and look forward to the next game.'

Chelsea TV Exclusive: It Was Messy

Reflecting on our 2-1 defeat to Tottenham, Frank Lampard insisted the side's slow start cost us three points in north London.

The midfield maestro, who began the game as vice-captain but ended it with the armband following John Terry's dismissal, believes their lead was too much to recover from after we conceded twice in the first half.

Chasing a two-goal deficit is never easy but against Tottenham, for Chelsea, it is even harder, explained Lampard: 'The last thing you want to do when you go to White Hart Lane is give them a 1-0 lead at the start, especially in the derby.

'When we went 1-0 down they got their confidence and when the game went to 2-0 it put us under a lot pressure and they are a good side.

'Then the game got messy in the second half and we went down to 10 men.

'But to be fair we had quite a lot of the ball in their box, we just couldn't find that last little pass.'

Needless to say, both players and fans alike were upset with Saturday's match but the result may not have been so hard to swallow, had it not been for a certain Paul Scholes goal.

'It's disappointing, especially with Manchester United's result,' noted Lampard.

'When they scored in the last minute it was hard. If they had drawn the game it would have left us in a very healthy position but now it's tighter.

'We were trying to get back into the game and with the last goal we had a bit of a lift but it's difficult with 10 men.

'But we have to get on with it now, understand it and not dwell on it because if we win our next three games we win the League.'

Touching on Terry's brace of bookings, Lampard was keen to express his leader's desire to succeed and how that sometimes transpires on the pitch.

'He wants to win and he's a fantastic captain,' reports Lampard, 'although for the first yellow I thought he got a slight touch on the ball.

'But when he went into that second tackle, you knew the minute the tackle went in he was going to get sent off.

'When you're playing in such circumstances sometimes these things happen but I don't think the referee gave us much in the game.'

However, Lampard himself gave us something when a stoppage time slide to the far post resulted in our only goal, taking him to 23 for the season.

'It doesn't feel so good given the circumstances of the game,' said Lampard, 'but if it can help us with the goal difference at the end of the season then it's worth it.'

With the League position in mind, Petr Cech, who put in an outstanding performance between the posts, knows Saturday's result has left us in the same position as a couple of weeks ago.

'It is basically the same as before,' said Cech. 'If we had drawn we would be two points clear and we would still have to win every game. Now we have the first game at home to Stoke and we have to win.'

Carlo Ancelotti Urges Chelsea Not To Panic After Spurs Defeat

Chelsea's manager Carlo Ancelotti has urged his players to hold their nerve in the Premier League title race following their defeat at Tottenham.

Manchester United could be back at the top of the league by the time Ancelotti's men kick-off against Stoke next Sunday after Sir Alex Ferguson's men defeated Manchester City before Spurs' 2-1 win against the Blues.

The results also mean Spurs are back in the Champions League places, with their victory over Arsenal in midweek backed up with goals from Jermain Defoe and Gareth Bale, while Chelsea had John Terry dismissed before pulling one back through Frank Lampard.

"We had a problem with soft defence," said Ancelotti. "We didn't put pressure on the ball. Lampard scored at the end but when we lost Terry it was impossible to recover the game with 10 against 11."

Chelsea will win their first title since 2006 if they defeat Stoke, Liverpool and Wigan. "We know what we have to do in the next three games," Ancelotti said. "We must not have a panic now. We are top of the league with only three games left so every team wants to be in our place. We have two at home and one difficult game away. We can be the best again. A one-point lead is not bad at this stage of the season. I am always confident. I am less confident than yesterday but we are still in the best position."
Ancelotti made his final two substitutions at half-time before Didier Drogba pulled up with an apparent groin problem just before the restart.

"Didier never said anything at the end of the first half," the Italian added. "He had a problem but after five minutes he was good to play to the end of the match without a problem. Now he doesn't have a problem."

Ancelotti also refused to comment on whether he thought Terry's dismissal, for fouls on Roman Pavlyuchenko and Bale, was harsh. "We are disappointed because we have lost John Terry for the next game but I don't have to say anything about the decision," he said. "Everyone is under pressure at this moment. He is the captain and involved in this exciting race."

Carlo Ancelotti Grateful That Premier League Title Is Still In Chelsea's Hands

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti remained defiant about his side's Premier League title chances despite a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham.

The league leaders went into the tie at White Hart Lane having seen Manchester United narrow the gap to just a solitary point after victory over Manchester City earlier on Saturday afternoon.

But Ancelotti told ESPN that the stress at the top does not concern him: "I think at this moment all the teams have pressure, all the teams have their own aims - it's normal.

"There are only three games left; the title is still in our hands. We have to look to the next game against Stoke."

The Italian conceded that Chelsea deserved to lose following first-half goals from Jermain Defoe and Gareth Bale, but disagreed with John Terry who had earlier in the week said that the players are beginning to feel the nerves at the top.

"No, I don't think that," said Ancelotti. "We knew we had to do our best, but we didn't today.

"Tottenham played very well, as they did against Arsenal - this is football, sometimes this happens."

Ancelotti saw his captain sent off for two bookable offences in quick succession in the second half, but he offered no criticism of referee Phil Dowd.

He added: "I have no complaints about the sending off - I don't want to talk about the decision of the referee.

"I am disappointed only that he [Terry] is not able to play the next game, but Ivanovic is fit so we have a good substitution for him."

The former AC Milan boss did, however, state that his players need to regroup with the season drawing to a close.

"I think that this team played very well until this game," he continued. "This game was not good. We have to refocus and play better in our next game."

Chelsea To Decide On Mancienne Future This Week

A report in the News of the World today claims Chelsea will decide on Michael Mancienne ’s future this week.

The 22-year-old has spent the whole season on loan at Wolves and has impressed in a holding midfield role despite naturally being a central defender.

Neil Ashton claims that "Chelsea director of football Frank Arnesen is under pressure to make a Blues academy player a first-team regular - and Mancienne is earmarked to be the one."

Wolves, following a successful season, would be happy to sign Mancienne and are willing to spend five million pounds on the England Under-21 striker.

Mancienne has played 28 games for Wolves this season and has been booked six times. Last season he made five appearances for Chelsea.

Chelsea Chase £17m Rated Palermo Striker Edinson Cavani

Chelsea have targeted Palermo striker Edinson Cavani , according to a report in The People today.

The 23-year-old striker has been a major factor behind Palermo’s chase for a Champions League place and has impressed Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti and his scouts in Italy.

Cavani has claimed 10 goals in 29 appearances for Palermo in 2009/2010 and at 6.0ft should be able to deal with the physical nature of the Premier League.

A number of clubs have been tracking Cavani and Chelsea face competition from Juventus, Roma, AC Milan, Manchester City and Manchester United to bring the Uruguay international (13 caps/2 goals) to Stamford Bridge.

Palermo will also be eager to hold on to Cavani who has been at the club since 2006/2007 and is contracted to the Serie A side until 2014/2015.

Sturridge Helping Kids Achieve Thier Goals

Daniel Sturridge joined guests of honour and young people at Cobham to launch a unique programme to help tackle youth crime in Surrey.

The guests and youngsters were from the borough of Elmbridge within which our training HQ is located.

Chelsea's Goalz project is funded by the Premier League's Creating Chances initiative and operates within Elmbridge working with young people aged 12-16yrs.Police and the council's Youth Justice and Youth Service Departments identify youngsters at risk of offending and refer them onto the programme which operates three nights a week, 48 weeks of the year, ensuring long term contact and positive engagement with the young people.

Participants are offered the opportunity to take part in football and a variety other sports all of which are linked to a series of workshops incorporating education, advice on drugs and alcohol abuse, health and a variety of social issues relevant to the young people.

After joining in with a kickaround and a session of head tennis, Sturridge spent time chatting to participants, answering a wide range of questions.

'I enjoy doing things in the community, especially with disadvantaged kids that have obviously had a hard upbringing,' said the England Under 21 international.

'Everyone in life deserves the chance to get what they want and sometimes it is a bit difficult for them to just live a normal life. It is always good to talk to them and give them a bit of hope that they can achieve what they want in life.

'Football can make a difference. It is a worldwide sport and Chelsea is a worldwide club and football is one of those games that brings joy and happiness to people's lives. I am happy to be part of a football family.'

The Surrey police have proved vital to the success of the programme. Sergeant Jerry Milford was on hand throughout the day joining in with the activities.

'We have referred some people we think are on the verge of getting into real difficult times and some of them are absolutely blooming now after four or five months,' he said. 'You saw some of the people ask questions to Daniel Sturridge with confidence but they didn't have that confidence five months ago.'

Chelsea and the partners involved in the project are confident that by the end of their time on the course the young people will have gained qualifications, improved their self esteem and that anti-social behaviour, and youth offending levels in the borough will have been lowered.

The Mayor of Elmbridge, Cllr. James Vickers, was impressed with what he saw.

'Elmbridge are involved with Chelsea a lot and we are very much involved with youth and sport. With Chelsea on our doorstep here, they are great colleagues and friends to have around and I am delighted to support projects like these. Seeing the enthusiasm involved, I think it has a great future and will really take off.'

Youth development officer Howard Jones added: 'It is great for the Youth Service to have a prestige partner like Chelsea. I believe that the engagement and divergent schemes work. Any activity with young people has an element of crime diversion, but the specific engagement schemes when the young people are referred have a very good track record.'

Chelsea Pensioners Get Carlo Ancelotti's Vote Of Confidence

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has given the clearest indication yet that he will retain faith with his ageing core of players next season.

With the club on the brink of the first league and FA Cup Double in their history, Ancelotti believes that this current group has answered questions about their collective age and does not foresee any need for a significant summer spending spree.

"I don't think it's necessary for us to spend a lot of money," he said. "I said that at the start of the season, that I was happy to have these players. I really do have a very good squad."

Ancelotti has already recommended that Joe Cole's contract is extended, while Michael Ballack, Nicolas Anelka, Juliano Belletti and Deco will also hold negotiations this summer.

Chelsea have had a long-time interest in both Franck Ribery and Sergio Aguero, yet there is a feeling that neither is worth the sort of fee being demanded in a market that has been inflated by Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Chelsea are overwhelming favourites to win a third title in six years, although captain John Terry did admit that nerves were evident in the edgy midweek win over Bolton. Ancelotti, however, clearly regards complacency as the biggest danger.

Youth Report: Leiceister City 3 - 2 Chelsea

Youth team defeat away at Leicester on Saturday compounded a disappointing weekend, but coach Dermot Drummy was impressed with his young side's display.

With only goalkeeper Sam Walker of the regular FA Youth Cup side involved, it was a mixture of first year scholars and schoolboys that fell 2-0 behind early on against a side now unbeaten in 25 league games.

Our hosts took the lead on 10 minutes when a slip in the Chelsea defence allowed Welsh Under 21 international Elliott Chamberlain to slot home from the edge of the area, and within two minutes the same player had doubled the lead from inside the six-yard box.

With Leicester firmly on top in the first half, it was Chelsea who dominated the second. Half-time substitute Nathaniel Chalobah pulled us back into the game with a far-post volley from Johnny Cane's cross, before Nikki Ahamed rifled home a 30-yard equaliser after a move involving Ben Sampayo and Danny Philliskirk.

Six minutes from time though Leicester scored the winner in slightly controversial circumstances, it being uncertain whether the ball had crossed the line when sub Ollie Norburn turned it goalwards following a City corner.

Despite defeat, Drummy was proud of the lads, and has an FA Youth Cup Final first leg to prepare for, the first leg against Aston Villa being on Thursday 29 April at Villa Park.

'Leicester were really direct and physical and we had three under-19s playing, but the rest of the boys were youngsters. We were very pleased although we lost and we were able to give a couple of young players a chance.

'For the Youth Cup, Adie Viveash and I travelled to Newcastle on Friday to watch the semi-final with Aston Villa, and they will be tough opposition but we look forward to it.'

Chelsea's £150m Wage Bill Has Bought Them Success: Arsene Wenger

Just when Chelsea looked to be marching unhindered to their third title in six years, along come Tottenham to remind us, on a day of high drama at White Hart Lane and Old Trafford, of football’s capacity for the gloriously unpredictable.

And few will have enjoyed it more than Arsene Wenger as he prepares his Arsenal side for their match at Wigan Athletic, suddenly handed a championship lifeline by the north London rivals he was cursing, rather than thanking, just a few nights earlier following their own derby defeat.

His pleasure will be all the sweeter as he remains a firm opponent of the kind of spending that has taken Chelsea to the top of the table.

In fact, Wenger thinks Chelsea should be stopped from what he sees as buying titles.

The Stamford Bridge club’s newly released accounts reveal that they spent a staggering £142.6million on players’ salaries last year, the highest sum in English football history.

It is over £20m more than Manchester United’s playing budget and £40m more than Arsenal’s. ‘What is not normal is not our wages bill, but their wages bill,’ said Wenger, who resents Chelsea being able to continue to splash out more than his club — and United — despite not bringing in the same revenue.

‘That should not be allowed.’ Indeed, the Arsenal manager believes the game’s governing bodies should legislate to prevent Chelsea spending the record sums on wages that could carry them to the Premier League and FA Cup Double.

Chelsea and their fans will be shocked by Wenger’s comments. After all the big spending in the early years of Roman Abramovich’s ownership, the club has been positively frugal by comparison this season as the Russian seeks to rein in the spending.

Only Yuri Zhirkov and Daniel Sturridge arrived this season, at a cost of £23m — just £4m more than United paid for Antonio Valencia and Gabriel Obertan and which does not begin to compare with the £80m Real Madrid forked out for Cristiano Ronaldo alone.

But the belief that English football at the top level is impoverished as a result of the recession is undermined, not just by Manchester City’s spending power but also by Chelsea’s wage bill.

Wenger’s attack on Chelsea and lament for the financial imbalance may have something to do with his frustration at his perception, before Saturday’s new (slim) hope, that his side had fallen short in a trophy campaign for a fifth season in a row. It also had much to do with his chagrin at the authorities failing to act quickly to prevent what he sees as unfair spending.

New UEFA rules have been drawn up aimed at preventing clubs accumulating debt while still spending heavily, which is why Abramovich converted many of his loans to Chelsea into equity and also one reason why Liverpool’s indebted co-owners, George Gillett and Tom Hicks, are seeking a new buyer.

Recently, however, the big clubs of Europe persuaded the governing body to delay implementing the rules from 2012 to 2015. Wenger turned 60 this season. Time is slipping away for him.

Dredging up defiance after recent setbacks, he insists, however, that his club can compete on the field with Chelsea and big-spenders United, despite having lost twice to both this season, and even surpass them next season.

‘We cannot compete for wages but I believe we can realistically compete on the pitch,’ he added. ‘I’m convinced of that. As well, we can overcome them. We were for a while not investing, maybe because we were building the stadium. But I think now our financial situation is much stronger and that we will be capable of buying the players we need to buy.

‘Not all the top players can go to Chelsea. There are top players Chelsea don’t want to buy who are still good enough for us.’

New Pitch For Wembley

A new pitch is to be laid at Wembley following criticism of the playing surface at English football's national stadium.

The pitch was heavily criticised by three of the four managers of the the FA Cup semi-finalists and PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor described it as an "embarrassment".

The FA Cup final between Chelsea and Portsmouth is the next match to be played at the stadium.

"Wembley Stadium can confirm that a new pitch will be installed, with work commencing today," a statement on Sunday said.

"We will continue working with The Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) to install and maintain the new turf.

"The pitch will be the same type as was used in the latter part of last year.

"We will continue to refine the installation and maintenance regime to build on the formula that was successful during that period.

"Wembley and STRI feel confident that we will be able to deliver and sustain a good pitch at Wembley for our busy football schedule in May."

Match Report: Tottenham 2 - 1 Chelsea

Before kick-off, it was easy to poke fun at the eternally optimistic Tottenham supporter who laid a heavy sum on his team to beat Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United at odds of 14-1. Well, well, well. One thing is sure, Carlo Ancelotti will be desperate for Spurs to put in such a sparkling performance next weekend at Old Trafford.

Harry Redknapp's team are suddenly surfing atop a wave of adrenaline, and two outstanding results have led them to bounce back into a Champions League position. Chelsea departed White Hart Lane with their momentum battered and their egos bruised. Their lead at the Premiership summit has been trimmed to a single point, and a goal difference only two better than the scrapping, lurking, defending champions.

It was a dreadful evening for Chelsea, who lost their captain to a red card, their tempers to a situation they couldn't handle, and their comfortable cushion in the title race.

But what an extraordinary week for Spurs. Floored by Portsmouth in the FA Cup over two hours on the Wembley quagmire, they responded to scalp two London rivals who like to consider themselves superior. Top marks for character as well as ability.

The lunchtime result at Manchester made an impression on both teams –Tottenham were encouraged by City's setback and Chelsea tensed by United's demonstration of championship mettle.

Harry Redknapp's team set about their task with relish, evidently bouyed by their long-awaited win over Arsenal in midweek. Luka Modric used the ball craftily, Gareth Bale galloped forward with his engine on overdrive. Roman Pavluchenko's drifting movement and willingness to shoot stretched the Chelsea defence.

Tottenham upped the pressure with a rush of big appeals just before the quarter-hour. All were debatable to those without a white shirt on their chests. First, John Terry tangled with Jermain Defoe on the edge of the box, next Bale tumbled fractionally ahead of Mikel John Obi's challenge, then Pavluychenko's acrobatic flick was brushed away by a vague combination of Terry's nodded head and upper arm.

It was third time lucky. To Terry's astonishment the referee, Phil Dowd, pointed to the spot. Defoe, who choked with a couple of penalties earlier in the season, was eager to take responsibilty and he nervelessly cracked his shot past Petr Cech.

Defoe cantered off to celebrate. Terry argued with Dowd. Mind you, perhaps there was some karmic force at work which evened out some of the fortune that smiled on Chelsea regarding penalty appeals for Bolton last week.

There were plenty of opportunities to double the home advantage before half time. Pavlyuckenko took aim with a dipping shot which Cech palmed away. David Bentley's close-range jab was deflected by Terry. Younes Kaboul came up for a corner and headed powerfully but straight at Cech.

But Bale delivered. Two minutes before the interval, he made mincemeat of Paulo Ferreira, jinked inside his man, and proved himself surprisingly deadly with his right foot. Cech was certainly stunned as the effervescent Welshman arrowed his shot in at the near post.

Chelsea to replicate their commanding performance at Old Trafford at the beginning of the month. Hmmm. For 45 minutes here his team were second best. Outmanouevred in midfield, outrun at the back, and snuffed out up front, they were startled.

They managed a couple of efforts from Malouda – one saved and another ruled out for offside – and Heurelho Gomes came to Tottenham's rescue once again as he repelled Frank Lampard's volley. But, uncharacteristically, they struggled to mount any sustained pressure. Ancelotti, who had already brought on Michael Ballack in the first half for Mikel, threw on Branislav Ivanovic and Nicolas Anelka for the restart. Ridiculously, Didier Drogba pulled up jusr before the whistle, feeling his groin, and limped to the touchline. Ancelotti wasn't interested. Drogba had no choice but to play on.

Chelsea cracked again, as Defoe was released for a one-on-one. Cech clawed away. Frustration began to gnaw, and Lampard kicked out at Tom Huddlestone. Tempers frayed as both sets of players sprinted to the scene of a little dust-up.

Just what they needed at such a delicate moment was for Terry to start lunging into tackles with reckless imprecision. So soon after the dangerous pounce at James Milner's knee, Fabio Capello again watched as the deposed England captain overstepped the line of riskiness. Two late tackles within three minutes left Dowd with no option but to dismiss Terry for two bookable offences.

Cech kept the scoreline respectable when he backpedalled to tip over Bentley's lob. Then Michael Dawson dispossessed Drogba with a cool, clean tackle as the Ivorian shaped to strike with seven minutes remaining. Chelsea did cause some late nerves when Lampard poked in Ballack's cross in stoppage time, and Pavluchenko flunked the chance to wrap it up on the counter-attack. Tottenham deservedly hung on for another huge result.

Malouda Eyes History

Florent Malouda believes Chelsea can use the recent victory over Manchester United to inspire them on to a historic Double.

The Blues face Portsmouth in the FA Cup final next month and are also four points clear at the top on the Premier League with just four games to play.

While Chelsea have not won at Spurs for two seasons, Malouda believes they can grab a victory this time, inspired by their recent 2-1 win over champions Man United at Old Trafford.

The midfielder told SunSport: "Maybe this (winning at White Hart Lane) is a way for us to show that this is our year. We have a chance to change recent history by beating Spurs and to make history too by winning the Double.

"I lost there last season and we also lost in the Carling Cup final to them. The crowd and the atmosphere is very hostile towards us at White Hart Lane.

"But the inspiration for us has to be the game at Old Trafford three weeks ago. When we play like that against a team like Man Utd we know we can get results against anyone."

The Blues are currently hot favourites with Sky Bet to win the Premier League but Malouda is taking nothing for granted as the side aim to win the title in Carlo Ancelotti's first season as boss.

He added: "We know we cannot relax because there is still a lot to be done. Step by step, game by game is how we are approaching it but of course we wish that the manager can win in his first season."

Malouda believes Chelsea have been inspired towards the Double by their UEFA Champions League quarter-final exit to Inter Milan, going on to be unbeaten in their last six league and FA Cup games, including five successive wins.

He said: "We have had problems and bad moments - losing to Inter was one. But we had the tools to find an answer and we can now win two trophies."

He also believes they have learned from the experience of their last-gasp loss to Barcelona in the Champions League last term.

"Even last year after we lost to Barcelona in the semi we reacted well, won the FA Cup and that taught us a lesson. This season it's just as difficult to win the Premier League as it is the Champions League," he said.

"Look at the teams you have to beat to win the Premier League. Add Man City who have caused us big problems this year and you know this is a very tough competition."

Anelka: Destiny Is In Our Hands

As one of our more decorated players, Nicolas Anelka has already achieved one double in English football.

While at Arsenal, a young Frenchman was part of Arsene Wenger's 1998 side which dominated in both the League and Cup.

Now, as we near the end of the season, another brace of trophies for Anelka is a possibility and as we prepare to face Tottenham at White Hart Lane, the Official Club Website asked him about the feeling inside the Chelsea camp.

'There's a little bit of stress because we are not far but it is not done yet,' explains Anelka.

'We want to be quick in this game and finish with a win, then win the two next games and make sure we win the League because we have been working for this since the beginning of the season.

'We are near the end but we have to make sure we win so we can celebrate. It is a strange situation because it is almost done but we still have to stay focused and work hard until the very end.

'But it is good to be in this situation because our destiny is in our hands,' added our number 39.

Another three points will obviously get us closer to the title, but Anelka knows, having travelled to White Hart Lane as both an Arsenal and Chelsea player, the London derby is always a difficult fixture.

Last time there, Guus Hiddink suffered his first defeat in charge of the Blues. It turned out to be his only loss but it's an occurrence no one wants repeated.

'It is always a tough game to play,' says Anelka. 'It is a derby and it is always hard to win against them away from home.

'It's also going to be tough because they have just beaten Arsenal and they are in good shape, so they will make it difficult for us. They have a good pitch and a good stadium; it is very hard to play against Tottenham. Also with the fans it is quite hostile but we get used to this.

'Everywhere we play, because it is Chelsea, everyone wants to beat us, so we're ready for this game.

'You have to be ready to fight on the pitch because it is going to be a strong match, with plenty of tackles, an aggressive game. So we know it is going to be tough but we have the players who can handle that.'

The midweek win over Arsenal is likely to spur Tottenham, although it did need several saves from keeper Heurelo Gomes to preserve the narrow winning margin.

'He is a good goalkeeper, he had a fantastic game against Arsenal but we have a lot of players who can score goals,' points out Anelka, 'so we will try to do our best to come back with a win.'

Ancelotti Wants Repeat Of Manchester United Performance

Carlo Ancelotti has ordered his Chelsea troops to repeat their season-changing performance at Manchester United two weeks ago if they are to land the Premier League title.

Ancelotti refuses to believe the title is all but in the bag – but it is certainly within touching distance for a team four points clear at the top with four games remaining.

Although Chelsea have also booked their place in the FA Cup final on May 15 against Portsmouth, Ancelotti will not even mention the Double in the dressing room. Chelsea go to Tottenham and Ancelotti said: “We need the same mentality, the same philosophy as we showed against Manchester United.

“We want to put pressure on them immediately. I don’t know if that will be possible because Tottenham will want to do the same. But that is the right way to get a good result.”

“But it won’t be easy. I was surprised by Tottenham’s performance against Arsenal. They reacted well after losing in the FA Cup semi-final. Of course there is pressure – but that is normal. It’s actually very easy now for me. I don’t have to work on the players’ focus and motivation any more because they know what they need to do.

“But we never speak about the Double. That’s not the right way to prepare at all.

Ancelotti will recall Florent Malouda, Joe Cole and Deco after all three were rested for the nervy 1-0 win over Bolton on Tuesday night that kept the title hunt on track, but Didier Drogba is set to keep his place leading the attack.

Chelsea lost 1-0 at White Hart Lane last season – their only domestic defeat under Ancelotti’s predecessor Guus Hiddink – and they will be facing a Spurs side buoyed by their tumultuous 2-1 win over Arsenal.

A major bonus for Ancelotti is the recovery of England full-back Ashley Cole from his broken ankle. He is likely to be on the bench tonight – a week earlier than had been planned. Ancelotti said: “Ashley is ready, he’s fit. It’s good news for us and for England as well.”

Centre-back Alex, who has been a crucial figure in the turnaround in Chelsea’s season, believes that they are nearly there.

Brazilian Alex said: “It is our trophy to lose, so let’s make sure we beat Tottenham. Arsenal are now six points behind and Manchester United could easily lose to City.”

Chelsea have confirmed they are taking legal action against outgoing Barcelona president Joan Laporta over the allegation in his recent autobiography that they offered bribes when trying to prise Brazil superstar Ronaldinho away from the Nou Camp in 2004.
Chelsea, who have engaged Spanish lawyers to fight the case, maintain that they never even made a bid for Ronaldinho – now at Milan – at the time, let alone offered any financial incentives.

Milan Have Always Liked Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic - Agent

Milan like Chelsea's Serbian defender Branislav Ivanovic, says his representative Vlado Borozan, but he is unaware of a rumoured deal that involves cash and his client in return for Alexandre Pato.

Reports around the peninsula on Friday morning claimed Chelsea are ready to offer Ivanovic, plus a major cash sum, for the Brazilian ace.

Borozan mocked the rumours mercilessly, but did confirm the Rossoneri are interested in the defender, who is currently injured with knee ligament damage following last month's 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers.

"I don't know how this news came about, I don't know anything," he told Tuttomercatoweb.com.

"No one has spoken to me about Milan and my associate has not heard anything either.

"I can say that Ivanovic has always been liked by Milan, since the days when [Carlo] Ancelotti was a coach there."

Manchester City Set To Swoop For Chelsea Midfielder Joe Cole With £40 Million Contract

Manchester City are prepared to make Joe Cole the Premier League’s best-paid player by offering the Chelsea midfielder a four-year deal worth almost £40 million.

According to the Daily Express, Cole will become a free agent this summer after failing to agree terms on a new contract at Stamford Bridge. And City are said to be waiting in the wings to offer the 28-year-old £180,000-a-week.

As Cole would move to Eastlands for nothing, City would build his transfer market value at an estimated £10 million into his wages, which would work out to around £9 million a year.

With Manchester City now favorites to secure a Champions League place by hanging on to fourth spot, they will be hoping the added incentive of European football will be enough to persuade Cole to move north.

City boss Roberto Mancini has claimed the Manchester club can become a household name in European competitions and that securing a Champions League spot will help lure big name players to Eastlands.

“A lot of players could come here next season if we play in the Champions League,” he told the Daily Express.

“I think Manchester City can be a very important team in the future.

“We could become a bigger threat than Chelsea. We work for this because we want to be like them or, if possible, even better.

"I would like to think we can become one of Europe’s top clubs next season.”

City host arch rivals and near neighbours Manchester United on Saturday, in what is being billed as one of the biggest Manchester derby’s in recent history.

United will be hoping to keep their title hopes intact, while City continue their push for fourth place.

Premier League May Demand More From New Owners

The Premier League would demand proof of funds from prospective club owners under a plan being considered to avoid the sort of crisis that has engulfed Portsmouth.

The 'means and abilities' test was discussed at Thursday's meeting of club chairmen and will be voted on at the summer AGM in June.

The test would try to ensure that owners have enough money to sustain a club in the top flight and avoid such situations as Portsmouth's where they have become the first Premier League club to go into administration.

Prospective owners would also be required to meet the Premier League in person before the takeover was ratified. Portsmouth previous owner Ali Al-Faraj ignored all invitations to meet the Premier League and never even visited Fratton Park.

The new rules would toughen up the existing 'fit and proper person' test for owners and directors.

Under new rules brought in this season clubs are already required to provide financial information for the year ahead and proof that they are not in debt to HM Revenue and Customs or to 'football creditors'.

Meanwhile, the Premier League insist changing the parachute payments for relegated clubs from two to four years would only be done with the agreement of the Football League.

The parachute payments would total £48million over four years if new Premier League proposals are agreed.

The new system would come into effect from the end of the next season but the Premier League have insisted no final decision was taken at the chairmen's meeting.

The League said in a statement: "This issue was not discussed in any detail or voted on.

"Any decision regarding the future structure of parachute payments cannot be taken by the Premier League alone and must be agreed with the Football League.

"The Premier League is currently in positive discussions with the Football League on a number of issues; however an announcement will only be made once these have reached a satisfactory conclusion."

Under the plan, those clubs relegated to the Championship this season will receive £16million a year for two years, while under the new proposals relegated clubs would get £16million for each of the first two years and then £8million for each of the next two years.

My Week At Work: Christophe Lollichon

Two more clean sheets this week has brought plaudits to the Chelsea backline and Petr Cech. The goalkeeping coach has his say on the last seven days, with news of a record broken and table tennis misery.

The best goal I have seen this week…
The best goal is the Tottenham goal with the young player, Rose, it was unbelievable. It was a fantastic moment for him, maybe Almunia was a little bit surprised by it.

The best save I have seen this week…
Again I think it is Gomes at Tottenham, I think he showed strong reflexes to save the header from Sol Campbell, it was a spectacular save.

The best training…
That was Thursday morning with the goalkeepers. We were doing crosses, two goalkeepers in goal, and two playing like players to receive the ball from a throw after they caught it. Each player had a different mission, it was a very good session, and important for me because it was necessary to think, not only for catching.

The worst training…
Table tennis with Petr Cech. After the Bolton match he had a slight injury, it was impossible to train, but he could play table tennis, and I lost three sets!

Funniest moment of the week…
I think that was just after the Bolton match when we won, we are so close to the end of the season and each game we win is a good moment, everybody is in a wonderful mood.

My favourite sound this week…
This week I listened to the Requiem by Mozart. I love this music, this week one evening I listened to the whole Requiem, fantastic music.

Best food this week…
I've had to cut down on the raw meat but I'm allowed one steak per week and the chefs rustled me up a bit of buffalo the other day - absolutely delicious and not easy to catch around SW6 I can tell you.

Best entertainment...
I played football with my children, my daughters, only for 25 or 30 minutes but it was very good fun.

The news story that stands out…
I think it is this volcano. Thursday in Paris was a disaster, I took the train back to London. A lot of people were very disappointed, scared. The Gare Du Nord was mad.

And a special mention goes to…
I think this has to be Petr Cech, he has a record of 100 Premier League clean sheets. He did it in 180 games I think, and it is the quickest, Peter Schmeichel did it in over 200 games, so congratulations to him.

Premier League Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea

Expect the unexpected in football: just three days after crashing out of the FA Cup against relegated Portsmouth after extra time, Tottenham Hotspur were in action once again, entertaining their bitterest of rivals Arsenal at White Hart Lane and winning 2-1 thanks to a thunderous volley from 19-year-old Premier League debutant Danny Rose and a cool Gareth Bale finish.

From a promising season that looked to be in disarray after defeats to Sunderland and Portsmouth, Spurs are back on track in their charge at fourth place. The North Londoners are just a point behind frontrunners for the position Manchester City after effectively ending the Gunners' title hopes.

It gets no easier for Spurs, though, as they face league leaders Chelsea. The Blues have been playing like a team scorned and with a point to prove since their Champions League defeat to Jose Mourinho's Inter. A draw with Blackburn Rovers has been followed by five consecutive victories, the latest coming against Bolton Wanderers in midweek.

Chelsea are moving closer to winning their first league championship since Mourinho's departure, but know that, despite having a four-point lead over Manchester United, they must not slip up against Spurs, as their experienced title rivals will be ready to pounce.

The Blues were convincing 3-0 victors over Spurs at Stamford Bridge earlier this season, but Tottenham got the better of their fellow Londoners in N17 during the last campaign, thanks to a solitary Luka Modric goal.

FORM GUIDE

Tottenham

Tottenham 2-1 Arsenal (Premier League)
Tottenham 0-2 Portsmouth AET (FA Cup)
Sunderland 3-1 Tottenham (Premier League)
Tottenham 2-0 Portsmouth (Premier League)
Tottenham 3-1 Fulham (FA Cup)

Chelsea

Chelsea 1-0 Bolton (Premier League)
Aston Villa 0-3 Chelsea (FA Cup)
Man Utd 1-2 Chelsea (Premier League)
Chelsea 7-1 Aston Villa (Premier League)
Portsmouth 0-5 Chelsea (Premier League)

TEAM NEWS

Tottenham

Niko Krancjar will play no further part in Tottenham's season after picking up an ankle injury against Portsmouth at Wembley.

Reports suggesting Aaron Lennon would be fit to face Chelsea could prove to be wide of the mark, while Jermaine Jenas and Jonathan Woodgate (both groin) are out.

Wednesday night's hero, Danny Rose is a doubt and Wilson Palacios serves the last of his two-match suspension.

Possible Starting XI: Gomes; Corluka, Dawson, King, Assou-Ekotto; Bentley, Huddlestone, Modric, Bale; Defoe, Crouch.

Chelsea

Ashley Cole is fully fit and will be in the squad to face Spurs, but is set to start on the bench.

Deco, Joe Cole and Florent Malouda will all return to the starting XI for the Blues, possibly at the expense of Nicolas Anelka, Salomon Kalou and Michael Ballack.

There are no new injury worries for Ancelotti, but Jose Bosingwa, Michael Essien (both knee) and Ricardo Carvalho are still unavailable. Branislav Ivanovic is a doubt.

Possible Starting XI: Cech; Ferreira, Alex, Terry, Zhirkov; Cole, Mikel, Lampard, Deco, Malouda; Drogba.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Tottenham

Several of Redknapp's charges dug deep to produce hallmark performances on Wednesday night, but the continued improvement of Gareth Bale is one of the stories of Spurs' season. Not an automatic choice before an injury to Benoit Assou-Ekotto offered him a chance, the Welshman has been rampant on the left wing, terrorising some of the league's finest defenders. Bale could get the better of an ageing Paulo Ferreira on Saturday.

Chelsea

Rested for the majority of Chelsea's victory over Bolton, Florent Malouda will be restored to the starting line-up on Saturday and ready to continue his hot streak. The French winger has made his greatest contribution to the club since he first arrived at Stamford Bridge, and his importance was underlined by Ancelotti's decision to bench him before the meeting with Spurs.

Ancelotti Not Interested In Double Talk

Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti has told his players to forget about double glory as they prepare for Saturday's crucial Barclays Premier League showdown with London rivals Tottenham.

Ancelotti is boosted by the return of England left-back Ashley Cole for the clash at White Hart Lane as Chelsea continue their quest for League and FA Cup triumphs.

Cole broke his ankle against Everton on February 10 but has recovered sufficiently to be included in the squad. However, Ancelotti confirmed the former Arsenal defender will start among the substitutes.

Chelsea are four points clear of Manchester United, who face rivals City at Eastlands, and the Blues have already sealed an FA Cup final against Portsmouth on May 15.

But even with the spotlight firmly on Chelsea's double dreams, Ancelotti does not want his players losing focus.

"It's very easy to keep the players focused," said Ancelotti. "I don't have to work on their focus and motivation any more.

"My work is very easy, because they know what they need to do. We never speak about the double. That's not the right way to prepare at all.

"It is not a formality we will win the title. We have to play very important and difficult games and we have to pay attention.

"We have to fight again, above all Saturday. I was very impressed with Tottenham's performance against Arsenal on Wednesday and we have to pay attention.

"They played very well. They will be the same tomorrow. It's a derby again and they are involved in the race for fourth place, so we have to pay attention.

"We have prepared very well for this game. We are focused and concentrated. We want to maintain the same gap from Manchester United. But we have to be ready. It will be a tough game on Saturday.

"Now, the title is not so sure for us. We have to fight again. We are working to win both the league and the FA Cup. We are involved in both and in a very good position, but nothing is decided.

"I've been working in football for 30 years and it's never sure until you have won. For now, we've not won."

Chelsea's hopes will be boosted by the return of Cole for the run-in.

The 29-year-old had been primed for a return against Stoke on April 25 but he has returned to full fitness even quicker than planned.

"Ashley Cole is in the squad on Saturday," said Ancelotti. "He's ready, he's fit. He'll start on the bench. I'm not surprised how quickly he's come back.

"The medical staff has worked very well on him, and he has worked hard. It's good for us to have him fit, and it's good for England as well."

German midfielder Michael Ballack believes Chelsea's fighting spirit helped them shake off the disappointment of going out of the Champions League to Inter Milan.

The Blues are now on the brink of becoming only the seventh club in history to do the double of league and FA Cup, and Ballack, 33, revealed how the players rallied after their exit to the Italians.

"We showed our spirit over the last season, otherwise we wouldn't be in this situation," said Ballack.

"To go out of the Champions League against a good opponent can always happen, and of course we have big expectations at this club, we showed in the last years we are a team that can reach the final.

"Going out early was a big disappointment and we sat together, spoke, rebuilt ourselves and bundled our strengths together again.

"It is important you don't drop your head and if you beat a team like Man United away it gives a lot of confidence - apart from Inter we have beaten all the big teams this year. We showed again we are still good enough and that's important for the mind.

"Of course it is a long season and it is important we have the mental strength, we are on top of the league and have a big target, a big chance to win two titles and that keeps us fresh in mind as well."

Joe Cole Warns Chelsea Team-Mates Against Complacency In Premier League Title Race

Joe Cole has insisted that the Premier League title race is not over, despite Chelsea being four points clear of Manchester United at the top of the table.

With just four games to go, the Blues are in a commanding position at the summit and after Arsenal's defeat to Tottenham on Wednesday, they remain overwhelming favourites to clinch a third title in six years.

Cole has, however, warned his team-mates that they cannot lose focus, starting with the clash against Spurs this weekend.

"The title race isn't over," Cole said, as quoted by the Press Association.

"The good thing is that we have our future in our own hands now and we have to keep winning and winning and that will only edge us closer and closer. We have had a cracking season and it would be great to finish with a couple of trophies.

"We went into four trophies at the start of the season. If we were to come out of it at the end with two then it would be an amazing achievement.

"There's a lot of hard work to be done but we must stay focused and be humble and stay together as a team and work hard for the title."

The England International also shrugged off speculation surrounding his own future after being linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer.

"It's so exciting for a footballer to be blessed to be able to play in such a special team as Chelsea and to have the opportunity to do something so special," he added.

"I just want every game to be played tomorrow. I'm just trying to keep on playing as well as I can and help the team and play as many games as I can."

Drogba Reveals Hernia Struggle

Didier Drogba admits he is struggling with a hernia problem and may require surgery in the near future.

The Chelsea striker claims he has been nursing the problem for some time, having taken a knock prior to linking up with the Ivory Coast for the African Cup of Nations in January.

The Africa ace has been hampered by a similar problem in the past, and he required an operation to resolve the issue on that occasion.

He will be okay to lead Chelsea's Premier League title charge over the coming weeks, but is uncertain as to whether he will then need to go under the knife.

Ideally, with the World Cup fast approaching, Drogba would be able to hold on until later in the summer, but the 32-year-old admits that may not be possible.

"I underwent surgery for a hernia problem six years ago, and today it is bothering me again," Drogba told L'Equipe.

"Just before the African Cup of Nations I got a knee to my kidney and the pain returned.

"I have felt pain ever since then and we can't go on like this for long.

"Do I need surgery? I don't know yet, but we have to do something. Before the World Cup? That is a good question and I don't have an answer."

Agent Plays Down Ivanovic Talk

Branislav Ivanovic's agent has played down suggestions that he is interesting AC Milan, Inter and Real Madrid.

The Serbian star has impressed for Chelsea this term, mainly featuring at right-back in the absence of Jose Bosingwa.

His form has seen the likes of both Milan clubs and Real linked with a move.

But his agent Vlado Borozan has dismissed claims that there have been talks about a move.

"It's something that is highly unlikely," Borozan told Calciomercato.

"Ivanovic still has two years of contract and has no intention of leaving London.

"This seems to me to be invented news, I and my partner, [Dejan] Joksimovic have not been contacted by anyone."

Mancienne Talks Remain On Hold

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy has reiterated that he is not planning to discuss Michael Mancienne's future until the end of the season.

Mancienne has impressed during a season-long loan at Molineux from Chelsea and he has made 30 appearances in all competitions.

He has played at centre-half and as a holding midfielder for Wolves, and has been tipped to spend next season with McCarthy's side.

However, McCarthy wants to wait until the campaign is over before holding talks with Chelsea and Mancienne regarding a possible deal.

McCarthy said: "Have there been talks to extend Mancienne's loan? No, and the reason is if someone asks me about a player I've loaned out, I'd say 'leave it until the end of the season and we'll talk to you then'.

"No-one will make any decisions on players until then.

"They (Chelsea) will want to have a look at all the reports on him from all the games like I do with mine. So I don't ask because I know the answer I'll get.

"Will Mancienne benefit from another year away from Chelsea? I've no idea. There's no point me speaking about it until the end of the season."

Mancienne, who is enjoying his second spell at Wolves, has impressed McCarthy with his ability to adapt into his position just in front of the back four.

He said: "We knew he wasn't just a big head-it-and-kick-it centre-half. He went and performed that midfield role he's currently in, shoring it up for us at Tottenham to start with.

"But he's just got better and better at it. He's only just started at it, but things have developed from how we were at the start of the season.

"We recognised we had to change it and he's found himself a slot there and it will be hard to move him out. He's doing it very well for me and he's doing a terrific job."

Ballack: Strong Minds

Never short of confidence, Michael Ballack has been discussing how the side has kept itself going over the last few weeks.

Having been eliminated from the Champions League a month ago, we have bounced back strongly to go four points clear at the top of the Premier League, a demonstration of the mental strength and physical fitness within the Chelsea squad.

'We showed our spirit over the last season, otherwise we wouldn't be in this situation like we are now,' maintained the 33-year-old. 'To go out of the Champions League against a good opponent can always happen, and of course we have big expectations at this club, we showed in the last years we are a team that can reach the Final.

'Going out early was a big disappointment and we sat together, spoke, rebuilt ourselves and bundled our strengths together again.

'It is important you don't drop your head and if you beat a team like Man United away it gives a lot of confidence - apart from Inter we have beaten all the big teams this year. We showed again we are still good enough and that's important for the mind.

'Of course it is a long season and it is important we have the mental strength, we are on top of the league and have a big target, a big chance to win two titles and that keeps us fresh in mind as well.'

A Premier League and FA Cup Double is a real possibility, but we will need to take points from Spurs at White Hart Lane tomorrow to maintain our momentum.

Ballack believes this should be no problem physically, despite it being our 52nd game of the season.

'We did the base level training in summer, the fundamentals you always do in the summer, you train well and have a good pre-season which sets you for the season,' he explained.

'We are coming to the end of the season now, you can't do a lot of fitness work, it is more like recovery, keeping your level, training perhaps a little shorter but more intense, that's what we do and we hope not to get injuries.'

With just five games to go in our campaign, recent form suggests there is plenty left in the tank for the final push.

Chelsea Launch Action Against Barcelona President Laporta Over Bung Claims

According to the Spanish media this morning, Chelsea have begun legal action against the claims of outgoing Barcelona president Joan Laporta that the Blues offered himself and current presidential candidate Sandro Rosell a cut in a deal for Ronaldinho .

The claims emerged a couple of weeks ago as part of Barcelona’s typically political presidential election campaign. Outgoing president Joan Laporta fell out with leading candidate Sandro Rosell when the latter was his vice-president and apparently is now campaigning against his former deputy.

Laporta claims in a new book recording his presidency that Chelsea were desperate to sign Brazilian star Ronaldinho in 2004, when the former World Player of the Year was regarded as the best footballer on the planet. Rosell apparently encouraged the deal as Chelsea had offered that the pair share a £7m kick-back as part of the deal.

In his book, Laporta says, "I told him to get it out of his head, that Ronnie was not for sale and I didn't want to talk about it any more but he added: 'Joan, they are giving us a commission of 10 per cent.'

"Sandro kept insisting about the offer of Chelsea pretending he didn't want it to happen.

"He reminded me that if we accepted they were giving us 10m euros to share between us. That attitude made me profoundly indignant."

For his part, Rosell vehemently denied the accusations, threatening legal action against Laporta.

However, Laporta has repeated his claims against Rosell, telling Spanish station RAC1 this week, "I told him directly, twice, once in Madrid and once in Paris" that he was not interested in the proposed cut, after which point, "I started to think badly of him."

Chelsea responded angrily to the claims at the time and a club spokesman said a couple of weeks ago, “It's total nonsense. We never made such an offer."

Now, both Spanish dailies ‘Sport’ and Mundo Deportivo report that Chelsea have enlisted a Barcelona law firm to take action, requesting that Laporta’s book be withdrawn due to the allegations.

Ronaldinho is currently enjoying an excellent season at AC Milan and is pushing for a recall to Brazil’s squad in time for this summer’s World Cup.

Salomon Kalou On Hunting Silverware, Winning Ugly And Why He Will Make An Impact At World Cup 2010

The Premier League title is so close that Chelsea can smell it. Higher stakes, higher tension - you could have cut it with a knife at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday against Bolton Wanderers. Every near miss was greeted with a more anxious gasp from the crowd than the last. The morning after the night before Salomon Kalou cuts a relaxed figure, reclined in a chair at Chelsea's Surrey training ground.

Stakes are higher for the Ivorian than most. He arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2006, signed by Jose Mourinho, in the wake of the Blues’ title celebrations. Manchester United have won the Premier League in each of the three seasons since. “This would be my first Premier League,” acknowledges Kalou, speaking exclusively to Goal.com UK. He is hungry to complete the domestic set. “We’ve won the FA Cup, the Carling Cup, since I’ve been here, and this is the only (domestic) title that I haven’t won with Chelsea.”

Not that the rest of the dressing room isn’t champing at the bit. “For players who’ve won it or players just looking to win it (for the first time), it could be something amazing for everybody here.”

Reflecting on the clash with Owen Coyle’s side, Kalou smiles wryly at mention of Sir Alex Ferguson’s “easy game” comments. “We knew it was going to be hard. It’s always a difficult game against Bolton.”

He is rightly unapologetic about the unspectacular nature of his team’s win. “Right now, it’s not about playing well, it’s about getting points to get us closer to the title. We’re doing well, we’re winning games so we have to be happy with that. Every game now is going to be difficult, because most teams are fighting to get in the Champions League, or into Europe or stay up. So they’re all like finals.”

Chelsea’s recovery from their Champions League exit to Inter, and Mourinho, has been painful but ultimately galvanising. Kalou, who scored what at the time looked to be a vital away goal in Milan, is beginning to put into perspective that most deflating of losses.

“I think we were good at the San Siro,” he says. “We played very well and we dominated. I think our mistake was not to play as we did in the San Siro when we played at home. We let Inter have the ball too much. But it’s part of the game. When you play in the Champions League, you are punished for the little mistakes you make.”

Closer examination can wait until the end of the season, one senses. “We have to try not to think about it now as we have two trophies still to go for, so we have to concentrate on them and go for the Champions League next year.”

Kalou has had to deal with more than club matters recently. The Ivory Coast’s national side have endured an uncertain period, with coach Vahid Halilhodzic fired in the wake of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAF) quarter-final exit to Algeria. Sven Goran Eriksson was recently appointed to replace Halilhodzic, but not before the Ivorian Federation (FIF) declared an interest in Guus Hiddink. Was Kalou disappointed not to be reunited with the former Chelsea boss at international level?

“I never spoke to Guus about it,” he says, and admits he never believed it was a genuine probability.

“He was already too involved with other national teams, so it was always going to be difficult to get him.”

Kalou is effusive in his praise of the man who had such an impact in his short spell at the Bridge. “He is a great manager, and brought a lot of great things to Chelsea when we really needed it, and I think he would have done the same with the Ivory Coast national team,” concedes Kalou.

Still, he is positive about Eriksson’s appointment, and hopes the Swede can bring order to the ranks after a difficult few months. “Now we have Eriksson, who is also a great manager. I’m really happy to work with him and I think he’ll bring what we need.”

Praise for the new Ivorian manager has been fulsome from the England players among Kalou’s team-mates. “When I speak with JT [John Terry], Lampsy [Frank Lampard] and Joe Cole they all say good things about him so I look forward to working with him.”

So why did Halilhodzic’s side fall short in the CAF? Kalou rubs his chin and considers, briefly looking as confused as the rest of the football-supporting world.

“We have great players,” he begins, “and players with a lot of experience. I think what we miss is a team. We’ve never got enough of a team together to win the cup (CAN).”

The squad now hope Eriksson’s World Cup pedigree can give them an extra edge. “I think the manager, with the experience he has, can help us during the World Cup.”

The CAN tournament in Angola was an unusual and humbling experience for all the participants, including the Ivory Coast, following the attack on the Togo team bus in Cabinda just before the competition began. For once Kalou’s gentle smile disappears. He exhales. “It was hard for all the teams,” he says.

“Mixing football with politics is not something you want to be involved with. It was something we were all scared about, as well as feeling sorry for the Togo team. Football is something to get people together and to enjoy, so this story affected all of us.”

A far more positive celebration of the game is to come, and Kalou can barely contain his excitement at the prospect of the first World Cup to take place in Africa. He’s not alone in this, he says. The smile is back. “It’s amazing for African players, who never imagined playing a WC in Africa. It’s something we all dreamed about,” he enthuses.

Kalou hopes all African sides will be able to make their presence felt. “It’s a great opportunity for African players to show the level of our game. Football in Africa is improving and African players are playing at some big clubs, so it’s going to be a good tournament to play in.”

The Ivory Coast themselves have perhaps the toughest task of any of the African nations, drawn in a group with the favourites and the 2006 semi-finalists. “Brazil and Portugal have so many great players who can make the difference, and that’s something we have to be aware of,” warns Kalou.

“They play similar styles. Players like [Cristiano] Ronaldo and Deco are great players, and can always create something. You can’t single out anyone in the Brazilian side because they have so much quality.”

He believes the Portugal game will define the Ivorians’ destiny, and needs no reminding of their quality, as it is quite close to home. “Of course I know many of the Portuguese players from here, and I think that will be the most important game – the first one,” he says.

“If we play a good game in that, we can have the confidence to go on and do well against Brazil, and in the competition.”

Finally, are there any players in the Ivory Coast side we should keep an eye out for? “Me!” he grins, but he clearly feels that at 24, this tournament has come at just the right time for him.

“I feel good, and it will be my first World Cup, though I hope to bring my team this far again. I hope to do my best to be on great form and in great shape. I want to bring my team to the second round, at least. With the group that we’re playing in, it would be a tremendous result to do that.”

By the look of the current Premier League table, Kalou will at least be going into the finals on the crest of a wave of confidence.

Roman Abramovich Falls To 4th In Russia's Rich List

Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich has slipped to fourth in Russia's rich list as the number of billionaires in the country doubled to 62, Forbes magazine said.

Vladimir Lisin, chairman and majority owner of Novolipetsk Steel, took the top spot on the annual Forbes list, with a fortune of $15.8bn – up from $5.2bn in 2009.

Mikhail Prokhorov, head of Onexin investment fund group, who topped last year's list, dropped to second with $13.4bn, ahead of telecoms, retail and oil billionaire Mikhail Fridman, with $12.7bn.

Mr. Abramovich slipped to fourth place despite seeing his net worth increase from $8.5bn to $11.2bn.

He pipped Oleg Deripaska, of Rusal, by $500,000 to remain the wealthiest Russian oligarch in Britain.

Mr. Deripaska, who topped the 2008 Russia list with $28.6bn, fought his way back from 10th place last year to round out the top five after cleaning up his companies' debt and putting aluminum maker UC Rusal on the road to an eventual Hong Kong listing.

The number of Russian billionaires almost doubled last year, hitting 62 from 32 in the previous year, as the country rebounded from its first recession in a decade, Forbes magazine said.