FA Cup Final Preview: Chelsea vs. Portsmouth

Two clubs with very different agendas meet for the FA Cup final on Saturday, as the curtain comes down on the English football season.

For Chelsea it's a chance to make club history and secure the league and cup double for the first time. For a team that dominated English football during the middle of the 00's, it seems hard to imagine they haven't done this already, but they could not be more prepared to make history.

Carlo Ancelotti's men smashed eight goals past Wigan on the last day of the season, completing a 103 goal haul over the whole campaign, a Premier League record. That will have been helped by some high-scoring wins, including a 5-0 victory at Fratton Park in March, but the Italian isn't assuming history will be repeated on Saturday.

“I learnt from the semi-final between Spurs and Portsmouth that if you don’t prepare well, you can have difficulty playing against them,” Ancelotti said before the game.

“Also, we have a lot of respect for the opposing team, who did a fantastic job to get to the final. Avram Grant is a very good coach. He was at Chelsea for one year, played the League Cup and Champions League final and did a very good job.

“Portsmouth have had a difficult year, but he did well to take them to the final of the FA Cup."

Pompey, by contrast, have the chance to put some much needed shine on an otherwise depressing season. The club's debt spiralled to nearly £140 million, plunging the team into administration and earning them a nine point deduction which effectively relegated the side.

Despite this, Avram Grant has managed to steer his charges to the cup final, which itself is nothing short of miraculous. The fact they were helped by a slippery Wembley pitch in the semi-final against Tottenham, is more of a sidenote.

After the furore around the state of the turf, Pompey won't be expecting any further help, but could be confident of causing an upset. Anything can happen on cup final day, just ask Sir Alex Ferguson who lost to unfancied Everton in 1994.

"I spoke with a few of the lads and they know that in one game anything can happen," Pompey defender Tal Ben Haim warned the Blues.

It has been a bizarre season for the south coast club, with four different owners, untold financial problems, and goalkeeper David James offering to pay the wages of sacked club staff.

It will be the first time ever that the newly crowned champions have met the side bottom of the league in the final - could it be the first time a relegated side has won a final? In the bizarre world of Portsmouth, it could just be the finale their crazy saga warrants.

FORM

Chelsea
Apr 13: Chelsea 1-0 Bolton (Premier League)
Apr 17: Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea (Premier League)
Apr 25: Chelsea 7-0 Stoke (Premier League)
May 2: Liverpool 0-2 Chelsea (Premier League)
May 9: Chelsea 8-0 Wigan (Premier League)

Portsmouth
Apr 14: Wigan 0-0 Portsmouth (Premier League)
Apr 18: Portsmouth 1-2 Aston Villa (Premier League)
Apr 24: Bolton 2-2 Portsmouth (Premier League)
May 1: Portsmouth 3-1 Wolves (Premier League)
May 9: Everton 1-0 Portsmouth (Premier League)

TEAM NEWS

Portsmouth
Portsmouth have not been the luckiest with injuries this season, and it was against Chelsea that one of their nastiest occurred - Daniel Sturridge's flailing elbow gave Tommy Smith one of the most graphic broken noses seen for a while.

Smith misses out, along with long-term absentees Hermann Hreidarsson (Achilles) and Danny Webber (knee).

Pompey's main injury worry, though, is all-action midfielder Jamie O'Hara, who has a back problem. The Spurs loanee has been in brilliant form this season and Grant's side have missed his combating midfielder displays of late. He is hoping a pain-killing injection will allow him to play some part.

Centre-half Tal Ben-Haim has recovered from a groin problem, Nadir Belhadj and Richard Hughes (both hamstring) should be available, but Aruna Dindane (groin), Marc Wilson (hamstring), Hassan Yebda (thigh) and youngster Lenny Sowah (knee) are all concerns.
Kevin-Prince Boateng, scorer in the semi-final, is almost certain to miss out with an ankle injury and has not even travelled to London with the squad.

Possible line-up: James, Finnan, Rocha, Ben-Haim, Vanden Borre, Mokoena, Belhadj, Hughes, Mullins, Piquionne, Utaka.

Chelsea
Unsung hero of the season Branislav Ivanovic is a doubt with a knee problem but the big worry this week was captain John Terry. Thankfully for Blues fans his foot injury looks to be nowhere near as bad as first feared and the centre-back even declared himself "100 per cent" fit to play.

John Obi Mikel has undergone minor surgery on a knee injury and is out for the remainder of the season, while long-term absentees Michael Essien, Jose Bosingwa (both knee) and Ricardo Carvalho (ankle) remain sidelined.

Possibly line-up: Cech, Terry, Alex, A Cole, Ivanovic, Ballack, Lampard, Malouda, Kalou, Anelka, Drogba.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Chelsea - Didier Drogba

The Ivorian has 36 goals in all competitions already this season and will be keen to add more on Saturday. He claims he isn't "crazy for goals" but the public strop after not being allowed to take a penalty against Stoke says otherwise.

Childish displays aside, it's difficult to argue with Drogba's form - 11 goals in his last 11 games - and when he's on song it's almost impossible to stop him.

Portsmouth - Ricardo Rocha

The former Spurs man put in a Man of the Match performance against his old club in the semi-final, despite playing out of position at centre-half. Pompey were so ravaged with injuries the defender, usually used to playing at right-back, slotted in and was immense.

Another sterling display - albeit against a better forward (no offence Spurs fans) in Didier Drogba could be the catalyst for a famous Pompey victory.

Carlo Ancelotti: We Must Not Take Portsmouth Lightly In The FA Cup Final

Carlo Ancelotti has warned Chelsea repeat the mistake that Tottenham Hotspur made and underestimate Portsmouth in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

After they clinched the Premier League title last weekend, a victory at Wembley would give Chelsea the first Double in club history.

Pompey was able to shock Spurs in the semi-finals with a 2-0 extra-time to earn a chance to win their second FA Cup title in three seasons.

Ancelotti has given credit to Pompey manager Avram Grant for the job that he has done with under extraordinary circumstances and believes that Chelsea must respect the Championship-bound club.

“I learnt from the semi-final between Spurs and Portsmouth that if you don’t prepare well, you can have difficulty playing against them,” Ancelotti told the Daily Star.

“Also, we have a lot of respect for the opposing team, who did a fantastic job to get to the final.

“Avram Grant is a very good coach. He was at Chelsea for one year, played the League Cup and Champions League final and did a very good job.

“Portsmouth have had a difficult year, but he did well to take them to the final of the FA Cup.

“We have to play against players with strong, strong motivation.”

The Italian admitted that he did not understand how special the FA Cup was until experiencing it for himself.

“I didn’t know before this season how special the FA Cup was and how important it is for every club.

“It’s the oldest competition in this country. I know now there were a lot of surprises, a lot of little teams played important games; Leeds beat Manchester United, Liverpool lost to Reading.

“For us, it’s a great opportunity to win the Double for the first time for this club and we can do this.”

Real Madrid Struggling To Agree New Contract With Chelsea Target Gonzalo Higuain

Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain's displeasure at the club's latest contract bid continues to leave the door open for a Premier League switch.

Spanish newspaper El Confidencial has reported that the Primera Liga title chasers have offered the Argentine €4 million-a-year to stay. However, this falls €2 million short of what the player himself and his father and agent Jorge are demanding.

Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City are all rumoured to have been offered the centre-forward for €34 million. With 27 goals in 34 La Liga matches this campaign, he has been in deadly form.

Higuain is currently contracted to Real until 2013 on €1.6 million-a-year. This would be significantly improved if he moved to England.

Carlo Ancelotti Admits Interest In Liverpool Striker Fernando Torres

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has agreed with Didier Drogba that he "would like to play" with red-hot Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.

Drogba admitted this week that he would like to form a deadly partnership with the Spanish international. Torres has been linked with a £70 million switch to either the Blues or Manchester City during the upcoming transfer window

Speaking to reporters, Ancelotti confirmed he agreed with the opinion of his current star centre-forward: "Me too, I would like to play with Torres, he's a very good player. But this is not an issue for today, he's a Liverpool player, a very good striker and we don't need another striker today."

Meanwhile, Ancelotti dispelled any rumours he would miss the World Cup, and Terry will also line-up against Portsmouth in Saturday's FA Cup final:

"John Terry had the problem with his foot, but trained on Friday with no problems so there will be no problem on Saturday."

The Premier League champions are red-hot favourites to complete their first ever double but Ancelotti warned they cannot underestimate the south-coast outfit.

Ancelotti said: "It could be the first time for Chelsea to win the Double, it's a great opportunity. But we have the final, we have to have respect for Portsmouth.

"Portsmouth played a very good semi final, they beat Tottenham and it will be a very tough game for us. If you don't prepare well it can be difficult."

Anelka: Make It A Double

One of two men on the verge of making history, Nicolas Anelka admits achieving a 'double Double' will make him a very proud man.

The Frenchman, along with Ashley Cole, has already achieved the feat of winning both the FA Cup and the Premier League in the same season with Arsenal, in 1998, while Cole did it four years later in 2002.

Nobody has ever done it with two clubs, and Anelka appreciates the standing it would give him in the game.

'I heard from Chelsea TV that nobody else has won the Double with two teams, it would be good if we can make history, even more because I like this club and I want to win everything I can,' he told the official Chelsea website.

'I will be proud to have achieved something in football, and very happy to say in the future I was able to win things with Chelsea at this time - this is even better because it is something special.'

Having spent so long in his career without major honours, last season's FA Cup success was his first trophy in England since 1998, and it has been a relief that he is again obtaining silverware.

'It was unexpected with Arsenal, we were a long way behind Manchester United in the league, but in football you never know and you have to fight and believe until the end, that's what we did and we had a lot of wins at the end of the season which gave us confidence to win the title, and then the Double,' he explained.

'Here at Chelsea we have always had belief and it is good to be in a squad when you know you can win titles, so I look forward to playing this game at Wembley and hoping we can win again.'

Fabio Capello Explains He Had 'No Option' But To Strip John Terry Of England Captaincy

Stripping John Terry of the England captaincy after revelations about his private life was the only thing Fabio Capello could do, the Three Lions boss has revealed.

The Italian axed the 29-year-old after revelations appeared he had an affair with the ex-girlfriend of England team-mate Wayne Bridge.

Capello told Italian newspaper La Stampa: "I had no other alternative - he knows that for me values come before everything.

"I was in Italy and I had a telephone call where I was told everything that had happened.

"I thought about it and then I called John and we spoke. He is an adult and a serious person."

On his return to England, Capello summoned Terry to his Wembley office where he told him of his decision to hand Rio Ferdinand the armband.

He said: "We looked each other in the eyes. I told him that the captain has to be an example for everyone. I cannot let you keep the armband."

Capello also added he never feared Terry quitting the team during the scandal.

"No," he said when quizzed. "It's one of those things that can happen in life."

"Terry is one of those that makes a difference, he is a true leader."

Branislav Ivanovic Admits That Working Under Avram Grant Was Most Frustrating Time Of His Career

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has admitted that working under former manager Avram Grant was "the most difficult time in my career".

The Serbian international joined the club for £9 million in January 2008, just over a month after Grant replaced Jose Mourinho as manager at the west London club. And Ivanovic — who will come up against Grant on Saturday in the FA Cup final against Portsmouth — admits that his inability to get into the Israeli's first-team for the remainder of that season, when they were targetting Premier League and Champions League success, was a source of great frustration.

"I have no ill feeling towards Avram but at that moment I was really angry," Ivanovic told the Evening Standard.

"I understand him now because I couldn't change a lot of things in that moment.

"When I arrived it was difficult for a lot of reasons. I had come from the Russian League when there was a break between seasons.

"I was not ready to play. I needed time to be able to get used to the training, the play and everything about the club. But after that I picked up an injury and when I returned it was near the end of the season and every game for Chelsea at that stage was important.

"The squad was very strong and they were trying to get to the Champions League Final. They were also involved in a very tough title race with Manchester United, like it was this year.

"However, it was the most difficult time in my career."

Ivanovic only made his debut for the Blues eight months after signing, and long after Luiz Felipe Scolari had replaced Grant in the dugout. Now a first-team fixture at Stamford Bridge, Ivanovic paid tribute to Andriy Shevchenko — another who had his problems during his stay at the club — for giving him the advice and guidance that enabled him to survive the dark days.

"I can't forget what Andriy did. He really helped me. He tried to give me confidence," Ivanovic said.

"He told me about the style of play in England, what I had to do as a defender and where I could improve.

"It was a difficult period for him, too. He had been outside the team, he was also injured, but he wasn't just thinking about himself, he was thinking of me too.

"I can only say a big thank you to him for everything he did because he helped me become prepared for when I would play."

Chelsea Net Hat-trick Of Awards After Free-scoring Premier League Season

While Chelsea have the chance to make history and complete a first ever league and cup double on Saturday, they managed to get their hands on more silverware before the FA Cup final with Portsmouth has kicked off.

Dider Drogba's last-day hat-trick against Wigan Athletic meant he was the top flight's Golden Boot winner with 29, and he was presented with his trophy on Thursday.

The accolades for Blues players did not stop there as goalkeeper Petr Cech was awarded the Barclays Golden Glove for keeping the most clean sheets - 17. Liverpool's Pepe Reina also managed 17 clean sheets, but Cech's sheets-to-game ratio means the Spaniard misses out.

And the club also received a special prize, the Barclays Merit Award, for their goalscoring exploits - their 103 league goals was the first time a team had broken a tonne since records began in 1992. The Blues are also the first team to break a century in the English top flight since Tottenham in 1962-63.

The newly-crowned Champions' attacking exploits have been simply breathtaking this season, finishing the season with an 8-0 victory over Wigan at Stamford Bridge.

But their monumental victory last time out was not their only goal-fest of the season. Carlo Ancelotti's side managed to score seven goals in home victories against Aston Villa, Stoke City and Sunderland, in a season in which they have proven their attacking pedigree.

Terry Trains With Blues

Chelsea captain John Terry has trained with the club as normal on Thursday, allaying fears regarding his fitness ahead of the World Cup.

The former England skipper suffered an injury scare on Wednesday while training, sparking concerns that he could miss this weekend's FA Cup final and that his World Cup chances were damaged.

First reports suggested that Terry had broken a metatarsal as he left Chelsea's Cobham training ground wearing a protective boot on his foot.

But the 29-year-old centre-half went to hospital for a precautionary scan which showed no break, and he arrived to train as normal on Thursday.

A spokesman for Chelsea said: "John Terry has started this morning's final training session at Cobham prior to the FA Cup final.

"On Friday the squad will train at Wembley."

Chelsea take on Portsmouth in the cup final on Saturday as they look to win the domestic double having clinched the Premier League title last weekend.

The news will come as a major boost to Blues fans as well as England manager Fabio Capello, who has a number of fitness doubts in central defence.

Mancienne May Leave Chelsea

Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne admits he may have to leave the club in order to play regular first team football.

The promising 22-year-old has spent a second season out on loan at Mick McCarthy's Wolves, where he helped the Midlands club remain in the Premier League during an impressive spell.

Mancienne proved to be a capable operator at the back or in a holding midfield role at Molineux, however the expiry of his deal means he is due to return to Stamford Bridge for pre-season training.

The England Under-21 international helped McCarthy's team reach the top flight two years ago and was able to return to the club following promotion.

And after gathering vital experience in the firing line, Mancienne fears it will be time to leave the club he supports - even though he doesn't want to.

Mancienne told the Daily Mirror: "I want to play for Chelsea, I want to be able to break into their first team but I know how much quality they've got in the side so it will be very difficult.

"But I'm 22 now, I've had two seasons out on loan at Wolves and had regular games and really enjoyed it. Now I want to be settled at one club so I know where my future is long-term and really try to push on.

"I'm a Chelsea fan, I've been at Chelsea since I was a kid, I've grown up at the club but it's hard for any young player to break into the team at a big club so I don't really know what's going to happen."

A move away from the London club may prove difficult for him, though, as he still has three years remaining on his contract with Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Mancienne received a shock call-up to Fabio Capello's senior England squad for a friendly against Germany last season and after representing the Three Lions at Under 16, 17, 19 and 21s level he is keen to break into the full international fold.

But the former QPR loanee knows that his ambitions will only be fulfilled by playing regularly - leading him to ponder his future during the close season.

He went on: "I've got three years left of my contract, I'm due to go back to Chelsea, start pre-season training again and take it from there.

"I'm at a stage of my career, though, where I need to be playing regularly because I've got big ambitions.

"I loved getting the call-up for England and of course I'd love to play for my country in the future and to do that I need to be playing games.

"If I go back to Chelsea for pre-season I'll be giving everything but I'd like to think it will either be with a chance of getting some games or maybe it's time to think about my future."

Didier Drogba would welcome Chelsea Move For Liverpool Striker Fernando Torres This Summer

Didier Drogba hopes that Chelsea can form a frightening strike force by signing Liverpool superstar Fernando Torres this summer.

The Ivory Coast international’s hat-trick against Wigan Athletic on Sunday earned him the Premier League Golden Boot as his 29 goals were three more than Manchester United hitman Wayne Rooney.

Despite the fact that Drogba and France international striker Nicolas Anelka scored 51 combined goals in all competitions this season, the Ivorian would be happy to pair up with Torres at Stamford Bridge next season.

"I have heard the talk about Torres maybe coming in and I would welcome it, of course,” Drogba told The Mirror.

"Every time there is a new player coming here it's making the club bigger and giving us a lot of strength.

"If there is a chance for him to come he will be welcome because any help is welcome!"

Chelsea have been after Torres since the striker helped Spain triumph at Euro 2008 and Blues chief executive Ron Gourlay will give manager Carlo Ancelotti some money to bolster the squad this summer.

The only club to make a legitimate run at Torres has been Manchester City but with the Spanish international frustrated with a disappointing season at Liverpool, Chelsea could take advantage and make a move for the 26-year-old.

Liverpool will be looking for upwards of £60million in exchange for Torres but Chelsea will be hesitant to pay any more than £40m.

Spanish Fight For Ashley Cole Won't Tempt Chelsea To Cash In On Prized Asset

Chelsea will not sell Ashley Cole at any price despite interest from Spain's two biggest clubs. Cole's future has been the subject of much speculation with both Real Madrid and Barcelona looking to sign him this summer.

It has been reported that the England left-back wants to leave Stamford Bridge because he has had enough of the intense scrutiny into his private life. The 29-year-old has come under fire for his behaviour off the pitch and regularly been featured on the front pages due to the break up of his marriage with Cheryl Cole.

It hasn't prevented him from having one of his best seasons for Chelsea and he played a key role in the club winning their first title for four years.

Jose Mourinho, who brought Cole to Chelsea from Arsenal in 2006, is expected to leave Inter Milan for Real this summer and is hoping to tempt his former player to Spain.

With reports that offers for Cole could reach £25million, Chelsea's desire to break even has led to talk they may cash in on the former Arsenal star to raise the funds they need to buy players such as Sergio Aguero or Fernando Torres.

But it is understood the club are not interested in listening to any bids for a player they consider to be “the best left-back in the world”.

The England international, who only signed a new four-year contract last September, also admits he is delighted to be playing for one of the best sides around. Chelsea's 8-0 win over Wigan on Sunday ensured they finished one point ahead of Manchester United and meant they scored a record 103 Premier League goals on their way to the title.

Cole believes that statistic shows the squad are full of flair, although he is just as proud of the way they grind out results when needed.

“On our day we are unbelievable,” said Cole, who claimed his first title winning medal as a Blue. “If we show fight and character we will beat anyone. The players are so dedicated here and are very professional. I am proud to be a Chelsea player.

“Everyone says about [the team] entertaining but we have beaten teams 6, 7 and 8-0. Everyone talks about the Arsenal and Manchester United teams and they do play good football but player for player we have one of the best teams in the world. Sometimes you don't have to entertain, you have to win and we have done it.

“I think [the club record 8-0 win against Wigan] has been coming. We have been beating teams 7-0 and we deserved to beat these teams by more. It happened against Wigan with a great performance. I came here to win medals and to win big trophies. This will shut a few people up. I have proved a few people wrong.”

Meanwhile, striker Didier Drogba has reiterated his desire to see out the rest of his career at Chelsea and has warned the club's rivals that he will be even better next season.

The 32-year-old scored a career high 29 League goals to win the Golden Boot ahead of Wayne Rooney this term.

He said: “This is the first time I have been at a club for six years and I feel at home. I have said before I want to stay at Chelsea for the rest of my career.

“I really feel season after season I'm getting better. I always keep working. I'm not Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo but I have my own qualities and I always try to improve.

“This is the best season of my career. My third year here I scored 33 goals, 20 in the League, but this season I have scored 29 in the League and 36 overall. It's amazing. When I start the season I always look to do better than the last one or the best season I have had. It's going to be difficult to do that next year but I think it's possible.”

Drogba's first target, though, is to ensure Chelsea finish the campaign with a historic Double by beating Portsmouth at Wembley on Saturday.

He added: “I want to finish the job with the FA Cup Final. To win the Double will mean a lot for the club and the players. It won't be easy because Portsmouth are really focused. It will be a happy ending for them if they win it.”

Carlo Ancelotti Sets Sights On Roma Striker Mirko Vucinic

Chelsea are readying a bid for Roma forward Mirko Vucinic this summer. Carlo Ancelotti is hoping that a bid in the region of £22m will be accepted by the Serie A club for the services of the Montenegro International who has been in fine form this season.

Roma have run Inter Milan very close in the domestic title race but could end up falling at the final hurdle but the fact that the Stadio Olimpico side have been able to challenge Jose Mourinho’s all conquering side has a lot to do with the amazing season Vucinic has had.

The lanky forward is having the best season of his career, netting 13 goals and assisting many others and whilst Claudio Ranieri will not want to lose the former Lecce man he may find it hard to prevent the 26 year old from wanting to make such a lucrative move to the Premier League champions.

Ancelotti is more than aware that his main strike pairing, Nicolas Anelka (more recently played out wide) and Didier Drogba are both 30 years and over and with that in mind the Italian is looking for longer term options for his Stamford Bridge attack.

Kalou: No Easy Game

So, just one more Chelsea game remains for Salomon Kalou before he heads off to prepare for his first World Cup Finals where the likes of Brazil and Portugal await as opponents.

Relegated Portsmouth may on the face of it look a very different proposition to national sides containing the likes of Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo and will be the underdogs as they line up against the Barclays Premier League-winning Blues, but Kalou remembers another recent FA Cup Final when Harry Redknapp's Pompey were the favourites.

Two years ago, the only FA Cup Final at the new Wembley not involving Chelsea, was an extremely tight affair between Championship side Cardiff and Saturday's opponents.

It was a close 1-0 victory for the south coast side, following a defensive game of football that saw few chances at either end.

'People think that because Portsmouth have been relegated and we are champions that it will be an easy game, but no, it won't,' insists Kalou.

'We have seen it before when a small team has made it difficult for the big team so we have to think about that, and as it is a cup final, it could last 90 minutes or it could last 120 minutes and we have to be ready for every situation. We must be prepared.'

This time it is Avram Grant and not Redknapp who will be guiding Portsmouth from the sidelines, the same Grant who led the Blues to a Carling Cup Final and the Champions League Final in 2008, although both games were lost.

'It will be good to see Avram again,' says Kalou, 'we had a good time with him here but now he's our opponent and we are ready to play the game.

'He will know the side but we will try our hardest to win the Double because it will make Chelsea history and we will be part of that history.

'Portsmouth will probably go 4-3-3 as well because that is what he [Grant] has played most of the time and they have the players for that system.

'But we are not focusing on what Portsmouth will be doing. We have to focus on ourselves.

'That's what we have been doing all season and now we have to finish that game well and the season well because it has been a very good season.'

Brooking Fearful Of Cole Chances

Sir Trevor Brooking fears Joe Cole could be facing World Cup heartbreak when Fabio Capello names his final squad for South Africa.

Chelsea midfielder Cole was a key figure for England before he suffered a knee injury in January last year, and he struggled to regain his place in the Blues' side once fit.

Three Lions boss Capello has nonetheless handed the 28-year-old the chance to book his ticket on the plane by naming him in an initial 30-man training squad.

But Brooking feels Cole, a player he managed during his brief stint as caretaker boss of West Ham, needs to impress or he will miss out when Capello settles on his final 23 next month.

"He was one of those who people thought were marginal because he hasn't rediscovered that form, Chelsea had a lot of momentum and Joe hadn't started a lot of the games," Brooking, the FA's director of football development, said.

"A year or so ago Joe would have been a certainty but he's one of those who will have to make an impact in the next two weeks because otherwise he could be one who misses out. So it's an important spell for Joe."

Brooking does feel there are still places in the squad up for grabs for some of Capello's wildcards, such as Adam Johnson, Scott Parker and Tom Huddlestone.

"There will be a lot of interesting battles," he added.

"Although you are there as a squad you don't want to be one of the seven who doesn't make the cut.

"Having watched Fabio for a couple of years he does put a lot of emphasis on what happens in training.

"He likes to try one or two things to look at players and I do think, at the moment, there are a couple of places that could go either way and he will make that decision at the end of that period."

Joe Cole Determined To Make England Squad

Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has admitted that, after getting back into Fabio Capello's provisional England squad for the 2010 World Cup at the eleventh hour, he is determined to do everything in his power to ensure he is in the Italian's final 23.

Cole's domestic season with the Blues has been ravaged by injury, with the 28-year-old finding it difficult to force his way back into the Premier League champion's starting line-up after missing the first few months of the campaign with a long-term injury.

But given a last gasp chance to prove his worth at international level by Capello, Cole is determined to make the absolute maximum of the opportunity to play in another World Cup.

"I want to go to the training camp [in Austria], force my way into the final 23, then get in the first eleven, and then once I'm in that I'll be looking to win it," Cole told reporters.

"I'm ready, I'm fit. We've done a fitness test today and I'm the fittest player in the squad. I'm fresh and hungry and just want to get out there."

Before Cole can fly out with the rest of the England squad on Monday, however, there is the small matter of Saturday's FA Cup final against Portsmouth. And after scares this week about the fitness of defender John Terry, Cole admitted he was always confident the club captain would be fine for the Wembley game.

"I think, with JT, you would have to run him over a few times before he's not going to play," Cole said.

"I knew he was all right."

The Englishman's status at the club is currently uncertain, with his contract expiring at the end of the campaign and a new deal between club and player reportedly far from being agreed.

When asked about his future, Cole's hesitancy in his response suggests he is not fully expecting to ply his trade at Stamford Bridge next season.

"My future... the way I'm seeing it is I'm focusing on the cup final," Cole eventually stated.

John Terry's Father Admits Dealing Cocaine

Chelsea defender John Terry's father has today pleaded guilty to dealing cocaine.

Edward Terry, 56, of Chafford Hundred, Essex, admitted at Basildon Magistrates' Court to supplying a class A drug.

He was released on bail and will be sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on June 1.

Terry's lawyer claimed that his client was embarrassed about the upset he may have caused to his son, who himself has been the subject of much tabloid controversy this season.

The court was informed that Edward Terry had supplied £160 worth of cocaine to an undercover reporter in a wine bar in Chafford Hundred last year.

His lawyer claimed that he had been targeted by reporters because of his famous son.

Gourlay: We Are On Track

Chief executive Ron Gourlay gives a major interview to Chelsea TV this evening but ahead of that, he spoke to the Official Chelsea Website about a first season in his current role that has been marked by the team's championship success.

We have to start with last Sunday's match. It is hard to imagine how it could have gone any better.
It was fantastic. During the week it was quite a nervous period, not for Carlo, he seemed to be very, very calm but all through the week, if somebody had told me it was going to be 8-0 I maybe wouldn't have worried. The tactics were to get the early goal and once we went 2-0 up and Wigan lost a man, it was pretty much one-way traffic from then on.

How does being the champions impact on the club?
It is very important for our stature and how we are seen on a global basis. It is very important as we grow our non-football side of the business. It helps us generate the revenue to finance the business so it is very, very important. In certain parts of the world, the Asian-Pacific region for example, success is the key driver in popularity stakes.

When you were interviewed back in November, you said this club simply has to win trophies.
And we are delivering. We've proved that we are on the right track again. The FA Youth Cup win is fantastic also and the Premier League is the absolute icing on the cake. If we can do the business next weekend then it would be an unbelievably successful season, the most successful we have ever had.

Can you give an insight into what it is like working with Carlo Ancelotti?
He has a very open mind, he understands the commercial requirements of the business, the obligations the club has to sponsors, and he is unbelievably knowledgeable about the game. He has experience, he has been there and done it, so it is really great to be working with someone like Carlo.

Is he really as calm behind the scenes as he appears publicly?
Certainly when he is with me. My new strategy is I am not going to worry about anything anymore. I have decided when Carlo is worried, I'll worry!

Given his success in Italy, is there a danger his achievement in his first season in a new country is under-estimated?
My view is the Premier League is the most difficult league to win in the world. He has come in and he has won it in a competitive season and at the end of the season we shall all sit down, take a big breath and see just how far we have come in the last 12 months.

Everyone who saw the TV pictures of Sunday's game would have seen the owner reacting to the action the same way as many a fan in the Shed or Matthew Harding Ends.
Sometimes Roman's commitment has been strangely questioned by the media but he is extremely committed to the football club and he is very engaged with what we do at board level, and that is great.

One newspaper article last week was claiming that regardless of whether Chelsea won the league or not on Sunday, we face a greater need to regenerate the squad than Manchester United?
I can't talk for Manchester United, I don't know enough about what is going on inside their business but from our point of view, we will wait until the end of next weekend and then we will sit down and Carlo will analyse the situation.

Next season is the start of new Barclays Premier League requirement for eight 'homegrown' players in a named squad of 25. Have we reached the stage yet when we can fulfil this requirement using players from our Academy?
We can fulfil that requirement from our Academy but also from existing squad players who have already qualified. This is something we have been aware of and have been able to plan for and everybody else is in the same boat. It is not something we are overly concerned about and we will address it.

The Academy by its nature is a long-term project but is it on course to justify its investment?
We are very much on course and we started to see that two seasons ago when we got to the FA Youth Cup Final. Unfortunately we lost to Manchester City but this season we put it right and in that space of time we have really started to see our young guys break through but it is a big step for the lads. We are certainly going in the right direction and we will see where it takes us but at the same time, we have to win football games and we are expected at the end of every season to be challenging for the trophies. It is a question of getting the balance right.

Details of the new Uefa regulations on club finances are starting to appear in the media which is suggesting Chelsea have more to be concerned about than most.
It is all about self-sufficiency. It something Uefa will bring in, we are not sure of all the details at this present time but what it will do is bring forward plans we already have in place. Again it is something we have known we have to deal with.

Finally, what has been your on-pitch highlight of the season?
The highlight was Sunday. Starting to relax and enjoy the game once the third goal went in. It was very, very special. At one point the stands were shaking with the atmosphere and that was something I will always remember in my first year. We are now going to look forward to the FA Cup Final. It is important, we have a great opportunity of winning the Double so we should concentrate on that and then after that we can start to plan for 2010/11.

Chelsea & England Defender John Terry's Foot Injury Not As Bad As First Feared

Despite initial fears, England defender John Terry has not broken his metatarsal after a training ground accident with club side Chelsea on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old was sent to hospital after the incident at the club's Cobham training ground for a scan on his right foot, but initial results reveal he has not broken any bones. He will undergo further tests tomorrow to assess any possible ligament damage.

"John Terry has today taken a knock in training and has gone to hospital for a precautionary scan on his right foot," a statement on the club's official website read shortly after the incident.

"He left Cobham walking freely in a protective boot, and we await the results which are expected on Thursday."

There were fears the defender would be unavailable Saturday's FA Cup final with Portsmouth, let alone England's World Cup squad, but the defender reportedly told the Press Association he is hopeful he will play in the game at Wembley.

The usual recovery time for such injuries is between four and eight weeks, meaning if Terry had broken his metatarsal he would have been unlikely to be fully fit for the start of the summer tournament in South Africa on June 11.

But it seems Terry has avoided adding his name to what is becoming a traditional list of important England players falling foul of metatarsal injuries on the eve of a major tournament. David Beckham picked up the same injury in action for Manchester United ahead of the 2002 World Cup, while Wayne Rooney suffered a similar fate four years later.

Both players made the tournament finals with the Three Lions, but their performance was clearly hampered by the effects of the injury, as England were knocked out in the quarter-finals on both occasions.

Chelsea Plan Summer Sales To Make Space For New Talent

Chelsea are planning a summer clear-out to raise funds for new signings. Ricardo Carvalho, Deco, Juliano Belletti and Paulo Ferreira will all be allowed to leave as the club seek to reduce their wage bill and create space in the squad for new players and emerging talent from the youth team.

Ron Gourlay, the chief executive, said yesterday that in an ideal world future signings would be funded by player sales, and although that seems a remote prospect, the decision to trim the squad is a sign that the club are at least making some efforts to operate as a self-sustaining business.

Of the quartet who have been told they can leave Carvalho is the only player with any significant resale value and attracted strong interest from Inter Milan last summer before opting to stay at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea now accept that their determination to keep hold of Carvalho was mistaken, as his performances have dropped during a season ruined by injuries. Although there are no new offers José Mourinho may make another move for one of his trusted lieutenants, particularly if he leaves Inter to become the coach of Real Madrid, who have also bid for Carvalho in the past.

Chelsea value the defender at £10 million, but have little hope of gaining any fees for the other players they want to offload and will be happy simply to reduce their wage bill. Belletti is out of contract and can leave on a free transfer, and Deco has one year of his contract remaining, but will be allowed to leave for nothing if he wishes to return to Brazil. Ferreira has three years left on his contract, but with José Bosingwa and Branislav Ivanovic also at the club Chelsea will even consider paying him off to secure his departure.

Chelsea have also made it clear that Ashley Cole is not for sale after interest from Real. The England left back said yesterday that Chelsea’s Premier League title triumph had vindicated his decision to leave Arsenal four years ago, for which he was widely vilified.

“It has been a long time and this is my first title at Chelsea and now people will realise why I came here,” he said. “I came here to win the big ones, the Premier League or the Champions League. Hopefully we can get the Double and make history for this club. I am happy and hopefully there is more to come.”