Blues Related Content
Although Andre Villas-Boas and Fernando Torres are under scrutiny at Chelsea, key player Juan Mata has found reasons to believe in the Blues’ chances for success this year.

The 23-year-old Spanish midfielder can look down at this individual performance at Chelsea with pride. The former Valencia play maker has already provided 9 assists and scored 5 goals in 23 appearances for the Blues. However, his good form has been overshadowed by the entire team’s flaws from a general point of view.
“It's true we've had a little crisis of results,” Juan Mata admitted before reiterating his belief in Chelsea’s criticized manager.
“But Villas-Boas is doing things very well and both the players and the club have a lot of confidence in him. He won everything with Porto last year.”
Chelsea vs Fulham will open Matchday 18 with a 1:00pm GMT (8:00am EST) kick-off.

Fears that the game would be called off went out of the way. This is when Chelsea confirmed, through a statement on Wednesday, that the planned metro strike in London would not affect the Boxing Day action.
The home crowd could witness the Blues’ seventh win at Stamford Bridge whereas Fulham carry the humiliation from their 5-0 defeat to Manchester United at Craven Cottage. Forcing Chelsea to their first draw or to their third loss at the Bridge won’t be easy.
The truth is that Fulham have won only once away this season. That was against Wigan Athletic at the DW stadium on October 29.
England captain John Terry has found himself at the heart of yet another media storm this week as QPR defender Anton Ferdinand accused him of using racist language.

It is not the first time Terry has landed himself in trouble on or off the field, and it is a safe bet it will not be his last.
In his storied career Terry has landed in hot water for;
• Striking a nightclub doorman with a bottle.
• Cheating on his now wife with nine different women.
• Selling guided tours of the Chelsea training ground and keeping the money himself without the club’s knowledge.
• Urinating on a nightclub dance floor, and finally getting drunk and being offensive to American tourists the night of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The above list does not mention arguably his most famous indiscretion, when he tore apart the England dressing room by again cheating on his wife, this time with the mother of teammate and former best friend Wayne Bridge’s children.
With no Premier League action this week, and Chelsea sitting third in the league table the club sent numerous players away to represent their national teams.

The Blues were particularly active in the closing stages of EURO 2012 Qualification, and here we give you the headline performers over this weekend.
CZECH REPUBLIC 0-2 SPAIN
The Czech Republic find themselves in a tight battle with Scotland for second place in Group I and a subsequent qualifying playoff.
The Czechs fell to a 2-0 home defeat against Spain on Friday with Petr Cech starting in goal, and as a result fell to third place in the group one point behind the Scots.
Chelsea goalkeeper Cech will be a key figure for the Czechs who now need a result in Lithuania to have a chance of overtaking Scotland.
Chelsea closed to within three points of first place in the Premier League thanks to an emphatic 4-1 victory over Swansea City.

While league leading Manchester United dropped points courtesy of a 1-1 draw at Stoke City, Chelsea cruised to an emphatic 4-1 triumph over the Swans.
With Daniel Sturridge inexperienced and Nicolas Anelka unsettled, it is important Chelsea find a consistent source of goals if they are to maintain a title challenge.
Spanish striker Fernando Torres is showing legitimate signs of a return to form, but it seems every step he takes forward is closely followed by a step backwards.
For example, last weekend Torres scored a fantastic goal against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The Spanish international striker ran onto a Nicolas Anelka through ball and produced a deft flick over David De Gea to open Chelsea’s account.
With the addition of Raul Meireles, Andre Villas-Boas’ Chelsea are looking different. What’s next for the Blues in terms of success?

For David Luiz, the Portuguese influence at Chelsea could turn out to be very positive. The Brazilian defender, who speaks Portuguese like Andre Villas-Boas and summer signing Raul Meireles, told reporters on Wednesday:
“We have made good signings and I think Raul Meireles can be a big player for us. We played against each other in Portugal and he was difficult to stop. It is sensational he can increase our level on the pitch.
“Every day we are getting better and I bet we will have success this season. It is easy when the manager also speaks my language.
Suddenly, Chelsea are back in contention for the EPL title! Live Soccer TV explains why Carlo Ancelotti was right to brand Manchester United vs Chelsea as the Blues’ Champions League final.

All the way back in November, December or even January, how many football fans and pundits had tipped Sunday’s Manchester United vs Chelsea encounter to stand as a title decider between the Blues and the Red Devils? When Chelsea dropped down onto 5th in the league standings, who thought that they’d be just 3 points behind Manchester United in May?
It’s a miracle for the Blues to be in the position in which they currently are—with the English Premier League trophy not so distant from their reach now. But Manchester United may blame themselves for that. The Red Devils do have a strong record at Old Trafford but their form away from home has prevented them from wrapping up the title way before Sunday’s showdown against Chelsea.
Tottenham Hotspur might still be in with a chance for a European Spots although Live Soccer TV believes that it will all end after their clash against Chelsea tomorrow.
Scoring a hat-rick at the San Siro would have been a fantastic moment for Gareth Bale while defeating European giants AC Milan in the second round was something for all Spurs fan to cherish. Their journey in the UEFA Champions League this season has been a fairytale one indeed and there will be very little denials on how they mesmerized the whole of Europe with their fantastic atmosphere at White Hart Lane.
But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. But for Spurs, the end virtually seems to near to behold. Harry Redknapp's men are currently embroiled in a battle for the Champions League spots, similar to the one they faced last year except that Redknapp's men were far more commanding at that time. In the current circumstances, draws to West Brom and Arsenal have placed them in a very delicate situation ahead of their clash against Chelsea tomorrow, which has now evolved into a must-win match.
Carlo Ancelotti is seemingly prepared to give Fernando Torres a chance to break his goal-barrier for Chelsea when they take on West Ham tomorrow. Live Soccer TV analyzes the situation.
What a season have Chelsea had this season. It has been rather poor but the fact that they are still basically in the title race does not signify that. They started the season with regular displays of 'PlayStation' football that caught the eyes of many. But that one night at the Stamford Bridge against Sunderland was the simple beginning of a very dark period for Carlo Ancelotti and his men. Perhaps even the sacking of Ray Wilkins prompted them too. Who knows?
But it was that one occasion where Steve Bruce's men left London beaming with pride having just delivered a knock-ouy blow to the defending Premier League champions. I mean, who would have expected it to be the beginning to a very poor period in the Blues' calendar. After all, Ancelotti was being hailed as the saviour after guiding them to an unprecedented double last season. But, months have passed since and god knows the amount of pressure that has been lying on Ancelotti's back, waiting to explode any minute.
Live Soccer TV gets in deep and draws out five ways Chelsea can overturn their 0-1 Champions League Quarter final first leg deficit against Manchester United at Old Trafford tomorrow.
Champions League nights at Old Trafford have always been special ones considering the magnitude of history at the Theater of Dreams. It was the fortress where Manchester United exhibited a magnificent performance in their 7-1 trashing of AS Roma. It was also the coliseum where the Red Devils overcame a highly savvy Barcelona side- a result that virtually pushed them to Champions League glory at Moscow.
And now, nobody would want to be in Carlo Ancelotti's shoes as he prepares to take his team to a very tough place to play against a very motivated side with a win absolutely needed to not only guarantee their spot in the semi final but also to secure the imminent future of Ancelotti and his backroom staff. It is definitely a strenuous task to behold for the Italian. Per contra, the saying says that whenever there is a will, there is a way. Live Soccer TV lays out five key ways for the Blues to overcome the daunting clash against Manchester United.
Javier Hernandez has warned the Chelsea camp ahead of the huge Champions League clash tonight by insisting that Wayne Rooney is on a hot run of form.

Wayne Rooney has had a season full of ups and downs but Hernandez insisted that the Englishman is back on fire ahead of the Chelsea-United clash tonight. The former Everton striker scored a hat-rick against West Ham last weekend although some inappropriate acts after scoring his third goal overshadowed the achievement.
Nevertheless, Hernandez believes that Rooney is more than ready to have a go at Chelsea's defenders tonight.
"Wayne is in sensational form and this is an extra problem for Chelsea," Hernandez told The Sun.
As we prepare for a blockbuster clash between Chelsea and Manchester United at the Bridge, Live Soccer TV previews the five players who could make a difference for the Blues.

The titanic clash between Chelsea and Manchester United this Wednesday will definitely live up to its expectations like it has always done prior to this. This match represents a huge lot of things for both teams who have had two different seasons so far.
Chelsea will be looking to salvage an already down falling season that has seen them drop away from the title race for the Premier League. Massive amount of money were spent last January when the likes of Fernando Torres and David Luiz were brought in to bolster their squad ranks.
Nevertheless, the importance of this match is rather unquestionable for Chelsea. Do they have what it takes to succeed? Live Soccer analyses five key players who will be important for the Blues.
The Blues still dare to dream about winning the EPL title as the doors aren’t closed mathematically. Ahead of the Chelsea vs Manchester United match, the Blues have rekindled their belief.

“This game can make us come back to fight for the title,” striker Fernando Torres was quoted as saying by The Mirror.
“If we win this one, then we are closer to them... and we have will still have one more game against them.”
Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti echoed Fernando Torres’ statements. The Italian manager, who enjoyed life at the top of the English Premier League’s table with the Blues in the early stages of the season, is now under pressure to guide Chelsea in the right direction this term. Concerning his side’s fate in the league, Carlo Ancelotti prefers to think positively although the Blues are currently out of the top 4 zone.
Chelsea’s bidding fiasco for Atletico Madrid’s Sergio Aguero and Diego Godin is Wednesday’s main topic in transfer news. Interestingly, the Blues have denied even presenting a mega deal to Atletico.

It may seem hard to degrade transfer reports from a reputable source such as The Sun onto transfer rumours – unless Chelsea are suggesting that a certain Miguel Angel Gil Marin is a pure liar. In a blunt statement while talking to The Sun, the Atletico Madrid general director exposed the Blues by declaring:
“This very week, Chelsea were giving me £52M for him [Sergio Aguero] and Godin. And I told them exactly the same thing [as I told Real Madrid with a ‘no’].
“I’m not going to negotiate the sale of Aguero.”
The struggling Blues have lost their goal scoring power. Now, reports claim that Ancelotti is desperate to beat Spurs’ interest and make a Chelsea transfer for Everton’s Steven Pienaar.

According to English news source The Sun, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich – who publicly declared his support to Coach Ancelotti – has made funds available for the Italian boss to be active on the transfer market. With Chelsea’s goal scoring record having considerably decreased in the English Premier League and with star winger Yossi Benayoun only returning to action in March due to injury, the Blues need to take action.
The Sun reported on Friday that Carlo Ancelotti is looking to succeed in rivalling Tottenham Hotspur for the transfer of Steven Pienaar from Everton. The South African play maker has his contract with the Toffees expiring at the end of this season and it is understood that he is interested in joining a team which can offer him Champions League football.
Arsenal vs Manchester City will mark the Sky Blues’ 22nd battle in the EPL... or 23rd I should say, perhaps. Well, we’re talking about the Toure vs Adebayor clash. Live Soccer TV reveals the whole truth about it!
Manchester City’s Kolo Toure vs Adebayor Explosion: How It Happened
On Tuesday, bad news broke out from Manchester City’s camp to stain Eastlands' Sky Blues atmosphere whereas Arsenal fans subsequently started taunting the dignity of their team’s upcoming opponents in the English Premier League. It was reported that Toure and Adebayor, both former Arsenal pals, got involved in a physical fight which could only be stopped when other Manchester City mates separated the angry duo.
The training ground clash between the two players actually took place around lunch time, toward the end of the Sky Blues’ preparations for Wednesday night’s Arsenal vs Manchester City battle. Not a very positive sign ahead of the game, I suppose...
Will Manchester City ever get rid of their big-money transfer habit? The new transfer rumour in the news is that Edin Dzeko is on Man City’s radar as Wolfsburg play the game of business...

Since a year especially, Edin Dzeko has been a target for big clubs during transfer windows. Real Madrid and Arsenal were thought to be very interested in securing the services of the Bosniac last summer. This winter, however, Manchester City are plotting to beat any other contender for the signing of Wolfsburg’s Dzeko.
This week, coach Steve McClaren heated this transfer rumour by affirming that the Wolfsburg striker may well leave the club anytime soon. ESPN Soccernet quoted the manager as saying:
“We hope that Edin stays, because he’s a world-class striker. But, we’re in the business of football and nothing is 100% certain. We will have to see what happens.”
Manchester United have gone 16 matches unbeaten in the English Premier League and Fergie wants his side to extend their record against Chelsea this weekend.

The Red Devils’ statistics are remarkable. Despite stumbling to 7 draws already, Manchester United have not tasted defeat yet whereas they’ve netted 36 goals to have the best goal difference (+20) in the competition. Monday night’s narrow 1-0 home win against Arsenal saw Fergie’s men do just enough to reach the top spot in the English Premier League.
They have one game in hand going into match-day 18 but they are 3 points clear of Chelsea who could only draw 1-1 away to Spurs last Sunday. The Blues must beat the Red Devils at Stamford Bridge to get back into contention seriously but Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson doesn’t want this to happen as he also underlines the importance of this fixture. Talking to reporters, the Old Scot declared:
As they’ll host Fulham on Wednesday, Chelsea are poised to get back to normal business. In order words, the Blues are expected to get back to winning ways.

They lost to Liverpool, but are still leading the way in the English Premier League. Chelsea have proven to be invincible at Stamford Bridge this season.
Five home matches, five home victories, 16 goals scored, and none allowed: that’s what statistics read at the envy of other clubs. So Chelsea’s defeat away to Liverpool isn’t something that will bother Coach Carlo Ancelotti too much as Sky Sports quoted him as saying on Sunday:
“We are still on top of the table [despite losing to Liverpool]. We don’t need to have a reaction. It’s impossible to win every game.
Chelsea return to the Luzhniki Stadium to face Spartak Moskva in the Champions League tonight. Will the venue and the pitch give Ancelotti’s men the blues?

Chelsea and Spartak Moskva have 6 points in Group F and they both stand an opportunity to all but seal their passage into the Round of 16. Despite being without Drogba and Lampard for this important match, the Blues are still superior to their opponents on paper.
However, Tuesday’s home side could benefit from the spirit of the Luzhniki Stadium and eventually play the trick against the visitors, Chelsea.
How can anyone forget about what happened in Russia three seasons ago when the London club was a spot kick away from clinching European glory for the first time ever? Who isn’t aware of the terrible fate that swallowed the Blues at the Luzhniki Stadium in May 2008?