Chelsea flew out from Gatwick on Sunday afternoon for their Group A meeting with Barcelona with a squad that consisted of the following:
A Cole, Makelele, Essien, Carvalho, Shevchenko, Lampard, Boulahrouz, J Cole, Drogba, Ballack, Geremi, Robben, Bridge, Diarra, Ferreira, Kalou, Cudicini, Wright-Phillips, Terry, Hilario.
Lets get this out of the way first. A defeat is not the end of the world. Before we played Barcelona at The Bridge I went for two draws. Chelsea won at the Bridge and if Barcelona prevail in the Nou Camp, its still a draw. Werder in their stadium is a different kettle of fish however, but a win against Levski at home in December will still see us through. top or not we will have to see - but isn't that the beauty of football.
For all you 'five' minute fans examining this and examining that. No Chelsea fan wants to see Chelsea lose, but my GOD if it happens in the Nou Camp there are more serious problems to worry about - like Global Warming for instance. Tell the U.S or China if you dare!!!!
I do know that Hilario starts (and deservedly so too) now unless he has a complete 'mare in the Nou Camp, Hilario should start against Tottenham, and then bring Carlo back for the home game against Watford. (No disrespect Hornet boys).
Didier who had an ankle problem against Sheff Utd on Saturday also starts, but there is still a doubt about The Shev. He did train in the Nou Camp yesterday (Tuesday) and with the routine that Jose follows on every away European match-day The Shev will not wear his boots again unless he is picked.
The other evening I watched Barcelona beat Recreativo in the Nou Camp 3-0. Ronaldinho scored twice, once from the penalty spot and the other from a header. The penalty award was laughable as Eider Gudjohnsen has learned the Spanish translation of 'diving.' I am afraid that is what exaclty Eider did, and I do hope no matter how desperate Barcelona become, Eider doesn't inflict his actions on his old friends and colleagues. For the record Xavi scored Barca's third.
With the criticism that Barcelona has received from their own press in the last two weeks, a Chelsea win would be the icing on the cake, but you know what they say about a wounded lion.
However I am going for Chelsea to still remain unbeaten in Group A