Carlo Ancelotti has hinted that his early season rotation policy will continue as Chelsea progress through the season. The Italian made four changes to his lineup in the 2-0 win at Fulham, with Essien the most significant name rested to the bench….

“Essien has played all the games so far, so I wanted to give him a rest…He will play the next game. We have to follow this line.”

So Carlo has reassured us that Essien will make a return to the lineup this weekend but this continued tinkering looks set to keep us all on our toes, particularly when it comes to the Chelsea midfield and the likes of Carvalho and Bosingwa in defence. Lampard, Drogba and Anelka (maybe, just, perhaps not…) are presumably still within the ranks of the “Untouchables”, however, we shouldn’t be too complacent on that score given the policy so far.