The troubled cloud hanging over Stamford Bridge provides an uninviting backdrop for all of this morning’s major dilemmas.
Fantasy Managers who have clung on to their Chelsea assets will have earmarked today’s home clash with Blackburn as yet another opportunity for the likes of Didier Drogba and Florent Malouda to come good. Heaven knows, I’ve chained Malouda to my squad for weeks in hope of a revival and, before this weeks’ mutterings from Carlo Ancelotti, I was willing to hold firm for one more week in hope of Rovers returns. Yesterday’s press conference and today’s follow-up articles have shaken that faith however…
Carlo Ancelotti has been sleeping on his team selection and the suggestion is that he’ll wake and with the conclusion that Drogba and maybe Essien and Malouda, need to make way. Significantly we’re seeing further reports this morning, not only in the press, but also on Chelsea’s official site, almost in preparation for a few teamsheet shocks.
In yesterday’s press gathering, Ancelotti clearly suggested that both Daniel Sturridge and Josh McEachran could get the nod in the starting lineup, possibly at the expense of Didier Drogba and Michael Essien. When asked on the chances of dropping two such senior players, the Italian didn’t hesitate…
“Yes, why not? My job is to choose the best team to play the game. Maybe sometimes there are some players who are not in the best condition to play.”
It is also suggested by reports that Florent Malouda’s starting role is in doubt after a period of prolonged tepid form that has seen fall from grace as a Fantasy prospect. Having been rested for the FA Cup tie with Ipswich however, he would seem well placed to regain his place against Rovers.
Certainly McEachran looks set to play alongside him however. Ancelotti gave every indication that he will start today’s game…
“McEachran is ready to start in the Premier League and is doing really well. He has confidence, personality and is strong.”
Sadly for Fantasy Managers, the Chelsea boss was less decisive when it came to discussing Drogba’s situation…
“Maybe Didier [Drogba] lost some confidence when he had malaria so it was difficult for him to play at his best and I think every player has a personal reason to explain this.The important thing is that we can have a difficult moment but we have to be able to move on quickly.”
It’s unclear then whether Drogba will be given the opportunity to face the Blackburn defence, a back four that includes the muscular Chris Samba who will surely relish the battle against the off-form Ivorian.
I certainly didn’t fancy any of Chelsea’s attacking assets when it came to last night’s Scout Picks. The uncertainty surrounding today’s Stamford Bridge lineup was enough for me to look beyond both Drogba and Malouda, despite the promise of returns against a Rovers rearguard that can be most obliging on its travels. Frank Lampard is certainly the safest option if you want to back a convincing home win – his role at set-plays could be vital and our Members can see for themselves just how Lampard has slotted back in and provided an immediate goal threat from midfield.
As usual, I look to the Saturday morning papers for some extra clarity on the situation. The predicted lineups can’t agree but, in the main, they suggest that Ancelotti will keep faith with his proven stars.
The Sun hand Drogba a start up front with no place for Sturride, although McEachran is a predicted starter for Essien in midfield. Malouda keeps his place in their lineup. The Guardian meanwhile, goes the other way – Essien starts but Sturridge comes in for Drogba up front. Both the Times and Telegraph however, back Ancelotti to start with the experience of Essien and Drogba.
Malouda is included in every one of this morning’s lineups – again, backing my theory that he will start, regardless of form. Perhaps the biggest guarantee of that is the fact that I’ve finally sold him on. Malouda will play and score then I imagine.
