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Columnists
A colourful season is drawing to a close with the possibility of a very bright conclusion. Wednesday columnist and supporter Giles Smith investigates.

Put Bolton behind us, feel some pride in second place and somehow wait for a truly special night in Moscow is the message from columnist and former Chelsea Player of the Year Pat Nevin.
Approaching a weekend needing little to build the sense of occasion, Chelsea club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton look in detail at what might tip a finely-balanced contest.
Wednesday columnist and excited supporter Giles Smith sets the manifesto for the league season's final day.
With no signs of cracking in mentality or performance level of his former club as the tension builds, columnist Pat Nevin is impressed with what he sees.
The final away league game of the season has the Blues taking the longest journey of all. Awaiting at the end is a match between two in-form sides and three points that can keep the title race alive. Club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton preview.
The moment of semi-final truth is nearly upon us and in the crowd cheering the team on this evening will be Chelsea club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton, armed with plenty of background information.
From his vantage point in the Matthew Harding Upper, supporter and columnist Giles Smith is maintaining his sanity, even when others (Michael Ballack not included) are losing their cool.
So far so good in this potentially groundbreaking week for Chelsea and our former player and current columnist Pat Nevin has been keeping his eye on some key indivduals.
A title crunch match sandwiched between Champions League semi final dates. Weeks don't come much tastier than this and club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton take a close look at the middle course in the big match banquet.
Columnist Giles Smith forgives himself for forgetting his team's durability and casts a supporter's eye over the first leg happenings.
Another re-match in what has been the tightest in tight European ties is upon us. Chelsea club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton review the facts and figures and look for some pointers towards tonight's outcome.
Like all Chelsea followers, former Blue Pat Nevin will be on the edge of his seat tonight, regardless of how many chances either side creates. In his column he previews a potentially historic tie.
The important games come thick and fast but there's still time to look at the odd championship conundrum plus a few Chelsea v Everton facts. Making that possible are club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton.
Having weighed up the evidence, columnist Giles Smith accepts the unpalatable truth while wondering if 90 minutes support is such a good idea.
For the first time this season, Pat Nevin writes his Tuesday column just hours after a result and like all Chelsea followers, our former player is full of frustration and questions.
It's catch-up time as Stamford Bridge brings to an end the weekend's league fixtures. Needless to say, only three points will do for the Blues against bottom six Wigan. Chelsea club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton set the scene.
Just back from an ultimately successful night at the Bridge, supporter and columnist Giles Smith was quickly putting into words his admiration for one participant, plus his appetite for the semi-final.
Columnist and former Chelsea player Pat Nevin is in optimistic mood ahead of tonight's game but believes everyone, from the pitch to the bench to the stands, will need to be on top form for victory.
At 7.45pm, the talking stops and the contest begins to decide whether Chelsea for a fourth time or Fenerbahçe for a first will make the semis. Club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton look at words said and football played prior to tonight's kick-off.
Having seen our 2-1 defeat in Istanbul last week, our resident Champions League expert Giorgio Chinaglia believes there is all to play for at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.
Even if they have little else to play for, Chelsea's weekend opponents will be wishing to banish the memory of their last visit to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton prepare for a first away day at Man City managed by Sven.
As Chelsea prepare to take on the Turks on their home soil, club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton get in the Champions League mood.
Turkish football is a subject on which Pat Nevin has knowledge and first-hand experience. He shares some of it in this week's column.
Boro have traditionally not enjoyed their visits to the Bridge. Chelsea club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton assess Chelsea's chances of continuing the misery.
Like all Chelsea fans, columnist Giles Smith has experienced a range of emotions in the past week, from the agonising to the warming. He relives them here.
In his column this week, Pat Nevin takes a look at the Arsenal win, the value of support and a new autobiography by his former team-mate Paul Canoville.
For Chelsea, Easter Sunday presents both the chance to even scores after a narrow December defeat in north London, and overtake the Gunners in the table. Club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton prepare.
It's still one of the fixtures many Chelsea fans look for first, and with one derby victory a piece this season, club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton prepare for round three.
Columnist Giles Smith gives his personal instructions to the team for the game ahead - but warns don't believe the hype over the domestic league love-in.
Former Blue Pat Nevin is enjoying a so-far unpredictable title race and looks for pointers to the weeks ahead, starting with back-to-back derby days.
Cheered by the midweek goal feast, club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton prepare for the long-trip to Wearside.
The final word on the FA Cup defeat falls to columnist Giles Smith who, tonight at the Bridge, is in search of goal therapy.
As a club that's had a bad weekend hosts a club that's enduring a bad season, Chelsea club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton prepare.
It's not an easy week for anyone with Chelsea in their heart, but columnist and former star player Pat Nevin knows the Barnsley defeat cannot be ignored.
The FA Cup quarter-finals take Chelsea to Oakwell for the first time in a decade. Club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton preview.
From being beaten at Wembley to handing out a thumping in east London - the past two weeks has columnist Giles Smith looking at defeat from both sides now.
As the Chelsea look to join the final eight in this season's Champions League, club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton have been comparing the best with the best.
Cheered for the time being, columnist and former Blue Pat Nevin sees big challenges and interesting choices ahead.
The last time Chelsea played at Upton Park the team enjoyed our biggest win there. Another good victory would be just what the doctor ordered. Club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton look forward.
As the Wembley post-mortem draws to a close, columnist Giles Smith looks for a final lesson from the school of hard knocks.
Everyone has a bad day at the office, argues columnist and former Chelsea player Pat Nevin, but it's how you react to it that counts.
Chelsea and Spurs will roll back the years by filling Wembley Stadium once again on Sunday. Club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton preview a rematch from 41 years ago.
Following last night's European matches, supporter and columnist Giles Smith discusses the merit of uninterrupted live coverage.
You don't have to be a Chelsea hero of the past to appreciate a Chelsea hero of the present, but in the case of our Tuesday columnist, it helps.
An historic but redeveloped stadium and new opposition - penty for club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton to get their teeth into.
The visit from the Yorkshire side marks the start of three straight knockout ties in three different competitions. Club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton prepare.
Taking time out from typing his Wednesday column, Giles Smith finds that online temptation awaits the average, everyday Chelsea obsessive.
At the weekend, our Tuesday columnist was back inside the stadium he used to thrill with his football. He gives a personal account of the day.
Sunday's game is not a current top four contest but is it a meeting between two of the 'Big Four'? Club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton make an assessment.
Giving his personal account of the week's events, columnist and supporter Giles Smith examines the power of positive thinking, and other emotions besides.
This week, our Tuesday columnist celebrates Chelsea's resilience and THAT haircut from quarter-of-a-century ago.
As the team takes its annual league trip to the south coast, club historian Rick Glanvill and club statistician Paul Dutton look forward to visiting a ground accustomed to Chelsea success.
Columnist and supporter Giles Smith casts a concerned eye over environmental factors that can still affect a modern day football match.
After three away games, Chelsea are back on Stamford Bridge turf and hungry for more home success. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton preview the latest league action.
The FA Cup dominated the last few days and Pat Nevin enjoyed watching a master at work. In his weekly column, he details why.
Chelsea's fight on four trophy fronts continues on Saturday with a second trip to the north-west this week. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton preview an all-top flight FA Cup date.
Chelsea's senior professional is well-accustomed to praise for his world-famous midfield work from colleagues and neutrals alike.
With a night of action on Merseyside to go to discover the make-up of this season's first Wembley final, columnist Giles Smith offers his personal take on events.
With Wembley just one performance away, club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton put tonight's semi-final at Goodison Park under the microscope.
With the dust settled on Saturday's St Andrews win, Tuesday columnist Pat Nevin is relishing a midweek second leg showdown between two of his former clubs.
As Chelsea leave the capital for the first time in seven games to take on the second city's version of the Blues, club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton research the background to the fixture.
Delighted to discover his readership is ever-widening, columnist and Chelsea fan Giles Smith this week reaches out.
There is rarely a quiet week at Chelsea and the events of the last seven days have intrigued Tuesday columnist and former Blue, Pat Nevin.
A fourth London derby in a month approaches. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton prepare for the defence of Chelsea's long and proud home record against Spurs.
With dramatic results, significant London derbies and a go at being captain, it is not quiet for Ashley Cole at the moment. chelseafc.com hears what he has to say about it all.
A cup tie with a twist after 90 minutes and a controversial red card but a cup tie not yet over. It has columnist and supporter Giles Smith thinking hard.
There are very few more suitable columnists on the day Chelsea and Everton go head-to-head in a major match than Pat Nevin, the man who graced both clubs in his playing days.
Semi-final days are here again and club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton limber up ready for a second visit by Everton this season.
It's time to set out on the road to Wembley we travelled all the way last season. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton welcome back a much-missed local derby.
Supporter and columnist Giles Smith found himself come over all neighbourly at the Cottage yesterday. He gives here his full seasonal assessment.
Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton wave goodbye to the old year and ring in the new.
After the drama of Boxing Day, nothing less than three points against Newcastle can be contemplated. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton make sense of the Christmas story so far.
It's Christmas! - and with everyone at Chelsea keen to make it a more merry one than last season, club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton looked ahead to Boxing Day at the Bridge.
A run of four league games in ten days for Avram Grant's men begins on Sunday. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton prepare for a crammed Christmas.
The Blues are two rounds away from defending the first trophy we won last season but familiar opposition stand in the way. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton look at League Cup ties past and future.
There may be grumbles and gripes after the weekend's result but columnist Giles Smith calls upon his fellow Chelsea fans to remember what is important.
Tuesday columnist and former Blue Pat Nevin insists it should be chins-up after Sunday's defeat with everyone looking forward to an important cup tie.
It's the time once more when the Blues look to gun down the Gunners and with more hits than misses in recent years, club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton look forward to another game of huge importance.
As the Champions League is put to bed for the rest of winter and most turn attentions fully on domestic matters, supporter and columnist Giles Smith has been pondering some big questions.
Blues legend Pat Nevin has spent the past week studying strikers. In his latest weekly column he shares his findings.
With the hard work already done, club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton are preparing to sit back, relax and enjoy a night of European football.
From his regular vantage point high in the Matthew Harding End, our Wednesday columnist was pleased to see his team stand firm against the Hammers and their nails. But first, another derby?
Our Tuesday columnist Pat Nevin was back among other Chelsea legends at the end of last week. He reflects on a memorable event and the football ahead.
It's west meets east early on Saturday afternoon and Chelsea club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton are already prepared for the Blues' second derby of the season.
Another Champions League night brings another chance to qualify for the knockout stages. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton look forward to a night in Norway.
Giorgio Chinaglia is co-presenter of the True Blue Chelsea radio show on Sirius radio in the United States and is an expert on European football.
Our Wednesday columnist sees red over seeing red on his recording of last weekend's game. Giles Smith explains.
From decisive internationals to a comfortable win at Derby and now a test of our skills in Scandinavia. It's a varied November. Columnist Pat Nevin reflects.
Saturday's late kick-off will see the home side attempt to salvage pride at Pride Park after their previous heavy beating. Chelsea club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton look at a fixture that is no stranger to goals.
No Chelsea game last weekend but still no shortage of topics for discussion by our Wednesday columnist as he casts his eye over the week's main stories.
On the eve of a qualification decider at Wembley and in the wake of heartbreak at Hampden, columnist Pat Nevin examines the ingredients for international achievement.
Having watched from the stands as his team let slip two points on Sunday, our Wednesday columnist tries to make sense of the Everton game, while giving up on someone else's decisions.
It took something a little special to halt the team's league winning run, stirring the memory of our Tuesday columnist and former purveyor of spectacular Chelsea goals, Pat Nevin.
After tasting Carling Cup and Champions League action, it's back to the bread and butter of the League and a visit by the Toffees. Club historian and statistician Paul Dutton lay the table for the weekend fare.
Like many Chelsea fans, our midweek columnist is trying to get his head around the latest version of his team. He has also been thinking about Schalke and Scousers.
The world may not yet have turned day-glo as X-ray Spex once suggested but Chelsea playing away have. Pat Nevin looks forward to another eye-catching display in Germany.
Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton adopt a European frame of mind with qualification to the next phase potentially one game away.
Will it be another late, late show by the Blues at Wigan or will a couple of ex-Chelsea men triumph. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton set the scene.
Before heading for his seat at the Bridge for tonight's game, our Wednesday columnist decided to extol the virtues of the shortest route to silverware this season.
The run of three home games in three different competitions continues tonight with lower league opposition standing between the Blues and a quarter-final. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton limber up for Leicester.
A veteran of a Chelsea six-goal performance against Coventry 23 years ago, Pat Nevin joins the admirers of the team's efforts on Saturday.
A resurgent Manchester City are next to test themselves against Chelsea's record-breaking home league invincibility. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton are ready for the famous Swede and his side.
Football returns to Stamford Bridge for the first time in nearly a month. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton prepare the groundwork for a European night.
Columnist and former proud wearer of Chelsea blue, Pat Nevin, has been listening carefully this past week to the words of fans and a player.
The internationals are over so the team is on its travels again for a third consecutive away game. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton prepare to hit the road.
In a week when England hopes as much as expects, columnist and lifelong Chelsea fan Giles Smith gives a blue view on national concerns.
Tuesday columnist and former Chelsea star Pat Nevin joins the debate on those times when supporters are less than supportive.
This week our Wednesday columnist breaks all golden rules about taking each game at a time and looks well, well ahead.
Remember the good old days when a couple of wins were greeted by a gleeful roar of approval as opposed to a massive communal sigh of relief?
Two men in charge both new to their jobs this season pit their wits on Sunday in the north-west. Chelsea club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton prepare as the Blues head to a stadium of happy memories.
Wednesday columinst and regular Chelsea watcher Giles Smith thinks all is not balancesd in the world of football writing. He explains why.
It's Matchday Two in Valencia's Estadio Mestalla and club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton prepare the way for a massive European night.
Former Chelsea star Pat Nevin suffered a broken cheekbone once, and knows exactly what our skipper is going through. He discusses JT's injury, and takes a look at what lies ahead.
Chelsea historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton open the door to neighbours for what will be a keenly-watched home league fixture this weekend.
The defence of one of the two trophies won last season is upon us. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton prepare for a Premier League versus Football League clash.
Former Chelsea star Pat Nevin has seen a few managers leave in the past and has even removed one himself. He discusses the week just gone.
At the end of a momentous week comes a momentous match. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton look forward to the latest meeting of last season's top two and cup finalists.
Columnist and Matthew Harding Stand season ticket holder Giles Smith has found ways to cope with the trials of the last week. He shares them here.
Our columnist and former Chelsea wing magician discusses the latest performance, having kept a close eye on a member of the attack and one of the rearguard with a fondness for a forward run.
Scandinavian opposition is new to us in the Champions League but that doesn't mean club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton lack points to discuss as they preview the match.
It's feels an age since we were last inside Stamford Bridge but the resumption of league activity is upon us. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton whet the appetite for the game ahead.
Faced with another week without his beloved Blues in action, our columnist weighs up his options - and settles on joining the SWP debate.
Breaks for national team matches can be tough for managers left waiting and for players returning defeated, as our columnist and former Chelsea and Scotland star recalls.
Some of this week's screaming newspaper headlines may not have our Wednesday columnist screaming back just yet - but they have left him keen to make a few points here.
In this week's column, Pat casts an ex-professional's eye over the first defeat of the season and sees no reason for major concern.
There is the chance of a first for José Mourinho when we travel to Villa Park on Sunday. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton explain.
The heads of two of football's organisations have been speaking out recently. It's time for our columnist to have his say.
In his column this week, Chelsea's winger from the 1980s looks back on the contribution made by another winger 20 years on.
As we enter our second home game in second place, club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton are ready for the first Saturday kick-off this season.
Chelsea season ticket holder and columnist Giles Smith is in empathetic mood this week, but still has some post-Anfield arguments to make.
Pat saw several positives in the Anfield game, both for Chelsea and the season as a whole. He explains in this week's column.
Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton prepare for yet another momentous game at Anfield.
He's back to start a new season of Wednesday columns and Stamford Bridge season ticket holder and national newspaper regular Giles Smith thinks the team just might get noticed tonight!
We're ready to hit the road for the first time in the league campaign and club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton have all the info needed for the short trip down the M4.
Our columnist and former star player was one of many enthralled by Sunday's game and thinks Stamford Bridge fans can expect goals, goals, goals this season.
After three months away, it is everyone back to the Bridge for the opening league encounter. Historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton prepare for the next nine months of intense competition.
Chelsea's former star winger and our regular Tuesday columnist Pat Nevin is back. On Sunday he enjoyed the performance from a type of player he once dreaded facing.
Here we go again! Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton look forward to Sunday's rematch of last season's FA Cup Finalists.
Giorgio Chinaglia, the former Italian international who is a seasoned observer of both the European and American game, has been watching Chelsea's pre-season every inch of the way.
In his penultimate column, NASL legend Giorgio Chinaglia tells us about the Galaxy, Mourinho's injury and who he sees as the favourites for the Barclays Premier League.
Sirius Radio's former Italy legend Giorgio Chinaglia continues to give us his take on the club's American tour.
Lazio and New York Cosmos legend Giorgio Chinaglia has been watching closely as José Mourinho's men are put through their paces in LA.
For the duration of the team's stay in the United States, chelseafc.com will bring you the words of one of the most colourful and outspoken characters on the American soccer scene.
What a dreadful Uefa Champion Clubs' Cup Final! It was far worse than the FA Cup Final. It was full of mistakes.
There is but one subject and one subject only for our Wednesday columnist to reflect upon this week.
Chelsea bodies found strength to win the Cup deep into extra-time but as our columnist and former professional explains, those limbs were feeling the strain.
A good tactical and technical game, but a dull game for the neutral. That was the conclusion on the FA Cup Final of most Chelsea people on Saturday evening.
It took 65 years for Chelsea to win our first FA Cup and another 27 to make it two. No longer strangers to silverware, club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton take aim for FA Cup no. 4.
Chelsea's Spy In The Camp has been bringing inside news, banter and comment for 20 years in the matchday programme, on Chelsea TV and now on the web. He finds a new approach to FA Cup Finals in that time.
Just three days to go and our columnist is still struggling to make some sense out of Wembley seating capacity sums.
Pat this week joins the increasing excitement over Saturday's Wembley showpiece and the nostalgia for the stadium that once was there.
Neil Barnett has been writing, editing and broadcasting for Chelsea for over 20 years. He sees a week of treatment for injured players as the most important pre-Cup Final factor.
The curtain is ready to fall on another league season and club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton prepare for the final act.
Columnist Giles Smith surveys the field of play at the end of a hard-fought championship contest - and finds debris difficult to find.
What could have been a crucial fixture is now a Cup Final warm-up. Club historian Rick Glanvill puts the meeting between new champions and runners-up in context. Paul Dutton provides the penultimate league game statistics.
Pat understands Chelsea's pain over missing out, but he also knows firsthand the pleasure of a cup final May day. In this week's column, he insists we all look forward.
1. If anyone had said in the early summer of 2003, you're going to come second, champions, champions and second in the next four years, Chelsea supporters would have laughed at a dreamer.
Ahead of the second of three consecutive meetings with 'big four' sides, club historian Rick Glanvill looks at the effects of the title race. Statistician Paul Dutton notes more records breaking.
So the 2007 FA Cup Final will be a first team game.
Sun Apr 29th Carvalho has a scan. His torn ligament is clear... Shevchenko reports a groin strain after training, and now he too is out of the game.
As his former club looks to book a place in Europe's biggest single match, Pat believes goals are certain tonight.
Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton get ready as this Chelsea side aims to go where no Chelsea side has gone before - the Champions League Final.
The brain does funny things to the body.
With just 12 points more to play for, club historian Rick Glanvill says Chelsea must guard against an awkward Saturday afternoon. Statistician Paul Dutton spots approaching new records.
When the final whistle goes, the job isn't over.
Our columnist this week has found cause to ask one of the fundamental questions of life. Do footballers know anything about football?
The remaining Champions League campaign will be a card game as well as a ball game according to club historian Rick Glanvill. Paul Dutton has the statistical background to English football's big night.
This week, Pat has joined the large band of supporters who, during an eventful week, have all followed the Chelsea from over land and sea.
Scott Parker, Newcastle's captain and former Chelsea midfielder, stood outside our dressing room after yesterday's draw shaking his head in disbelief.
Sunday lunch is booked in at St. James' but there will be no stroll in the Park. Club historian Rick Glanvill looks at another crucial clash as stats man Paul Dutton charts the present and the past.
The first thing José Mourinho did last night when he returned to the dressing room after the win at West Ham was tell the players they could have today off.
Love us or hate us, they can't ignore us. As another pundit attacks, Chelsea season ticket holder and columnist Giles Smith leaps to his team's defence.
The title fight reaches its closing rounds but club historian Rick Glanvill argues there will be no let-up in intensity as Chelsea travel down the Thames and the table to meet old London adversaries. Statistician Paul Dutton charts mixed fortunes ahead of the game.
Is there a secret to winning games late on? No, just good, solid football reasons says Pat, a veteran of 242 Chelsea appearances and more recently our Tuesday columnist.
We know no club has ever won the Quadruple, but don't forget that no club has ever won the Domestic Treble.
Between us, Chelsea and Blackburn have contested 35 FA Cup semi-finals. Club historian Rick Glanvill tells of a time when broadcasters took only a passing interest in the two teams meeting. Paul Dutton supplies stats both past and present.
Last night was without doubt a night for top drawer celebrations. The efforts were not wasted on our sofa-bound but enraptured Wednesday columnist.
There is only one subject on Chelsea minds today and our Tuesday columnist explains the need for no distractions ahead of a momentous night in Spain.
As Chelsea stand one good result away from our third semi-final in just five Champions League campaigns, club historian Rick Glanvill previews a hot encounter on the Med. Paul Dutton runs through the numbers needed for the big night ahead.
Barely a moment to catch breath after Europe, especially for our visitors, but club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton have found the time to preview the lunchtime encounter.
The day after a big game like last night, players seem to fall into two camps.
Where will you be five minutes before tonight's final whistle? Our Wednesday columnist won't be found anywhere but his vantage point in the Matthew Harding Upper.
Chelsea club historian Rick Glanvill has the low-down on Los Ches as the Blues welcome Spanish opposition for the fifth time in three Champions League campaigns. Statistician Paul Dutton compares English and Iberian records.
This week Pat writes his column fresh from meeting a man who Chelsea may yet encounter in all three competitions we are currently contesting.
On Saturday we qualified for next season's Champions League. On Sunday Joe Cole and Wayne Bridge returned to full training.
Sat March 31st: At Cobham, Essien is running again along with Joe Cole and Bridge... Somehow, we're still six points behind United. We're still in with a chance of winning every tournament we entered in August.
After a two-week break, the title marathon race is back on. Club historian Rick Glanvill spots a healthy pattern to results after gaps in fixtures. Statistician Paul Dutton provides further figures.
Training today is at 1pm so that all the internationals can get back and do a warm-down.
With tonight's England team-sheet awaited with a little interest and a dearth of Chelsea action to occupy the mind, our Wednesday columnist gets teeth into the Lampard-Gerrard debate.
Our Tuesday columnist, son of Glasgow and former international player is perfectly placed to give a dispassionate view on England's trials and tribulations and the Chelsea players within.
All the other journalists have had their say on England, and I disagree with them all. So here is my view. Not surprisingly, it's very informed by Chelsea experiences.
Joe Cole was out on the fields of Cobham yesterday running hard, putting real weight bearing pressure on his mending foot.
Our Wednesday columnist calls on the authorities to take the gloves off when dealing with misbehaviour from Monday, but for the players to most definitely not.
Not a man unknown to scoring a memorable Chelsea goal or two himself in the past, this week Pat Nevin discusses current players finding their true feet.
A random phone-in and email vote amongst Chelsea TV viewers on Friday evening concluded that our best performance of the season was the 2-2 draw away to Barcelona.
Here we go again! Just two days after the two teams were last in action and eight after their original quarter-final meeting, club historian Rick Glanvill is expecting to see a different Chelsea from the 3-3 draw. Stats man Paul Dutton looks at the replay records.
Saturday is a day of home truths for the top two with both Man United and ourselves expected to take three points off visiting sides. Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton set the scene as the race heats up.
In the front row of the upper tier of the visitors' section at Manchester City last night were Kevin Hitchcock and his son Thomas.
Our Wednesday columnist, amused by the workings of Fleet Street this week, decides to take on the mantle of careers advisor.
Club historian Rick Glanvill prepares for José Mourinho's troops to lay siege to Stuart Pearce's beleaguered forces. Statistician Paul Dutton charts fluctuating fortunes.
Our Tuesday columnist played in a couple of the all-time great Chelsea fightbacks, at Cardiff and Sheffield Wednesday. He discusses the stresses and strains of such occasions.
We've caught the virus again! Starting games badly and going behind.
So many memories, so much to play for. Club historian Rick Glanvill looks forward to this most evocative of our London derbies as statistician Paul Dutton prepares the FA Cup facts and figures.
What a significant month it has been for Michael Ballack. He has been speaking to www.chelseafc.com about it, the Bundesliga and his English experience so far.
Here is my all-time Chelsea Hard Man XI.
In this week's column, Pat joins the band of people who come to praise our keeper - and remembers back to his Chelsea playing days and a great goalkeeper who sadly didn't recover from injury.
The past doesn't win matches and stats don't win matches said José Mourinho on Monday. That's a pity reckon club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton because those factors point in the Blues' favour for this big home leg.
Didier Drogba's goal at Portsmouth on Saturday was his 29th for Chelsea this season. That puts him level with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's best year for the club.
Sun February 25th. Lampard collects the trophy, Chelsea's fifth in two-and-a-half years under Mourinho, and our fourth ever League Cup, and celebrations begin.
Our Wednesday columnist just about made it back from Cardiff in time to pen his thoughts this week - and in a strange way, he'll miss his trips across the Severn Bridge.
As promised last week, our Tuesday columnist and former Blue gets up close and personal with the Carling Cup heroes.
Neil Barnett has been writing, editing and broadcasting for Chelsea for over 20 years. He believes the 2007 Carling Cup Final deserved better reviews than today's newspapers gave it.
It's Chelsea's big guns versus the Gunners' fledglings. Or is it? Chelsea club historian Rick Glanvill investigates. Statistician Paul Dutton has cup final facts fever.
Chelsea's Spy In The Camp has been bringing inside news, banter and comment for 20 years in the matchday programme, on Chelsea TV and now on the web. Today he follows the team back from Porto to Surrey and beyond.
Chelsea are back on the European trail and back in a cup final. Our midweek columnist looks at the trials and tribulations of the travelling fan.
If you notice a Chelsea player throw a glance towards José Mourinho and the bench during Wednesday night's game in Porto, our columnist and former Chelsea star knows why. Pat explains here.
Neil Barnett has been writing, editing and broadcasting for Chelsea for over 20 years. Today he is thinking about Cech, Wright-Phillips and Wenger!
The Canaries were on song midweek but club historian Rick Glanvill finds nothing in our FA Cup past with Norwich to give our opponents hope for Saturday. Statistician Paul Dutton has the 5th round facts and figures.
Chelsea's Spy In The Camp has been bringing inside news, banter and comment for 20 years in the matchday programme, on Chelsea TV and now on the web. He's found worldwide reaction to Lassana Diarra speaking English.
Our Wednesday columnist takes a break from the Premiership main event to score some other heavyweight contests.
In his Tuesday column, former Blues winger Pat Nevin discusses the benefits of swift feet up front, and spots a young talent settling in.
Neil Barnett has been writing, editing and broadcasting for Chelsea for over 20 years. He took Saturday's 3-0 win for granted.
Tales from the Riverside have not made pleasant reading for Chelsea the past two seasons but as club historian Rick Glanvill recalls and statistician Paul Dutton proves with figures, it's a whole different story at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea's Spy In The Camp has been bringing inside news, banter and comment for 20 years in the matchday programme, on Chelsea TV and now on the web. He selects a Chelsea Under-23s team which can give us hope for the future.
Mentally bruised from his experience at the weekend, our Wednesday columnist ruminates on the dangers of relying on others.
In his first column of February, Pat Nevin watches on as the teams turn into the home straight in the pursuit of the title.
Neil Barnett has been writing, editing and broadcasting for Chelsea for over 20 years. Frank Lampard and tonight's game against Team China are looked at today.
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