English Premier League: Chelsea vs Blackpool, Ancelotti anxious over Blackpool Clash
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti revealed that Ian Holloway, the Blackpool manager would be relaxed about today’s fixture as compared to the previous ones. He said, “This is a dangerous match for us. I have been at a small club in Reggiana in Italy and Blackpool will have fantastic motivation.”
Chelsea kicked off their season to a perfect start, winning all four of their opening fixtures and scoring 17 goals in the process. Didier Drogba, Florent Malouda, Nicolas Anelka and Salomon Kalou are all in excellent form and will be expected to increase their goal tally.
However, Ancelotti still believes the newly promoted side could surprise everyone. He stated, “They have played three away games since coming up and won two. To win at Newcastle you have to have power and determination.”
The Italian did mention that he had faith in his team, he told reporters, “When you play against a strong team, it is easy to find motivation. For my players, it is easy to motivate them when they play Manchester United or Arsenal. But I have players with fantastic personality and they know well what has to be done.”
Blackpool go into the match knowing the no Premier League side has been able to stop the Blues from scoring at Stamford Bridge in their last 23 home games. And out of those 23 Premier League matches, Chelsea have won a staggering 21 games and lost only one. These impressive stats are enough to scare off any side, especially Blackpool, who have managed to score 19 goals in all competitions this season.
So far the Blues have had the most shots on target in the Premier League, an impressive 34. Compared to that, Blackpool’s poor form has allowed opponents some 29 shots on target this season, which is more than any other Premier League side. Blackpool also have the fewest corners taken this season, only 12, which is again the fewest in the Premier League.
Stats also show that the last three occasions Chelsea won their first four opening games, they went on to claim the Premier League crown. These worrying facts will not help The Seasiders, who travel to the Bridge today. However, they will be relieved to know that Frank Lampard will not be present today.
Lampard underwent a hernia surgery, from which he has not yet recovered. Though there is a possibility that the midfielder will make a comeback for the mid week Carling Cup clash against Newcastle. Striker Didier Drogba returns after being absent from the squad in the Champions League fixture against MSK Zilina due to suspension.
Ashley Cole, who also missed the mid week Champions League clash because he was rested, will return today. The left back has been an important part of the Chelsea attack, often making runs down the left flank and providing the strikers with crosses and through balls. Former Liverpool player Yossi Benayoun retains his place after an impressive performance in Europe.
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