

Venue: Stamford Bridge
Date: Saturday, 26 November
Kick-off: 1500 GMT
You know them sort of games where you think ‘fuck me, we really have to win this?’ Well, today’s one of them days and I’m already thinking ‘what if we don’t?’
It feels like we’re a mile off the top place – in fact, we are a mile off – and whilst it’s acceptable for us not to win the league, it’s not acceptable for us to fall outside of the top four really. So, enough of the chit-chat now, let’s just fucking have this today!
MANAGERS’ VIEWS
As ever, a few defeats and the latest Chelsea manager is ‘under pressure’ – at least from the press anyway. Andre Villas-Boas remains focused though and ready to take responsibility, saying “They expect the manager to inspire them. That’s my job: to motivate and inspire these people to change our faith. The talent is immense; the work is good. The responsibility is mine. I have to motivate them to get a win against Wolves, and then against Liverpool in the Carling (League) Cup next Tuesday. We have two games at home and need to get the focus and concentration right. I have to inspire and motivate my players, and we need our fans behind us. I’ll get my inspiration from myself.”
Mick McCarthy meanwhile, whilst rubbing his hands because there couldn’t possibly be a better time to play us, says “’You’ll never win ‘owt with kids, will you?’ Remember that one? People will say no young boss has been a success in the Premier. Wouldn’t it be lovely if he was the first? With the success he’s had before, he’s a good manager and I admire him. He speaks superb English, comes from a different country and handles all that. I bet when the first foreign manager came in, they said ‘There’s not many foreign managers who have been a success.’ Yet they’ve all been a success since.” Wolves managed a 1-0 victory against Chelsea in the reverse fixture last season, but McCarthy was less enthusiastic about his side’s chances on Saturday.”
SQUAD NEWS
For chelsea, Essien (knee) remains out long term although Ashley Cole (ankle) has been passed fit for Chelsea.
For Wolves, Stearman (wrist) is out and O’Hara and Hunt will both serve one-match bans
TEAMS
CHELSEA (from): Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Alex, Cole, Luiz, Mikel, Romeu, Ramires, Lampard, Mata, Malouda, Meireles, McEachran, Torres, Drogba, Kalou, Sturridge, Lukaku, Turnbull.
WOLVES (from): Hennessey, De Vries, Zubar, Johnson, Berra, Ward, Hammill, Henry, Guedioura, Jarvis, Doyle, Doherty, Elokobi, Craddock, Milijas, Edwards, Ebanks-Blake, Fletcher, Doherty.
LAST SEASON
Chelsea 2-0 Wolves (23rd October 2010)
PREDICTION
Seriously? Not even Mystic Meg could predict a Chelsea result this season!