Equals…

United is rather swagless at the moment, to be fair. But, of course, it’s Manchester United — they always find a way. Ferguson’s men must do so this afternoon without Rio Ferdinand, whose form has bordered on plain poor so far during an injury-riddled campaign. He’ll still be missed by a defense that has been far more porous than anyone could’ve have predicted.

Didier Drogba, whose form has bordered on the unobtainable (nine goals in his last nine appearances), could have a heydey. Chelsea, though in sublime form, must not be overconfident. Again, I repeat, this is Manchester United; they always seem to find a way.

Thanks to the Guardian

Chelsea
Doubtful: Mikel (ankle), Zhirkov (knee)

Injured: Bosingwa (knee)

Suspended: None

Last six matches: WWLWLW

Discipline: 11 Yellow; 1 Red

Leading scorer: Drogba 9

Manchester United
Doubtful: Berbatov (knee), Fletcher (ankle), Giggs (thigh), Vidic (calf), Welbeck (knee)

Injured: Ferdinand (back), Park (knee), Hargreaves (knee)

Suspended: Neville

Last six matches: WLWDWW

Discipline: 17 Yellow; 2 Red

Leading scorer: Rooney 7

8-8-8. Kind of weird, that. Since the turn of the century: 4-1-5.

Date – Day – Competition – Result
13-Feb-88 – Division One – L, 1-2
24-Feb-90 – Division One – W, 1-0
09-Mar-91 – Division One – W, 3-2
15-Dec-91 – Division One – L, 1-3
19-Dec-92 – Premier League – D, 1-1
11-Sep-93 – Premier League – W, 1-0
26-Dec-94 – Premier League – L, 2-3
21-Oct-95 – Premier League – L, 1-4
22-Feb-97 – Premier League – D, 1-1
04-Jan-98 – FA Cup – L, 3-5
28-Feb-98 – Premier League – L, 0-1
29-Dec-98 – Premier League – D, 0-0
10-Mar-99 – FA Cup – L, 0-2
03-Oct-99 – Premier League – W, 5-0
10-Feb-01 – Premier League – D, 1-1
20-Apr-02 – Premier League – L, 0-3
23-Aug-02 – Premier League – D, 2-2
30-Nov-03 – Premier League – W, 1-0
15-Aug-04 – Premier League – W, 1-0
12-Jan-05 – FL Cup – D, 0-0
29-Apr-06 – Premier League – W, 3-0
09-May-07 – Premier League – D, 0-0
26-Apr-08 – Premier League – W, 2-1
21-Sep-08 – Premier League – D, 1-1

I think we can safely say we’re not going to see a repeat of the midweek thrashing we threw at Wanderers in the Carling Cup. Wednesday’s match was the third consecutive demolition at Stamford Bridge — 13 goals scored, none conceded. The Blues are in a rich vein, eh?

Yet so, too, were Bolton until midweek. They are riding a run of four unbeaten at the Reebok so this could be more of a test to some may think. Up the Chels.

TEAM NEWS
Bolton
Doubtful: None
Injured: Davis (knee), J O’Brien (knee)
Suspended: None
Last six matches: WLDWDW
Discipline: 16 Yellow; 1 Red
Leading scorers: Cohen, 3; Taylor, 3

Chelsea
Doubtful: Cashley (leg), Ivanovic (leg), Mikel (ankle), Zhirkov (foot)
Injured: Bosingwa (knee), Hilário (concussion)
Suspended: None
Last six matches: WLWLWW
Discipline: 10 Yellow; 1 Red
Leading scorer: Drogba, 8

This man struggles to sell hard copies.
He certainly doesn’t have any trouble bulging the ol’ onion bag (no Tommy Smyth) against the Blackeyes.

As Wigan, Stoke and Villa have shown, the Blues are lightweight aerially at the moment. The Blackeyes, obviously physical, also have plenty to offer in the way of threats amongst the clouds. Samba, Dunn, Roberts, among others, can almost certainly threaten from set pieces. With Ricardo Carvalho — caught out against Villa, though it was entirely his fault — almost a certain to partner England Brave’s John Terry once again with Alex still rounding into match shape, we might still struggle in this area. Watch this space.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti, who missed much of the week’s preparations tending to his ill father, is expected to return to the sideline in time for Saturday’s kickoff. One man we know for sure will be in attendance is Nicolas Anelka. The much-traveled forward has scored 10 goals in 12 league starts against Blackburn — his more prolific rate against any opponent.

Chelsea
Doubtful: Alex (match fitness), Mikel (match fitness)
Injured: Bosingwa (knee), Zhirkov (knee, again?!)
Suspended: None
Last six matches: LWLWWW
Discipline: 10 Yellow. 1 Red.
Leading scorer: Drogba 7

Blackeye
Doubtful: None
Injured: Grella (thigh)
Suspended: None
Ineligible: Young Franco (loan from us)
Last six matches: WLWLWD
Discipline: 13 Yellow. 1 Red.
Leading scorer: Dunn 4

It truly has been a rank day. This, however, despite the context, is pure comedy. Lets be real, though — you can’t blame EBJT for losing the plot.