chelseafc.comCHELSEA FOOTBALL CLUB OFFICIAL SITE

CHELSEA YOUTH IN INTERNATIONAL FINALS

The Uefa European Under 17s Championships begin today (Sunday) with Chelsea represented.

Ever-present in the Chelsea Academy's run to the FA Youth Cup final, Gaël Kakuta, will be in action today for France.

Playmaker Kakuta (pictured) was top scorer in the Youth Cup run with six goals.

France take on Republic Ireland today at 2pm UK time.

The tournament follows a two four-team groups leading to semi-finals format with the final played on May 16.

Live coverage of the games is available via the Uefa website and in the UK, on Eurosport 2.

Barclays Premier League

Pos	Team	Pts
1	Man Utd	87
2	Chelsea	85
3	Arsenal	83
Full League Table


Old Trafford
Wed May 21 19:45:00 BST 2008


1	1
Sun May 11 15:00:00 BST 2008
Match Report

QUICKLINKS

RANDOM LINKS

CHELSEA TV EXCLUSIVE: IT WILL BE TIGHT

Just weeks before he joined Chelsea in 2004, Didier Drogba sampled defeat in a European final. It was a taste of something he is determined to avoid next week.

THAT'S MY FINAL ANSWER - PART TWO

With the countdown to the Champions League Final now at four days to go, we continue to catch up with the first team squad for past memories of watching Europe's number one club fixture.

BETTING: THE WORLD'S BIGGEST MONEY-BACK SPECIAL

Money-Back on Champions League Final if Ronaldo scores

JOE'S ROAD TO MOSCOW

Joe Cole has been in the starting line-up for every Champions League game this season and as a True Blue, reaching the finals means all the more. chelseafc.com joined our artful dodger of tackles to review the Road to Moscow.

DAN PETRESCU - STAR ON A STOOL

Last night Dan Petrescu took part in our third Star on Stool event at Stamford Bridge and fielded questions from True Blues keen to get the low-down on the Romanian's career with the club.

RICCY: WE HAVE TO WIN

Ricardo Carvalho insists we have to win the Champions League this season, and that there is far more expectation on us than there was on his successful Porto side in 2004.

THAT'S MY FINAL ANSWER

With just five days until the match football fans the world over will make sure to watch, chelseafc.com will be asking the Chelsea squad for outstanding memories from viewing Champions League Finals past.

PLAY LIKE YOUR HEROES

A few places still remain for the chance to strut your stuff on the hallowed Stamford Bridge turf in support of our national charity partner CLIC Sargent.

EURO UNDER 17S: CHELSEA NAME IN TODAY'S FINAL

The Champions League Final is understandably the centre of all Chelsea attention this week but Friday afternoon sees our Academy player, Gaël Kakuta, represent France in the final of the European Under 17s Championship.

BILLBOARD BLUES

Travellers around London this past fortnight may have noticed the city turning blue as the brand new adidas home kit for the 08/09 season takes up prominent positions.

CHELSEA PARADE STATEMENT

The club has today released a statement on the subject of a parade should we win next week's Champions League Final.

STATEMENT FROM CHELSEA ON CHINA EARTHQUAKE

Everybody at Chelsea Football Club has been shocked and saddened by the consequences of the earthquake in China.

FREE MOSCOW GUIDE FROM LONELY PLANET

The publishers of the famous Lonely Planet guidebooks have produced a free mini-guide to Moscow especially for Chelsea fans attending the Champions League Final.

THE FESTIVITIES START EARLY

The showpiece Final may not be until Wednesday, but festivities in Moscow will be beginning as early as Saturday, when the UEFA Champions Festival kicks off in the city's famous Red Square.

DESAILLY: BLUES HAVE THE ADVANTAGE

There are few players better versed in Champions League achievement than former Chelsea captain Marcel Desailly. He has told chelseafc.com how he rates our chances next week.

PODCAST PREPARES FOR CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

This week the official Chelsea Podcast goes Champions League crazy, as we prepare for the biggest game in the club's history.

CHELSEA TV EXCLUSIVE: JT FREE TO TAKE BIG CHANCE

John Terry has supported Avram Grant's assessment that the player will be fit and ready to lead the team into Chelsea's biggest game next week.

PETRESCU PRACTISES FOR TONIGHT

Dan Petrescu is looking forward to his chance to answer questions from True Blues at tonight's Star on a Stool.

CECH CONFIRMED FOR CZECH SUMMER

Petr Cech is the latest Chelsea star to receive a formal call-up for Euro 2008. He is one of three keepers in the Czech Republic's provisional 23-man squad.

THE MOST IMPORTANT GAME

Two sides who know each other better than most will go head-to-head in Moscow in a week's time but Avram Grant doesn't anticipate familiarity breeding an uneventful game.

KALOU CAN'T WAIT

Still early in his career, Salomon Kalou has admitted his excitement before next week's Champions League Final, and has been discussing the improvements he has made under Avram Grant's tutelage.

ANTI-RACISM TAKES CHELSEA TO DOWNING STREET

Peter Kenyon and Avram Grant met the Prime Minster, Gordon Brown at Downing Street to celebrate the achievements of tackling racism within the game and society.

GILES SMITH'S MIDWEEK VIEW

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

EURO UNDER 17S: KAKUTA TO CONTEST FINAL

Gaël Kakuta, one of the key players behind Chelsea's run to the FA Youth Cup Final, will play in another final on Friday after France's semi-final win in the European Under 17s Championships.

GRANT: SKIPPER SHOULD BE OKAY

Avram Grant has given his views on Chelsea's injury situation plus some recent newspaper stories, speaking with optimism on the club captain's chance of leading the team onto the pitch in Moscow.

CECH CLARIFICATION ON MEDIA STORIES

Petr Cech has today issued a statement after speculation in today's media linked him with a move away from the club.

PETRESCU PREPARES

Dan Petrescu said he is excited about being part of Chelsea's next special event when he becomes our Star on a Stool this Thursday.

DROGBA: I'LL BE THERE

Didier Drogba is confident he can be fit for next week's Champions League Final after taking a knock to his knee on Sunday.

PAT NEVIN: COMMENCING COUNTDOWN

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.

OLD BOYS AT AMPTHILL

Chelsea Old Boys return to action this weekend as they meet Ampthill Town of Bedfordshire in a fundraising friendly on Sunday.

THREE IN FOR PORTUGAL

Chelsea new boy José Bosingwa has more to celebrate today as he has been named in the Portugal squad for Euro 2008, alongside new team-mates Paulo Ferreira and Ricardo Carvalho.

WINSTON'S CELERY IS OUT AGAIN

The third edition of Chelsea TV's mad quiz show Winston Bogarde's Huge Celery is broadcast at 10.30pm today.

LOOKING FORWARD TO MOSCOW

John Mikel Obi believes the disappointment of missing out on Premier League silverware can spur us on to European success when we meet Manchester United in Moscow next week.

LIVE THE BRIDGE DREAM

The last chance to sign up and play at Stamford Bridge in aid of CLIC Sargent is fast approaching.

BOSINGWA AIMS HIGH

Chelsea's early summer capture, José Bosingwa, has been speaking following his agreement to join for next season, explaining his decision to move from Portugal.

SEASON TICKET RENEWAL NEWS

The renewal date for season tickets has been extended for fans paying by credit/debit card, cash or cheque.

BOSINGWA TO JOIN CHELSEA

José Bosingwa has agreed terms with Chelsea Football Club and will join the club after Euro 2008. He has agreed a three-year contract.

LADIES DAY AT COBHAM

Cobham played host to the first national tournament for female college players with disabilities last week, and our Ladies World Cup winner Lorrie Fair was on hand to help out.

GET KITTED OUT WITH THE NEW CHELSEA MAGAZINE

The season may be drawing to a close, but it remains all-go with the Chelsea magazine, packed with a host of features to see you through the next month.

CHELSEA AGREE BOSINGWA DEAL

Chelsea Football Club can confirm we have reached agreement with FC Porto for the transfer of Jose Bosingwa. The player is now in England to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical.

GO TO THE FINAL WITH THOMAS COOK

Chelsea's allocation of tickets (without travel packages) for the Champions League Final is now sold out.

EXPERT ANALYSIS ON CHELSEA TV

Avram Grant, John Terry and Ashley Cole all give post-match reactions on Chelsea TV in tonight's Monday Night Live.

MOSCOW - DO OR DIE

John Terry said all eyes are now on the Champions League after the penultimate day of the season saw Manchester United secure the title.

COBHAM NOMINATED

Our Cobham training ground has been nominated for a prestigious award by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

REACTION: NOT GIVING UP

After praising his players and congratulating Manchester United, Avram Grant would not rule John Terry out of the Champions League Final in Moscow next Wednesday.

MATCH REPORT: CHELSEA 1 BOLTON WANDERERS 1

Chelsea finished yet another season unbeaten at Stamford Bridge but we were held by Bolton to a 1-1 draw.

MINUTE DETAIL: CHELSEA 1 BOLTON WANDERERS 1

61 CHELSEA GOAL Shevchenko turns Lampard's bouncing shot in from eight yards for the long-awaited goal. Cole's earlier shot was blocked and fell Lamps's way.

TEAM NEWS: CHELSEA V BOLTON WANDERERS

Alex comes into defence in place of Ricardo Carvalho with Michael Essien at right-back and Player of the Year Joe Cole returning in front of the Ghanaian.

MATCHDAY PROGRAMME NOTES

You can read today's matchday programme notes online.

CHELSEA TV EXCLUSIVE: COLE CONSIDERS

Joe Cole, Chelsea Player of the Year, has been speaking ahead of today's game, picking out some of names that could prove influential in the final act in the league season.

THE FIRST TITLE TRAIL

Find yourself in the Chelsea dressing room before kick-off this afternoon and not own a past league championship winners' medal and you will be in a tiny minority. Two of those few looking for a first league medal, Salomon Kalou and John Mikel Obi, have been speaking of their desire to join the majority.

GRANT RECALLS GRAND FINALE

Today's final 90 minutes of league football may stir memories of 1995 when Manchester United lost the title race on the final day; Blackburn the beneficiaries, but 13 years ago, Avram Grant was involved in a final day shake-up of his own.

EURO UNDER 17S: KAKUTA PROGRESSES

Chelsea youth team top scorer Gaël Kakuta will play in the semi-finals of the European Under 17 Championships after France's 2-0 group stage win over Switzerland.

AVRAM: WE WAIT

With the Premier League title going to the last day of the season for the first time in nine years tomorrow, Avram Grant believes he will not need to look far to find out what is going on at the JJB Stadium.

PETRESCU BACK NEXT WEEK

Chelsea this month continues our series of special events when Dan Petrescu takes part in Star on a Stool on May 15.

AVRAM NAMED MANAGER OF THE MONTH

Avram Grant has been named Manager of the Month for April by the Barclays Premier League.

GRANT: THE RIGHT FOOTBALL AT THE RIGHT TIME

On Sunday at 3pm, all the talking will stop. Before then, Avram Grant has been asked views on his own team, on Bolton, on Wigan and on the Friday comments of Sir Alex Ferguson.

LAST DAY PREMIER LEAGUE BETTING

What a season this has been already and it's going to get a lot better come 3pm on Sunday.

NEW GROUND FOR RICCY

As we approach the season's end, Players' Player of the Year Ricardo Carvalho admits he cannot recall a closer run-in, and insists now we must simply do our job.

JOE: THANK YOU

Having had a little time to familiarise himself with the award, Joe Cole has been discussing how it feels to be the Chelsea Player of the Year for 2008.

AWARDS HOST NOTES WIGAN'S RESOLVE

Jeff Stelling, Sky Sports presenter and host of the Chelsea Player of the Year Awards, believes Wigan could be a tough test for Manchester United on Sunday.

MATCHDAY TRAVEL NEWS

If you are travelling to Stamford Bridge for Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash with Bolton then you may appreciate the following information.

PRE-MATCH BRIEFING: CHELSEA V BOLTON WANDERERS

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.

TALK TO JOE COLE LIVE ON CHELSEA TV TONIGHT

Player of the Year Joe Cole is a studio guest on Chelsea TV's Big Match Countdown at 6pm this evening.

JOE IS FANS' NUMBER ONE

Chelsea supporters have voted Joe Cole the club's Player of the Year for 2008.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR NAMING NEARS

With anticipation building toward tonight's Chelsea Player of the Year awards at Stamford Bridge, the evening's host, Jeff Stelling, has speculated on the winner of the main prize.

CHELSEA SCREENSAVER

To celebrate reaching the UEFA Champions League Final we are delighted to announce the launch of a new, and completely free service for fans - the Chelsea FC Interactive Screensaver.

UNITED REPORT GOES IN

Chelsea Football Club today submitted our observations to the Football Association, as requested, regarding incidents that occurred after the recent match against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

CHELSEA TV EXCLUSIVE: COLE - WIGAN WILL BE TOUGH

Ashley Cole believes Manchester United will have to fight for their points against a tough Wigan side on Sunday.

STATEMENT ON MEDIA STORIES

Chelsea Football Club would like to officially distance ourselves from comments in the media this morning regarding the reasons behind any criticism Avram Grant may or may not have received since he became our manager in September.

KIT LAUNCHED WITH MOSCOW NEWS AND BIG GIVEAWAY

Chelsea's new adidas home kit for the 08/09 season, which is on sale for the first time today (Thursday), has been confirmed as the one the players will wear for the Champions League final in Moscow.

THE THURSDAY INTERVIEW: PETR CECH

As he approaches two of the biggest games in his career, Petr Cech believes we face a huge challenge for silverware, but insists that if anybody is capable, it is Chelsea.

PLAYERS FANS OF OUR TRUE BLUES

In the week Chelsea launched our new membership packages, the players have been speaking about the value they place on the fans' loyalty and support during games.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: LIVE ON CHELSEA TV

Both Chelsea TV and Chelsea Plus will offer full, live coverage of tonight's Player of the Year Awards at Stamford Bridge.

BUILD-UP ON PODCAST

This week's podcast gets you ready for the title showdown as we head toward the last weekend of the Barclays Premier League and possibly the biggest prize.

EURO UNDER 17S: CHELSEA PROSPECT IN DRAW

Gaël Kakuta, Chelsea Academy's France Under 17 international, was involved in another exciting game as the European Championships for his age group continue in Turkey.

LOOK RIGHT FOR MOSCOW

A full range of exclusive Road to Moscow merchandise to celebrate our historic Champions League final appearance is now available.

LE SAUX: CHELSEA LOOKING GOOD FOR MOSCOW

Former Chelsea star Graeme Le Saux took time out from a recent event to speak to chelseafc.com about a mouth-watering month ahead - plus the Blues' dramatic victory over Liverpool and the character shown by Frank Lampard in the shadow of bereavement.

PORTSMOUTH'S HUGHES MAKES STATEMENT

Portsmouth player Richard Hughes has issued a statement via his club's website in response to newspaper stories concerning Avram Grant.

NEW-LOOK TRUE BLUE MEMBERSHIP

Following consultation with our fans, we have made changes to our 2008/9 membership scheme.

WARM RECEPTION

It was training in the sun today as the first team squad returned to Cobham as preparations begin for our final Premier League game of the season.

GILES SMITH'S MIDWEEK VIEW

Wednesday columnist and excited supporter Giles Smith sets the manifesto for the league season's final day.

LOOKING AHEAD WITH CHELSEA TV

Ashley Cole looks ahead to the final day of the season on Chelsea TV in tonight's Blues News at 6.30pm.

MIDDAY CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TICKET SALES

In a change to previous ticket news, seats for the Champions League final in Moscow will go on sale today at 12 noon to all members and season ticket holders, one ticket per person.

CHELSEA TV NEEDS YOU!

Chelsea's official television channel is looking for True Blues from across the nation for a new series on Chelsea TV.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR ON CHELSEA TV

The Player of the Year Awards will be broadcast live on Chelsea TV as the ceremony unfolds.

PAT NEVIN: TIMING OUR RUN

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.

PAPERVIEW ON THE BIG GAMES AND THE BIG RUMOURS

There is certainly no shortage of topics to discuss on Chelsea TV's popular Paperview show tonight as our season approaches its most dramatic climax ever.

GREAT JOB DONE

John Terry and Michael Ballack both feel yesterday's victory will keep the pressure high on Manchester United as we head towards the last game of the season.

REACTION: IN THE ENGLISH GAME, ALL IS POSSIBLE

So the 'cup finals' keep on coming. Avram Grant's final league game in his first Premier League season will be a championship decider.

MATCH REPORT: NEWCASTLE UNITED 0 CHELSEA 2

The title race will go to the final day after a merited win. Two second-half goals - a Michael Ballack header and a Florent Malouda shot - did the job, the Blues also striking woodwork through John Terry.

MINUTE DETAIL: NEWCASTLE UNITED 0 CHELSEA 2

Barclays Premier League clash with Newcastle United at St James' Park, Monday 5 May, 2008.

UEFA CONFIRM UCL FINAL TICKET WILL ACT AS VISA

UEFA have released information regarding visa arrangements for the Champions League Final in Moscow.

TEAM NEWS: NEWCASTLE UNITED V CHELSEA

Avram Grant has shuffled his pack for the last away league game of the season including starts for Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda in attack, John Mikel Obi in midfield and Paulo Ferreira and Wayne Bridge at full-back.

PRE-MATCH BRIEFING: NEWCASTLE UNITED V CHELSEA

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.

LOAN INTEREST

As the Championship drew to a close yesterday, it was an exciting day for the Chelsea players out on loan with clubs in that division, with several youngsters enjoying a day to remember.

CECH: WE CAN STAND THE HEAT

Petr Cech, a veteran of two Chelsea league wins plus the recent run that has taken the Blues to victory over Man United and Liverpool, has backed the Blues to survive the pressure cooker atmosphere at St James' Park this afternoon.

UNCHANGED OPTION FOR KEEGAN

In similar fashion to Chelsea, Newcastle are relatively untroubled by injury for such a late stage in the season.

KAKUTA IN FRANCE UNDER 17 VICTORY

The Uefa European Under 17 Championships opened on Sunday in dramatic fashion when Chelsea youth teamer Gaël Kakuta and his France team-mates beat Republic of Ireland in the final seconds of their game.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL TICKET UPDATE

The next batch of tickets for the Champions League final go on sale tomorrow (Monday) to season ticket holders with 76 loyalty points or greater, one ticket per person.

PLAYING PATIENCE

With a sense of achievement that comes with taking Chelsea to our first Champions League final but knowing silverware has yet to be won, Avram Grant has been speaking further about the adaptation process needed when he became manager.

CHELSEA YOUTH IN INTERNATIONAL FINALS

The Uefa European Under 17s Championships begin today (Sunday) with Chelsea represented.

TAKING COLE TO NEWCASTLE

For Joe Cole, the man who has played more minutes than any Chelsea player this season, confidence is high his legs will carry him on towards potentially huge rewards.

THE PRESSURE GAME

Avram Grant, who counts many of his rival managers as friends, has been discussing the pressures that face him and his contemporaries in the closing stages of the season.

MOSCOW ARRANGEMENTS LATEST

We have had an extremely positive meeting today with UEFA and the local organising committee in Moscow who are both confident that there will be a simplification of the visa process for fans travelling to the Champions League final.

AVRAM: FOCUSED AND FLYING

Avram Grant believes that after two important wins it is full steam ahead for his side, and is unconcerned by comments about the title race from other managers.

MEGASTORE TRANSFORMED

The Chelsea Megastore is undergoing a change of image today, as we prepare to launch the new 2008/9 home kit - on sale on Thursday.

AVRAM AND CHELSEA REMEMBER THE HOLOCAUST

Avram Grant made the closing speech at the 'March of the Living' ceremony at the former Nazi concentration and death camps of Aushwitz- Burkenau yesterday (Thursday).

12/1 ODDS ON DROGBA

Paddy Power are offering Chelsea fans an exclusive on 'The Drog', by offering a massive 12/1 on him scoring the first goal at St James' Park.

ASK STATMAN

In the latest of his statistical surgeries, Chelsea's official statistician Paul Dutton answers more queries emailed in by supporters in recent weeks.

MEGASTORE OVER BANK HOLIDAY

There has a been a change to the normal opening hours for the Megastore at Stamford Bridge over the Bank Holiday weekend.

SAMSUNG PRIZE FOR CHELSEA CAMPAIGN

Chelsea Football Club's chance to win trophies lies in the days ahead but our official club sponsor Samsung has already been presented with one honour.

TERRY: EVERYONE PLAYS THEIR PART

John Terry, the captain who led Chelsea to victory over Manchester United in the final game of last season, has been casting his mind forward to the climax of the current campaign.

BECOME PART OF FANS FORUM

Chelsea Football Club's Fans Forum is now looking for new members who wish to keep a relationship running between club and fans over the next two years.

MOSCOW TRAVEL ADVICE

The government Foreign and Commonwealth Office is providing information via a dedicated web page for supporters planning on travelling to the Champions League final.

CHELSEA GIVING LONDON KIDS A HEAD START IN BUSINESS

Chelsea Football Club has teamed up with former Nottingham Forest, Arsenal and England forward Tony Woodcock to launch a scheme designed to encourage young people to go on to university and give them a head start in business.

THE THURSDAY INTERVIEW: MICHAEL BALLACK

Hours after helping the side to our first Champions League final, Michael Ballack joined up with chelseafc.com to discuss the achievement, and how desperate he is to claim a winner's medal.

KEEPING CONFIDENT

The 50th European game of his career may not have ended with the shut-out he was hoping for but Petr Cech was more than happy with the outcome and the two names on the Chelsea goal sheet.

NEW GAVIN PEACOCK SHOW PODCAST LIVE

Former Chelsea player Gavin Peacock is back with his free monthly podcast and joining him on the show are Gavin's former team-mate Scott Minto, journalist and lifelong fan Pete Nichols, and Chelsea TV's very own Gigi Salmon.

THE GREAT MEGASTORE GIVEAWAY

Next Thursday (May 8) sees the new home kit available to purchase in the Megastore and to celebrate the occasion there will be a whole host of gifts given away to lucky shoppers.

TV DINNER

Chelsea TV will be broadcasting the Player of the Year awards ceremony and dinner exclusively live next week, and you can still make your vote count.

SAMPLING SUCCESS

There was a mood of elation in the Chelsea dressing room last night after the club reached its first Champions League final, although not all the players managed to sample it.

REACTION: DIFFICULT BUT HAPPY DAY

Home games simply don't come any bigger and having watched his side triumph, Avram Grant spoke with satisfaction over the achievement and about other emotions that came with the day.

MATCH REPORT: CHELSEA 3 LIVERPOOL 2 AET (AGG 4-3)

Chelsea will meet Manchester United in our first Champions League final appearance, after defeating Liverpool after extra time at Stamford Bridge.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TICKET NEWS

Ticket sale dates for the Champions League Final at the Luzhniki Stadium on May 21 have been announced.

BLUES THE VALUE IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL

Paddy Power prices Champions League final after the semi-final result

MINUTE DETAIL: CHELSEA 3 LIVERPOOL 2 (AGG 4-3)

97 CHELSEA GOAL Lampard smashes the spot-kick home and collapses in tears at the celebration.

TEAM NEWS: CHELSEA V LIVERPOOL

Frank Lampard will start and Michael Essien and Salomon Kalou come into the starting XI in two changes from the first leg.

MATCHDAY PROGRAMME NOTES

You can read today's matchday programme notes online.

CECH: WE'LL GO FOR GOALS

Petr Cech, the keeper who stands one clean sheet away from guaranteeing Chelsea a place in our first Champions League final, doesn't anticipate the side settling for what they already have at kick-off tonight.

PRE-MATCH BRIEFING: CHELSEA V LIVERPOOL

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.

CHELSEA - ODDS ON FAVOURITES FOR TONIGHT

Paddy Power, Chelsea's official online betting partner, have Chelsea as 5/4 favourites to win tonight's Champions League clash.

GILES SMITH'S MIDWEEK VIEW

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.

IT'S KERRY VERSUS PADDY

He may have left it too late to win outright but Kerry Dixon is putting in a sprint finish in his head-to-head betting challenge with Paddy Power after a second win in a week. He's aiming for more of the same in the big one tonight.

MATCHDAY TRAVEL NEWS

If you are planning to travel to Stamford Bridge for tonight's Champions League clash then you may appreciate the following information.

AVRAM: FRANK HOPES

Avram Grant believes Frank Lampard could play some part in tomorrow's Champions League semi-final second leg against Liverpool.

CECH V TORRES COULD DECIDE IT SAYS BENITEZ

Despite his Liverpool sides having no history of scoring at Stamford Bridge, Rafael Benitez rates his chance of making it past Chelsea to Moscow as '50/50'.

PAT NEVIN: COMING INTO THEIR OWN

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.

TENOR WENT TO MOW

The team selection for Wednesday's Champions League crunch match is yet to be revealed but one name from last Saturday has kept his place in the on-pitch proceedings - Chelsea-supporting opera singer Stuart Pendred.

CHELSEA TV EXCLUSIVE: DIXON - WE'LL GO TO MOSCOW

Kerry Dixon looked ahead to tomorrow night's Champions League clash on Chelsea TV as the Blues legend previewed the game.

BETTING: BACK THE BLUES FOR MOSCOW

The semi-finals will soon be over and fans will be planning their journeys to Moscow.

GIORGIO'S EURO COLUMN

Ahead of tomorrow's semi-final showdown with Liverpool, we caught up with resident Champions League expert Giorgio Chinaglia to give his views on how the game will pan out.

BETTING PREVIEW: BLUES MOSCOW BOUND

Paddy Power senses joy for Chelsea

LOAN INTEREST

As the Football League approaches its climax in the coming week, we catch up with the progress of our players out on loan, and find out who has what to play for.

BALLACK: ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE

Michael Ballack believes all pressure is now on Manchester United after Saturday's 2-1 win put us on level points with the league rivals.

SING UP FOR THE BOYS IN BLUE

With just 90 minutes separating us from our first Champions League final, we urge all supporters to turn up early on Wednesday evening, and show your support as we take on Liverpool.

AFTER THE WHISTLE: SATURDAY LUNCHTIME FEVER

As sunny April Saturdays at Stamford Bridge go, this one was right up there. And for Chelsea fans who have enjoyed a range of new experiences in recent seasons, a title race going to the wire is another to add to the collection.

POST-MATCH ON CHELSEA TV

Michael Ballack, Ashley Cole and Avram Grant all give post-match reactions after Saturday's victory over Manchester United in Monday Night Live tonight at 6.30pm.

DETAILS AND DEBUT DATE FOR NEW HOME KIT

Chelsea Football Club today reveals the inspiration for the new home kit for next season which captures the spirit of unity and collectiveness within our team.

CECH 'WARNING' TO RIVALS

Petr Cech has a 'Warning' for all Chelsea's opponents next season, the colour of the goalkeeper's home shirt.

KIT MADE WITH THE RIGHT SPIRIT

Chelsea's players have given a unanimous vote of approval to the new home kit for next season and the inspiration behind it.

SAMSUNG OPT FOR SHIRT NAME CHANGE

Chelsea Football Club is delighted to confirm that we will carry the global company brand Samsung on the team's shirts next season.

TERRY AND CECH: FANTASTIC RESULT

John Terry and Petr Cech believe character, resilience and hard work brought victory for Chelsea against Manchester United on Saturday afternoon.

REACTION: WE HAVE TO BE OPTIMISTIC

Having seen his side draw level with today's opponents Manchester United, Avram Grant has expressed his confidence that we can take the Premier League title.

MATCH REPORT: CHELSEA 2 MANCHESTER UNITED 1

Three points don't really come much more important than this. A Michael Ballack double, the first a header just before the interval, the second a penalty has kept the title race very much alive.

MINUTE DETAIL: CHELSEA 2 MANCHESTER UNITED 1

Barclays Premier League match with Manchester Untied at Stamford Bridge, 26 April, 2008.

TEAM NEWS: CHELSEA V MANCHESTER UNITED

Michael Essien returns in place of Frank Lampard and John Mikel Obi comes in for Claude Makelele.

HOME COMFORTS

With two vital games to come in the next four days, Ashley Cole believes we must make home advantage count against both Manchester United and Liverpool.

AVRAM: OPTIMISM FOR WIN

Avram Grant believes victory today could see us go on to lift the Premier League trophy, and is glad to have a fully fit Didier Drogba to count on.

GRANT'S HOPE FOR GOLDEN 50

Fifty games into his time as Chelsea manager, Avram Grant is back where it all began - a match against reigning champions Manchester United.

MAKA ON UNITED

After a difficult season, Claude Makelele insists he is not surprised we are still competing for the Premier League title, going into tomorrow's clash with Manchester United.

NEW HOME KIT UNVEILED

The Chelsea home kit for the 08/09 season has been revealed and can be pre-ordered now.

IT'S KERRY VERSUS PADDY!

It's that time again as betting expert Paddy Power and Chelsea legend Kerry Dixon go head-to-head to predict the outcome of our game with Manchester United.

PRE-MATCH BRIEFING: CHELSEA V MANCHESTER UNITED

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.

MUSEUM CLOSURE

The Chelsea Football Club Museum will be undergoing a refurbishment during the summer.

CHELSEA TV: BIG NAMES ON BIG MATCH COUNTDOWN

Sky commentator Martin Tyler and Formula One legend Eddie Jordan are the studio guests on tonight's 'Big Match Countdown' on Chelsea TV ahead of the crucial Manchester United game tomorrow.

BLUES BETTING

Saturday is the big one with Manchester United coming to Stamford Bridge for what could be this season's title decider. Our online betting Partner Paddy Power has all the odds you need.

MATCHDAY TRAVEL NEWS

If you are travelling to Stamford Bridge for tomorrow's Premier League clash with Manchester United then you may appreciate the following information.

TRIBUTE TO PAT LAMPARD

Everybody at Chelsea Football Club is absolutely devastated to hear the tragic news of the passing away of Pat Lampard, Frank's mother.

BOOK OF CONDOLENCE

The club has set up an online book of condolence for fans wishing to pay their respects, after the passing of Frank Lampard's mother Pat.

THE THURSDAY INTERVIEW: FRANCO DI SANTO

Just over two months and eight games after he played his first competitive game at Chelsea, Franco Di Santo has completed the reserve team's league season as our top scorer. He has been speaking to chelseafc.com about life since his move across the Atlantic.

MATCH REPORT: PORTSMOUTH YOUTH 4 CHELSEA YOUTH 3

An eventful game saw Chelsea youth come back from a one-goal deficit to lead 3-2 before eventually losing out to a freak goal in the dying minutes.

STATEMENT ON FRANK LAMPARD'S MOTHER PAT

Frank Lampard's representatives have this afternoon released a statement.

ONE OF THE BEST

Petr Cech has been discussing his performance at Liverpool on Tuesday night, which saw him pull off a string of world class saves.

FLAGGING UP

Home fixture double-headers don't come much bigger than the one Stamford Bridge hosts over the next week and while the stadium should be at its most passionate, efforts will be made to ensure it is also at its most colourful for the visit of Liverpool next week.

BOLTON TICKET NEWS

The few remaining tickets for the final home match against Bolton on May 11 will go on sale as follows:

PREVIEWS ON PODCAST

There is a news round-up from the biggest week of our season so far in the latest official Chelsea podcast, as we get ready for the weekend's top of the table clash.

CANOVILLE SATURDAY SIGNING

Former Chelsea player, Paul Canoville, will be signing copies of his new autobiography Black and Blue close to Stamford Bridge before Saturday lunchtime's game.

THE UPPER HAND

With a late, late equaliser at Liverpool last night, the feeling among the players is that we will take an advantage back to Stamford Bridge for next week's second leg.

BECOME A STAR OF STAMFORD BRIDGE

Hasn't every True Blue dreamed of scoring the winning goal at Stamford Bridge? The playing field of greats like Peter Osgood, Kerry Dixon and Gianfranco Zola.

POST-MATCH ON CHELSEA TV

Frank Lampard, Ricardo Carvalho and Avram Grant all give post-match reactions on Chelsea TV in tonight's Blues News at 6.30pm.

GILES SMITH'S MIDWEEK VIEW

Columnist Giles Smith forgives himself for forgetting his team's durability and casts a supporter's eye over the first leg happenings.

REACTION: NO FINAL PROMISE BUT A GOOD STEP

It was a composed Avram Grant who spoke after the game at Anfield despite the drama of the dying seconds.

MATCH REPORT: LIVERPOOL 1 CHELSEA 1

Drama in the final seconds sends Chelsea back to Stamford Bridge with an away goal and the tie all square after John Arne Riise turns Salomon Kalou's cross into his own net.

MINUTE DETAIL: LIVERPOOL 1 CHELSEA 1

90+4 CHELSEA GOAL John Arne Riise turns the ball into his own net, heading Kalou's low cross beyond Reina!

TEAM NEWS: LIVERPOOL V CHELSEA

Didier Drogba and Michael Ballack have been passed fit and start.

LOOKING AT LIVERPOOL

After speaking yesterday of his desire to reach Moscow, John Terry has been pondering tonight's opponents Liverpool, and the threat they pose.

PRE-MATCH BRIEFING: LIVERPOOL V CHELSEA

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.

PAT NEVIN: THE FIRST LEG EFFECT

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.

IT'S KERRY VERSUS PADDY

Neither tipster Kerry Dixon nor bookmaker Paddy Power made any money on Chelsea's most recent visit to Merseyside only last Thursday.

CHELSEA TV EXCLUSIVE: AVRAM RESPONDS

Avram Grant has spoken out passionately against negative Chelsea stories in an exclusive interview given to Chelsea TV ahead of tomorrow night's Uefa Champions League semi-final first leg.

BURNING AMBITION

John Terry insists that while we must not dwell on two previous Champions League semi-final defeats to Liverpool, we can use those disappointments as an incentive to spur us on to Moscow this time around.

AVRAM: WE CAN MAKE HISTORY

Avram Grant has expressed his respect for Frank Lampard after the midfielder made himself available to play against Liverpool on Tuesday, and hopes that his involvement in the tie can help Chelsea create history.

MATCH REPORT: CHELSEA RESERVES 1 ASTON VILLA RESERVES 1

The reserves completed their season with a lively match that kept both goalkeepers busy and produced a seventh goal in eight games for Chelsea's new striker Franco Di Santo.

LAMPARD AVAILABLE FOR ANFIELD

Frank Lampard has rejoined the squad travelling north today [Monday] to prepare for Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first leg.

BENITEZ: GERRARD IS FIT

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has confirmed he will have captain Steven Gerrard available to face us in tomorrow night's Champions League semi-final first leg at Anfield.

EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE ON CHELSEA TV

Petr Cech talks to Chelsea TV in Monday Night Live at 6.30pm, the only place where you can watch tonight's reserve game between Chelsea and Aston Villa.

MATCHDAY TRAVEL NEWS

Anyone travelling to Liverpool for tomorrow night's Champions League clash may appreciate the following information.

BETTING PREVIEW: AWAY GOALS ARE THE KEY

Another season, another Liverpool v Chelsea Champions League tie and this time it couldn't be more important to both teams.

TEAM NAMED FOR RESERVE FINALE

Chelsea reserves look to end their season tonight (Monday) in the same vein of form that has taken them to five games undefeated and 3-0 wins in their last two outings.

PETRESCU'S RETURN

Chelsea continues our series of special events when Dan Petrescu becomes our Star on a Stool next month.

MAKA TARGETTING 'AMAZING FINAL'

Claude Makelele, a veteran of 93 Champions League games including one successful final, has spoken of the need to learn lessons from previous euro-encounters with Liverpool.

ANFIELD REFEREE NAMED

The first leg of Chelsea's Champions League semi-final against Liverpool will be refereed by Austrian Konrad Plautz.

MATCH REPORT: CHELSEA YOUTH 2 LEICESTER YOUTH 2

Chelsea's youth team moved on from the FA Youth Cup final disappointment to complete their home league fixtures this weekend. They twice came from behind to share the points.

AVRAM ON ANFIELD

With attentions turning to Champions League football for the next few days, Avram Grant is looking forward to pitting his wits against Rafa Benitez, and one of his favourite players.

CARVALHO: THE RIGHT PROFILES

Ricardo Carvalho has been describing the solidity in the Chelsea side this week that allowed a 13th away league win of the season to be recorded, despite the absence of prominent players Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack and Didier Drogba.

KALOU: WE STILL HAVE THE SPIRIT

Salomon Kalou believes the realisation the team were walking a title race tightrope on Thursday was the spur needed to drive them on to a solid win at Everton.

COBHAM'S ROYAL RECEPTION

The King of Malaysia visited Cobham yesterday to watch two Malaysian footballers continue their trials with the club.

PREVIEWS AND REACTIONS ON PODCAST

There's plenty of first team and youth team action is this week's podcast as the club's official download hears from first team coach/manager Avram Grant and youth coach Paul Clement.

BOLTON TICKET NEWS

There have been further dates announced for the Barclays Premier League clash with Bolton on May 11.

POST-MATCH ON CHELSEA TV

Avram Grant, John Mikel Obi and Salomon Kalou all offer their insightful opinions to Chelsea TV in a specially extended Blues News tonight at 6.30pm.

REACTION: ABOUT THE POINTS

Avram Grant was pleased with the three points picked up against Everton last night, and was satisfied with how the team stood firm in the final minutes of the game.

MATCH REPORT: EVERTON 0 CHELSEA 1

Chelsea ground out a narrow victory at Everton thanks to a first-half Michael Essien goal, which takes us to within two points of Manchester United in the Premier League title race.

MINUTE DETAIL: EVERTON 0 CHELSEA 1

40 CHELSEA GOAL Essien finishes from close range as a fortunate rebound fall his way as Wright-Phillips is challenged. Kalou and Essien do good work earlier in the move.

TEAM NEWS: EVERTON V CHELSEA

Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba are again absent but there are returns for Joe Cole and Ricardo Carvalho.

THE THURSDAY INTERVIEW: NICOLAS ANELKA

With Chelsea's double header against teams from the city of Liverpool starting tonight, the next few days will go a long way to deciding whether there will be a new trophy at Stamford Bridge come the end of the season.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL TICKET NEWS

Further ticket sale dates have been announced for the Champions League semi-final against Liverpool on April 22.

GRANT: HAPPY WITH THE BLUES

Avram Grant says he is pleased with his players' achievements this season since his appointment back in September.

PRE-MATCH BRIEFING: EVERTON V CHELSEA

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.

GOODISON MEMORIES

Preparing to visit Goodison Park for the second time this season, Petr Cech is hoping for a more relaxed time than in January, the day his daughter Adela was born.

ANELKA SPECIAL

With the number of games running out before the end of the season, there won't be many more occasions for our online bookie Paddy Power to offer their exclusive Chelsea bets.

IT'S KERRY VERSUS PADDY

With Chelsea in action tonight for the second game of the week, tipster and former Blues goalscoring legend Kerry Dixon and bookmaker Paddy Power continue their head-to-head betting challenge.

YOUTH PLAYER SORRY FOR TACKLE

Chelsea's youth team coach Paul Clement (pictured) has explained that Chelsea Under 18s midfielder, Jacob Mellis, apologised to Manchester City's Kieran Tripper for a tackle that led to a red card in last night's FA Youth Cup final.

FA YOUTH CUP: MANCHESTER CITY 3 CHELSEA 1 (AGG: 4-2)

Two Under 18 sides again did youth football proud with another high quality game but sadly for Chelsea, after taking an early lead, the home side fought back to be ahead by the break with a late goal putting the result beyond doubt.

GET YOUR VOTES IN!

There is still time to vote in the Player of the Year and Goal of the Season awards, with the ceremony taking place on May 8.

GREAT START TO THE DAY FOR BREAKFAST CLUB KIDS

Pupils from our Breakfast Clubs scheme were guests of honour at the Cobham training ground recently, as Petr Cech handed out prizes at the annual award ceremony.

GRANT: IT WILL BE DIFFICULT

Avram Grant is expecting a tough game when the Blues travel to Liverpool for tomorrow night's Barclays Premier League clash against Everton.

CHELSEA IN RUSSIA THIS SUMMER

Chelsea Football Club will play in a prestigious pre-season tournament in Russia this summer.

MINUTE DETAIL: MANCHESTER CITY YOUTH 3 CHELSEA YOUTH 1

34 MANCHESTER CITY GOAL Weiss takes the kick himself and bends it hard into Rhys Taylor's top left-hand corner. Chelsea have it all to do after a bright start.

FA YOUTH CUP PREVIEW: WE CAN'T WAIT!

Tonight in Manchester, the conclusion will be reached in what has been an invigorating FA Youth Cup run. chelseafc.com spoke to youth team coach Paul Clement before he headed north with his players.

GILES SMITH'S MIDWEEK VIEW

Having weighed up the evidence, columnist Giles Smith accepts the unpalatable truth while wondering if 90 minutes support is such a good idea.

BET ON THE CHELSEA STARS OF TOMORROW

The Chelsea boys hold the value for the cup say bookmakers Paddy Power.

YOUTH TEAM: A REINTRODUCTION

With the tie evenly balanced at 1-1 after an exhilarating first leg at Stamford Bridge, the Chelsea youth team face Manchester City at Eastlands tonight to decide where the FA Youth Cup will end up. Here we reacquaint you with the squad ahead of the game.

CECH: IT'S NOT OVER YET

Petr Cech still believes the Blues can win the title after last night's draw with Wigan, but understands that the season's outcome