John Terry Dedicates Goal Celebration To Chelsea Fans

Chelsea captain John Terry says his goal celebration in Sunday's FA Cup victory over Stoke was a tribute to Blues fans for their support.

Terry has endured a turbulent few weeks following allegations about his private life and lost the England captaincy.

After heading Chelsea's second goal in a 2-0 quarter-final win, he celebrated by pointing to his captain's armband.

"The armband means a lot. Chelsea have been supportive. We wanted to show the fans what it meant to us," said Terry.

Terry was booed throughout Sunday's tie at Stamford Bridge by the visiting Stoke supporters, who lambasted the 29-year-old over his alleged affair with Vanessa Perroncel, the ex-girlfriend of former Chelsea team-mate and current Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge.

Terry, who was stripped of the England captaincy by national coach Fabio Capello last month after the allegations came to light, was also barracked by a small minority of home fans during the international friendly win over Egypt at Wembley on Wednesday.

Terry's form has undoubtedly dipped during the fall-out from the recent newspaper revelations, but his performance against Stoke - capped by his powerful 67th-minute header - represented a marked improvement.

The Blues grew in stature and confidence throughout the match to record a deserved victory over a powerful Stoke side to set up a semi-final clash with Aston Villa.

The win was Chelsea's first in three matches following a 2-1 defeat by Inter Milan in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on 24 February and the 4-2 Premier League home loss to Manchester City three days later.

Wilkins Wants John Terry Abuse To Stop

Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins is hoping the abuse of captain John Terry will now stop and feels the booing has 'served its course'.

Terry has become a target for opposing supporters in recent weeks following allegations of an affair with the ex-girlfriend of his former team-mate Wayne Bridge.

He was stripped of the England captaincy and was jeered by a small section of fans for the national team's 3-1 win over Egypt last week.

The defender was booed again on Sunday by Stoke City supporters as Chelsea won 2-0 to reach the FA Cup semi-finals, but Wilkins has called for an end to the abuse.

"I would like to think the abuse would stop," said Wilkins. "It's served its course. But it's happening and John's just getting on with the situation.

"I'm not too happy about the abuse, but there's nothing I can do about it.

"He's dealing with the situation in the only way he can - committing himself to the cause.

"He's an exceptional captain and we're delighted to have him on board. He leads these players on the pitch in fantastic fashion and scored the second goal which was a great goal.

"This was another superb performance from him."

Lampard: Taunts Make Terry Stronger

England midfielder Frank Lampard insists John Terry thrives on the kind of vile abuse dished out by Stoke fans during Chelsea's 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final victory at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Lampard warned fans throughout the Barclays Premier League that taunting Terry will only make him even more determined to fight back.

Terry responded to the abuse by setting up the opening goal for Lampard and then heading the clincher in the second half to set up a Wembley semi-final against Aston Villa next month.

Terry, 29, is still being taunted for the lurid headlines that accompanied his alleged affair with Vanessa Perroncel - the former girlfriend of his one-time Chelsea team-mate Wayne Bridge.

The revelations were bad enough for England coach Fabio Capello to strip the centre-half of the national captaincy. But Lampard insists fans who barrack Terry do so at their peril.

"Sometimes the abuse oversteps the mark," said Lampard. "Strong players react in positive ways and that's what John did. These things happen but we'll just move on. That's a good answer to it really."

Lifting the FA Cup on May 15 would be the perfect answer to Terry's critics, but Lampard knows Villa will be no pushovers.

"Winning the FA Cup this year will mean the same as it always has done for John," the midfielder continued. "You want to look back on your career having won trophies.

"Villa are a good team, we all know that now. They have a few players in the England squad and have great spirit and quality.

"After the disappointment of losing the League Cup final, they will want to go back to Wembley and win something, so it will be tough for us."

Chelsea's involvement in the FA Cup meant Manchester United went back to the top of the Barclays Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Wolves.

United are two points clear, with Arsenal, victors over Burnley, now behind Chelsea on goal difference only.

But Lampard added: "It's important to block that out. People will make a meal out of it but we have a game in hand and just have to focus on winning games."

Terry celebrated his goal by making it clear to everyone he still wears the Chelsea captain's armband - Stoke fans included. He ran to the corner flag after pointing at his armband, then declared afterwards: "I was just giving the Stoke fans a bit of banter. That was all.

"They were giving me a bit of stick and I was just giving a bit back and that is what football is about. They are entitled to do what they do and so am I on the pitch as long as they take it in the right manner. I am sure they did.

"You just get on with it as a player. One way to get through it is to play well and to score was the icing on the cake.

"It has been a good week. It was good to get away with England, play 90 minutes and then come back here and show the fans how disappointed we were by how we played in the 4-2 defeat by Manchester City last week."

Stoke boss Tony Pulis wants his team to bounce back from their FA Cup setback by eclipsing their previous points tally of 45 in the Barclays Premier League.

City have amassed 34 points so far but Pulis wants his squad to make the most of their remaining 11 matches.

"We've got to make sure we get back on track in the league and really drive on in the last 11 games to try to make the most of the back end of the season," said Pulis.

"Can we get more points than we did last year? That's something good for the players to set their sights on.

"I think only one team in the history of the Premier League have accumulated more points in their second season than their first, Blackburn, but the lads have got to get to 40 points first.

"We mustn't take our foot off the pedal."

John Terry Silences Boo-Boys

Chelsea captain John Terry provided the perfect response to an afternoon of abuse as the Blues claimed a place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup with a 2-0 win over Stoke at Stamford Bridge.

Terry's second-half strike confirmed Chelsea's place in the last four where they will meet Aston Villa at Wembley.

Frank Lampard had given Chelsea a first-half lead with a deflected drive in the 35th minute and Terry sealed victory with a thumping header.

Terry had been booed and abused all afternoon by Stoke fans who lambasted the defender for his alleged affair with Vanessa Perroncel, the former girlfriend of his one-time Chelsea team-mate Wayne Bridge.

Terry, stripped of the England captaincy by Fabio Capello because of the lurid headlines concerning his private life, celebrated his goal by running to the corner flag and pointing at his captain's armband.

"The armband means a lot, of course," said Terry. "Chelsea have been very supportive, the players as well, but we wanted to show the fans how much it meant to us.

"We had a couple of days to work on their set plays but they can play as well. On a dodgy pitch I thought we played well and bounced back from last week."

When asked about the abuse, Chelsea's assistant coach Ray Wilkins replied: "It's happening and John's just getting on with the situation.

"I'm not too happy about it, but there's nothing I can do. He's dealing with the situation in the only way he can - committing himself to the cause. That was another superb performance from him."

When quizzed about Terry's celebration involving the use of the armband, Wilkins added: "He was taking a bit too much stick from the Stoke fans and wanted to demonstrate that.

"He's an exceptional captain and we're delighted to have him on board. He leads these players on the pitch in fantastic fashion and scored a great second goal."

Wilkins was delighted with the response following their 4-2 home league defeat by Manchester City last weekend.

"Stoke put you under a lot of pressure, especially from dead balls and long throws but our concentration was fantastic," added Wilkins.

"Stoke work extremely hard, are superbly organised, and make it difficult for you. Defensively we were very strong indeed.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis defended his supporters over their treatment of Terry and claimed that the Chelsea captain will come home a hero if England win the World Cup in South Africa this summer.

"Our fans are brilliant, different class," said Pulis. "John will have to accept he'll take stick. He took stick from England supporters the other night.

"If John does well in the World Cup and wins it, he'll come back a hero.

"We've knocked Arsenal and Man City out. To pull Chelsea out of the hat at Stamford Bridge was a difficult tie.

"The players were first class, we gave everything and had a right go."

Match Report: Chelsea 2 - 0 Stoke City

Two deflected strikes helped Chelsea as they cruised past Stoke City and into the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

Stoke put Chelsea 'keeper Henrique Hilario under pressure early on with their trademark long-throws but were unable to break down the Blues' defence.

Early fire from Stoke was extinguished by Frank Lampard whose fierce drive took the slightest of deflections as it flew past Thomas Sorenson.

It was Lampard who supplied the delivery for John Terry to head home in the second half and dispell any lingering threat of a Stoke fightback.

Chelsea had an early shout for a penalty waved away by the referee. Didier Drogba stooped under Pauolo Ferreira’s cross and the ball appeared to hit Stoke defender Glenn Whelan on his left hand, but the referee was unmoved by the protests.

Much of the pre-match build up focused on the ability of Chelsea ‘keeper Henrique Hilario and how he would deal with Stoke midfielder Rory Delap’s infamous long throws.

It didn’t take long to find out with Delap launching his first aerial assault on the Chelsea penalty area in just the sixth minute. Former Chelsea defender Robert Huth rose highest at the near post and his flicked on left Hilario flapping wildly as Ricardo Fuller headed over the bar.

In the 15th minute Stoke came within inches of taking the lead when John Obi Mikel made a goal line clearance from Dean Whitehead. The danger again came from a Delap long throw that Hilario again failed to deal with confidently. He pawed the ball away but could only clear as far as Whitehead, whose first time shot looked destined for the net before Mikel’s vital intervention.

Chelsea started to show some attacking threat in the 25th minute as good work from Florent Malouda on the left side brought about some mild panic in the Stoke defence before Thomas Sorenson flapped at a Chelsea corner.

However it was Nikolas Anelka who had the best chance of the lot when he nicked the ball off Whitehead on the edge of the penalty area before advancing on the ‘keeper and pulling his shot wide of the far post when he should’ve scored.

Whitehead was involved in goal mouth action again when he headed a rasping volley from Didier Drogba out of play for a corner. However it was the resulting corner that set up the breakthrough for Chelsea.

Stoke failed to clear the corner and the ball eventually found it’s way to Chelsea captain John Terry who laid the ball of to the edge of the area for the arriving Frank Lampard to strike. His first time shot took the slightest of deflections off Abdoulaye Faye as it flew into the back of Sorenson’s goal.

The match seemed to fly to half-time without so much as a meaningful effort after Lampard’s opener. Didier Drogba would’ve doubled his side’s lead just before the interval but for a smart stop by Sorenson to push the Ivorian striker’s volley around the post.

Early in the second half Chelsea showed of their own long throw specialist when Branislav Ivanovic landed a throw on the edge of the six-yard box. Stoke failed to clear and the ball fell to Lampard who hit the ball uncharacteristically high and wide of the goal.

The pace of the game slowed from the first half and Anelka attempted to wake the game up just before the hour mark when he unleashed a twenty-five yard strike at goal but he skewed his shot wide of the goal.

It was the Frenchman who looked likeliest to extend the homeside’s lead when he headed Didier Drogba’s cross towards the goal only for Andy Wilkinson to clear for a corner. Wilkinson cleared again from the resulting corner but it proved to be third time unlucky for the Stoke defender when he attempted to stop a third effort.

Frank Lampard repaid the favour to John Terry, who had set up his earlier goal, by delivering an inch perfect cross for the Chelsea skipper to head powerfully at goal. Wilkinson attempted to clear but managed only to deflect the ball off his shoulder and passed Sorenson who may have made the save.

Stoke failed to show any attacking malice from open play throughout the game as was duly illustrated in the 75th minute. Lampard lost possession on the half-way line allowing Stoke to break but Ricardo Fuller strayed lazily offside and a good chance to strike back went begging for the visitors.

However from set-pieces Stoke continued to pose a threat and it was that man Delap who once again supplied the danger in the 82nd minute. Hilario again attempted to reach the long-throw and was left flapping hopelessly as Faye headed over the empty net.

Nikolas Anelka had the chance to wrap up the game for Chelsea in the final minutes of the game but had clearly put on the wrong boots as he once again put his shot wide of the goal.

Ribery Set To Decide Future In March; Will Go To Real Madrid, Barcelona Or Chelsea

The long running saga over where Franck Ribery will play next season appears to be coming to a close with a decision on his future now imminent.

Ribery admitted in an interview with Telefoot that "it will be decided within two to three weeks."

The French winger has long been thought to be heading to Real Madrid but Ribery added: "I’m not 100% going to Real, Barcelona and Chelsea are also interested. We will see."

Ribery has been subject to constant speculation over his future, with a host of clubs including Juventus, Manchester United, Chelsea and in particular Real Madrid linked with the 26 year-old. Both the player and Bayern Munich have made it clear for some time that his future will be decided in the near future, perhaps even this month.

Ribery has been plagued by injuries this season, but recently made a return to first team action. Last week he scored the winner for Bayern in a 1-0 victory over Hamburg but he only played 34 minutes of the recent 1-1 draw with Cologne.

Bayern Munich are desperate to sort out Ribery's future before the summer, when he will enter the final year of his contract and be available at a knock-down price.

Chelsea Planning Summer Raid For Barcelona Full-Back Dani Alves

glish Premier League side Chelsea are keeping tabs on the availability of Barcelona full-back Daniel Alves, and could be set to make a summer swoop for the defender.

The Brazilian is generally regarded as one of the best right-backs in the world, and was an integral part of Pep Guardiola’s Treble-winning side last season, having joined from Sevilla for £29m.

However, The Sunday Times reports that the Blues are ready to offer Alves a substantial wage increase to lure him to Stamford Bridge, and will test Barcelona’s resolve with a bid in the region of what they paid for the 26-year old in 2008.

The London club has suffered defensive injuries this season, in particular Jose Bosingwa, who has missed the majority of the season, and Carlo Ancelotti sees Alves as a more consistent replacement.

Alves has yet to open negotiations with Barcelona with regards to extending his current contract, which expires in the summer of 2012, which could open the door to a Chelsea offer.

Alves is expected to be part of the Brazil squad that will travel to South Africa for this summer’s World Cup.

Chelsea Chase Landon Donovan As Manchester United Eye Summer Swoop For Joe Cole

Manchester United are reportedly set to make a shock summer move for Chelsea's midfield maestro Joe Cole, with the Blues set to replace him with American midfielder Landon Donovan.

According to the Sunday People, the Premier League champions are in negotiations with the Blues over a move for Cole who is out of contract in the summer, and has seen recent contract negotiations at Stamford Bridge stall.

The tabloid claims Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to follow last summer’s free transfer swoop for Michael Owen with a similar move for the England international.

The United boss is believed to be an admirer of the 28-year-old and may finally get his man, with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich reportedly unwilling to sanction a new deal for Cole having watched him struggle to regain his best form after a long injury lay-off.

One man who could arrive to fill the void left by Cole is Los Angeles Galaxy’s Landon Donovan, who is currently enjoying a loan spell in the Premier League with Everton.

The People claims that Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has been impressed with the American’s displays on Merseyside and wants to begin talks over a possible transfer.

Everton manager David Moyes has already admitted he would like to extend Donovan’s Everton deal, although Galaxy’s head coach Bruce Arena has insisted the club are not interested and claimed Donovan will return stateside by March 15.

Manchester City Full-Back Wayne Bridge Will Not Make England Return Unless John Terry Situation Changes

Manchester City full-back Wayne Bridge will not return to the England fold, unless centre-back John Terry is unavailable for selection, The Mirror has speculated.

The duo were embroiled in controversy earlier in the season, when the Chelsea captain allegedly had an extra-marital affair with a former partner of the Citizen.

The revelations in the media that followed led to Terry being stripped of the Three Lions captaincy by Fabio Capello, while Bridge decided to prematurely call time on his international career.

An unnamed source, supposedly close to Bridge, is quoted as saying: "Nothing has changed or will change as far as Wayne [Bridge] is concerned.

"He thought long and hard about it and feels he was making the right decision for him and England.

"He cannot and will not play in the same side as John Terry, so unless that changes, England have to respect his decision and move on."

Chelsea And Manchester City Could Be Banned Under New Rules

Roman Abramovich and Sheik Mansour may still be able to fund their teams under UEFA's new financial rules but will have to do so in the future by sponsoring their own clubs.

European football chiefs have vowed to ban clubs who consistently make a loss, as Chelsea and Manchester City do, only surviving because of subsidies from their billionaire owners.

UEFA's new rules, due to take effect in 2012, are likely to still allow owners to put money into clubs, albeit only through an official deal.

'This is being looked into,' said UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino. 'It would be difficult to monitor this, but a sponsorship agreement is still better than a club being funded by a benefactor, because it has clear payment schedules and a contract.

'It is better than a loan because then if someone gets tired of paying, the club are left with the debt. At least this way you have a contract in your hand.'

Their Game Was Awful!' Ruud Gullit Lays Into Chelsea For Champions League Approach

Chelsea legend Ruud Gullit has criticised his former club following their defeat by Inter Milan in the first leg of the Champions League last 16, claiming they are boring to watch and inferior to Manchester United.

Gullit, who guided Chelsea to their first trophy for 26 years as player-manager when they won the FA Cup in 1997, is unimpressed by recent performances, in which they have lost three out of four games.

Gullit said: ‘I really hope Chelsea win the Champions League this season as I want the club to do so well. But they must start to play better than what they did in Italy in the first game with Inter.

'My God, their game was awful! They bored me to death. If I compare that to Manchester United, then United have impressed me so much more.’

Gullit is unlikely to be impressed by their tactics today in the FA Cup quarter-final against Stoke, with assistant manager Ray Wilkins admitting they could copy Rory Delap’s long throw.

Branislav Ivanovic replicated Delap’s long throws in Chelsea’s defensive practice last week and has proved so accurate and effective that Wilkins said: ‘We’ve found a weapon of our own because Ivanovic can possibly throw it even further (than Delap).

‘He’s certainly as good as Rory and with a similar style. It’s a great temptation to use it.’

I Am Playing Well For Chelsea And England - John Terry

Chelsea captain John Terry has hit back at criticism over his current form and insisted he is playing well for both club and country.

Following allegations over his private life, Terry’s form on the pitch has come under intense scrutiny with high-profile mistakes against both Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers coming under the microscope.

Yet the former England captain admits that those games aside, he has played well this season and he is content with his form.

“There are not many players who come out publicly and hold their hands up like I did after the Everton game," Terry told the People.

"I also had an air-kick at Wolves [Wolverhampton Wanderers] but, apart from that, I am pleased with my form this year.

"In the first-half of the season I was in really good form but after a couple of bad results, and what has gone on in recent weeks, the spotlight has been on me. But I feel as though I am playing well."

The centre-back also praised his own performance in England's 3-1 international friendly win over Egypt in midweek, insisting his leadership skills were important to his country, although he was no longer wearing the armband.

“I played well against Egypt," he added.

"It was important for me to come through that with a good performance.

"I think I did carry on as a leader against Egypt. I think anyone who was watching the game could see that."

Match Preview: Chelsea vs. Stoke City

Both sides will be looking to recover from highly-publicized defeats last weekend to book a place in the FA Cup semi-finals when they meet at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Chelsea are of course the FA Cup holders and have enjoyed a fairly straightforward passage in the competition so far and have had the luxury of being able to rest players in previous rounds. However, they will hardly be able to afford to rest on their laurels against a Stoke City side whose defeat against Arsenal last weekend was their first since the turn of the year. The Potters are displaying a steely determination which will likely be strengthened by a desire to reach the club's first FA Cup semi-final since 1972.

Chelsea will look to recover from their worst home defeat of the Roman Abramovich era last weekend, having lost 4-2 at home to Manchester City. They will of course still be without goalkeeper Petr Cech, who is suffering from a freak calf injury and so the Blues will have to place their faith in the suspect looking Hilario once more. Coach Carlo Ancelotti will also have to make do without Juliano Belletti and Michael Ballack, both of whom received red cards during last week's defeat to City. However, Jose Bosingwa and Yuri Zhirkov should have recovered from knee and calf injuries respectively to be in contention. Chelsea will still be without long-term absentees Ashley Cole and Michael Essien.

Stoke were involved in their own well-publicized clash last weekend. Losing 3-1 at home to Arsenal, the game will be long remembered for a horrific leg break suffered by Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey. Ryan Shawcross, whose challenge led to the injury, will miss the trip to Stamford Bridge having been sent off as a result. Welsh defender Danny Collins is likely to come in as a replacement and will have the dubious honour of trying to keep the likes of Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka quiet.

Given that Chelsea conceded four goals last week, Stoke City boss Tony Pulis will be smelling blood. Having already defeated Arsenal and Manchester City in the FA Cup already this season, Pulis will at least fancy his chances of securing a replay at the Britannia Stadium. He will likely look to expose Chelsea's uncharacteristic defensive frailties by providing the Premier League leaders with a stern physical test. The likes of Mamady Sidibe and Ricardo Fuller in attack will be crucial to this. Of course, Chelsea will be well aware of Rory Delap's long throws, but whether they will be able to stop the aerial bombardment is another matter.

Although Stoke go into the game as underdogs, the Potters defeated Chelsea in the League Cup at Stamford Bridge in the early 1990s. The winning goalscorer on that occasion, Paul Peschisolido believes that the current Stoke side, with its sense of togetherness, has a chance to emulate his achievement.

Peschisolido said, “Stoke have beaten some of the top Premier League sides since promotion and there’s no reason why they can’t do the same at Chelsea,

“Tony Pulis has got a group of players whose team spirit is second to none. They are up for any battle put in front of them."

Alex Ready For Cup Clash

Brazilian centre-half Alex is confident Chelsea can repel the aerial bombardment of Rory Delap's long throws to overcome Stoke and reach the FA Cup semi-finals.

Alex is likely to partner captain John Terry in defence as Ricardo Carvalho is nursing a hamstring injury suffered on international duty with Portugal.

The defender will have to deal with the physical presence of City striker Ricardo Fuller, plus the threat of Delap's long throw.

But the 27-year-old insists he is ready for the challenge as the FA Cup holders look to reach the last four.

"We have to pay attention to the second ball," Alex said. "Sometimes it is difficult to win the first one, but you have to win the second.

"You have to play very concentrated and stay compact. Fuller has quality with the ball and he is a strong, strong man, so we have to play strong also and don't leave any space. We conceded four goals in the last game (to Manchester City), which is no good at home."

Midfielder Joe Cole will be given another chance against Stoke to prove that he can win a place in Fabio Capello's World Cup squad.

Cole's contract expires at the end of the season but he has yet to agree new terms, fuelling speculation that his relationship with the club's owner Roman Abramovich has broken down over his wage demands.

But assistant coach Ray Wilkins insists that Cole will remain at Chelsea.

"We are desperate to keep Joe," said Wilkins. "I know the club are and we as a management group feel the same. He is a very valuable asset to us.

"It is a contractual situation that he and the club I am sure will sort out at a later stage.

"I would not have thought his form has been affected by the contract situation. I just think he has had a long lay off, something like 10 months, and it is never easy to come back.

"I have spoken to Joe on numerous occasions. He is upbeat about his future here. He loves Chelsea. He wants to stay at Chelsea and I am sure that the club and his people will sort the situation out."

Wilkins also remains convinced that Cole can find a way back into Capello's plans.

"We are quite confident that Joe can get his form back and get into that 23 for South Africa," added Wilkins. "I am sure if he performs to the ability we know Joe has, then Fabio will take him.

"But as Fabio said, he has not been too impressed with Joe's form over the last couple of months, that's why he did not make the final 23 for the Egypt game.

"He will give England something slightly different. He can play on both sides of the pitch and in different formations."

Chelsea will also have to cope for the rest of the season without the services of right-back Jose Bosingwa.

He requires a further operation on his damaged knee and will miss the remainder of the season and the World Cup finals with Portugal.

Bosingwa, 27, underwent surgery after initially sustaining the injury against Aston Villa in October.

Kalou Targets The Treble

Salomon Kalou sees no reason why Chelsea cannot go on and secure the Treble this season.

The Blues do battle with Stoke City in the FA Cup on Sunday while they are also in the Premier League hunt, although they have to overturn a 2-1 first-leg defeat to Inter Milan to progress in the UEFA Champions League.

While Kalou knows it will be difficult to challenge on all fronts, the Ivory Coast star insists his team-mates are fully focused on securing all three trophies in Carlo Ancelotti's debut season.

Kalou has already won the FA Cup twice during his time at Stamford Bridge, but knows Stoke, who shocked Manchester City in the last round, will provide a stern test.

Although the odds are against Chelsea in their battle for the Treble the 24-year-old is not writing off their hopes and believes landing all three trophies would cap off the 'perfect' season.

"It is possible," he told the Daily Express. "Everyone is motivated to play the three competitions. If we can win all three, it is perfect.

"You always go for all of them and always do your best to try to achieve that. We all want to win something this year.

"We have won the FA Cup twice [2007 and 2009], so we are looking forward to winning the Premier League and the Champions League.

"That would be the most amazing season since I have been at Chelsea. It would be perfect to win all three. We are in the mood to lift the FA Cup.

"We have played and beaten them this season. We know how they play and we are really confident about that game. We know they are a difficult team to play but we can do it, this is an important game.

"We have a good chance to go to the semi-finals and we won the FA Cup last season, so we are in the mood to do the same thing again this season."

Lampard In Cup Goal Hunt

Frank Lampard is hoping he is saving his FA Cup goals this season for the latter stages of the competition.

Chelsea are well placed to defend their cup crown this year, having eased into the last eight, and face Premier League rivals Stoke in the quarter-finals on Sunday.

Lampard boasts an impressive record in the FA Cup over the course of his distinguished career, and is just nine goals short of becoming the Blues' record scorer in the competition.

The England international has, however, managed just one this season, in the 5-0 third round demolition of Watford.

He admits to being disappointed at his return this term but insists there is still plenty of opportunity for him to make his mark.

"Normally I have managed to score a few in the earlier rounds," said Lampard.

"But I would rather score them in the later rounds when they can be really important.

"The FA Cup has been really good for me. I have scored in semi-finals and of course the final (last year against Everton), and I have had a hat-trick against Macclesfield and a few twos.

"I have always enjoyed the FA Cup games. I grew up on FA Cup football so there is always a little edge to it, for us English boys particularly. Scoring goals, especially important ones, is special. And the cup final goal is very special to me."

Chelsea know they face a stern test of their credentials against Stoke in the next round, with the Potters having already dumped out Arsenal and Manchester City.

The Blues are expecting a physical approach from Tony Pulis' side at Stamford Bridge, but burly centre-half Alex is adamant that Carlo Ancelotti's men are up for the challenge.

"We have to pay attention to the second ball," said the Brazilian.

"Sometimes it is difficult to win the first one, but you have to win the second.

"You have to play very concentrated and stay compact. (Ricardo) Fuller has quality with the ball and he is a strong, strong man, so we have to play strong also and don't leave any space.

"We conceded four goals in the last game (to Manchester City), which is no good at home."

Wilkins Shows Support For Hilario

Assistant manager Ray Wilkins insists Chelsea are standing by Hilario following his role in their recent defeat to Manchester City.

The experienced Portuguese keeper was blamed for Carlos Tevez's equaliser and there were reports he could be dropped.

But while Wilkins has acknowledged Petr Cech's deputy did not have the best of games, he believes he will respond positively.

Hilario is expected to keep his place ahead of Ross Turnbull for the visit of Stoke in the FA Cup on Sunday with Cech still on the sidelines.

"He is an experienced player and he won't have a problem," said Wilkins.

"Unfortunately things didn't go quite right for him last Saturday.

"Supporters nowadays will always have a pop at the errors and as a keeper you make a ricket and you've lost a goal."

He added: "We'll play a lot worse than we did against Manchester City and win.

"We are top of the table in the first week in March - 19 other Premiership sides would sooner be in our position than their own.

"We're top of the league, playing in the quarter-finals of the cup and still in the Champions League."

John Terry Asked To Say ‘Sorry, Wayne’ In Autograph Prank

Former England captain John Terry was the victim of a prank played by autograph hunters during International week when one plucky fan asked him to sign ‘To Wayne, I’m sorry’ in an autograph book.

Terry was recently stripped of the England captaincy following revelations of an alleged affair with the ex-partner of former Chelsea team-mate Wayne Bridge; a scandal that also resulted in Bridge declaring himself unavailable for the national team.

Having taken the man’s notepad, Terry asked who he wanted it made out to, the man replied “Wayne” before adding, “can you just put ‘I’m sorry.’”

Sensing he was the victim of a gag, Terry responded by asking if he was being wound up.

However, the Chelsea defender showed his wllingness to communicate with fans - even in extremis - by finishing the autograph, reportedly writing "Best Wishes".

Ray Wilkins Optimistic Despite Michael Essien Setback

Michael Essien has suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee problem but Chelsea have contradicted reports suggesting the midfielder could miss the remainder of the season.

Essien underwent surgery on January 29 after picking up a knee injury during training with Ghana at the African Nations Cup and has not featured for Chelsea in 2010.

It is reported on Saturday morning that the injury could prevent Essien from featuring for Chelsea in the final three months of the season, putting his participation at the World Cup in real doubt.

However, Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins is happy with Essien's progress and appears confident the player will be seen in a Chelsea shirt again soon.

"Michael Essien is doing well, there has been a slight complication which means it needs a couple of weeks longer but he's out [in France] with Ashley [Cole] now and they're both doing extremely well, so from that point of view we're delighted with their recovery," Wilkins said. "It's difficult to give a timescale but hopefully he'll be fit as soon as possible because when we lose players of that quality it is damning on any side."

Essien told the Accra Daily Mail: "I will be back as soon as I can. I hate being on the sidelines but at the same time I need to be patient and heal properly. Once the medical team give me the all clear you will see me doing my thing on the pitch."

Chelsea confirmed on Friday that Jose Bosingwa will miss the remainder of the season due to a knee problem while Ashley Cole is also sidelined with a broken foot and could miss the World Cup with England.

Essien Injury - Shocking News

Our midfield powerhouse - someone we've badly missed in my opinion - is set to miss the rest of the season after a serious setback in his recovery from knee surgery.

Michael remains on crutches a month after the operation and is recovering in France. Some people may say 'don't worry, our squad is big enough', but I reckon Essien has been badly missed and is one of our best players. Therefore, this update isn't good news.

A club source said: 'The news on Michael's not good. We all thought he'd be back playing again in four to six weeks.

'The second leg of the Champions League match with Inter Milan was talked about as the ideal comeback game.

'But he has no chance of making that now. We're not even sure he'll play again this season. If he does it won't be any time soon.'