Rant Box: UEFA Cup edition

By: Jack | December 8th, 2008

Who’s ready for Europe’s second-tier competition? I’m not.

Chelsea must win today to avoid the prospect of playing in the UEFA Cup, a disastrous idea to be sure. A Milan-Chelsea final wouldn’t be all that bad, would it?

Riiiiiight.

To move into the Champions League knockout stage, the Blues must get past a pesky CFR Cluj side with whom the Blues drew in Romania a month or so ago. Of course, Chelsea could progress with a draw and a Bordeaux loss but who really wants to rely on other clubs at this point, really?

Too bad this game isn’t on the road. Well, not really — two draws and a loss away in the CL is nothing like our current run in the Prem.

To make matters worse, Super Frank will be sitting this one out. Lamps’ sending off against Bordeaux, leaves an already-short side more short against a team of vampires. Yikes.

Let’s hope Michael Ballack — who I expect to have a fine outing — has a few stakes on the ready.

As always, keep me posted on whatever catches your fancy before, during and after the match right here.

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Category: Champions League, Chelsea Team News, Fixtures, Rant Box

Tags: Champions League, Chelsea Team News, Cluj, Fixtures, Rant Box, UEFA Cup

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• Ph0BoLuS |  December 9th, 2008 at 6:05 am

  
  
  

  Anelka with a goal then disappearing like a phantom after half-time, and Kalou with a goal.

  Posted from United States

  

• electrify |  December 9th, 2008 at 2:03 pm

  
  
  

  Phew. (Why the boos on Beletti by the way?)

  Posted from United States

  

• ph0bolus |  December 9th, 2008 at 2:32 pm

  
  
  

  I think they were saying “Shoot”

  Posted from United States

  

• ASR |  December 9th, 2008 at 2:32 pm

  
  
  

  those were not boos.. they were yelling “shoooot” b/c he’s had a couple of nice long range shots this year. Anyways glad Drogba is back, missed his clinical finishing. Sucks to not win the group; they need to reestablish the resilience and concentration of past years…

  Posted from United States

  

• areallaticfromthesouth |  December 9th, 2008 at 4:08 pm

  
  
  

  Belletti ’ssshhhhhooooooooot’

  He is a cult hero

  See
  http://www.thefootballnetwork.net/main/s379/st134467.htm

  Posted from United Kingdom

  

• electrify |  December 9th, 2008 at 4:32 pm

  
  
  

  Right on. I’m a bit pissed that we’re on 2nd, but an appreciated 2nd nonetheless.. all I can say is welcome back, Drogba!

  Posted from United States

  

• areallaticfromthesouth |  December 9th, 2008 at 5:11 pm

  
  
  

  These pics were taken tonite from The Shed End. I am not David Bailey, but enjoy

  http://www.thefootballnetwork.net/boards/read/s379.htm?722,9943982

  Posted from United Kingdom

  

• Jack |  December 9th, 2008 at 11:42 pm

  
  
  

  Thx for the pics south, good stuff. Like you guys, I’m ecstatic to see if the Drogs is back.

  Hope we avoid Barca in the first knockout round, too.

  Posted from United States

  

• areallaticfromthesouth |  December 11th, 2008 at 1:30 am

  
  
  

  Cheers Jack

  There’s more including the new Blue Flag

  http://www.thefootballnetwork.net/boards/read/s379.htm?722,9945841

  Posted from United Kingdom

  

• Riccardo |  December 11th, 2008 at 4:23 am

  
  
  

  first of all…compliments for the blog…nice and interesting…then visit mine…citysport…and if you like it, let me know if you want to make an exchange links…have a good day
  Riccardo

  Posted from Italy

  

• ASR |  December 14th, 2008 at 12:27 pm

  
  
  

  another depressing draw… shoulda had drogba in from the start… he adds so much to their options… as was evident in second half..

  Posted from United States

  

• Ph0BoLuS |  December 14th, 2008 at 8:11 pm

  
  
  

  Depressing indeed..Agree with you ASR should of started Drogba and we need to be more clinical in front of goal.

  Posted from United States

  

• ASR |  December 14th, 2008 at 8:31 pm

  
  
  

  I’m excited for essien’s return, my favorite player. He’ll definitely add some pace and attack to our game. Mikel, who is always in position for open shots will be replaced by someone who can actually shoot…

  http://www.modernghana.com/sports/193247/2/essien-credits-mum-for-return.html

  big thanks to his mom!

  Posted from United States

  

• Ph0BoLuS |  December 15th, 2008 at 5:54 am

  
  
  

  Damn! That’s good news.

  Posted from United States

  

• Mouzinho |  December 15th, 2008 at 7:45 am

  
  
  

  Wow guys, I hope this Essien news is true.
  Also, who realized how poor of a defender Alex was yesterday? All of Carlton Cole’s chances and Bellamy’s goal came of Alex errors. Seeing that Cavarlho is an injury prone player and Ivanovic and Alex are would be his first replacements, and in my opinion they are both sloppy defenders, then we also need to look for a defender in the marker or just hope that Michael Macienne develops real quick.
  Also, hard luck on another draw my mighty blues.

  Posted from United States

  

• Jack |  December 15th, 2008 at 7:30 pm

  
  
  

  Sorry guys, had a bout with sickness last week. I’m back to business, though

  Posted from United States

  

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