Chelsea (probable, 4-3-3): Cech; Bosingwa, David Luiz, Terry, Cole; Ramires, Essien, Lampard; Anelka, Drogba, Torres.

Wigan (probable, 4-5-1): Al Habsi; Boyce, Caldwell, Alcaraz, Figueroa; McCarthy, Watson; Moses, N’Zogbia, Cleverley; Rodallega.

Referee: Howard Webb. Matches: 23. R2 Y74.


Tale of the game
On Wednesday, Chelsea lost 1-0 at home to Manchester United in the Champions league but they are unbeaten in their last five league games since losing 1-0 at home to Liverpool two months ago.

Chelsea have scored 54 league goals, the third best in the table.

By contrast Wigan have just 29 from 31 games, fewer than a goal a game and the worst record in the Premier League.

Last May Chelsea won this fixture 8-0, a victory that confirmed them as Premier League champions and one earned with goals from five different players.

But with the score at 1-0 Wigan were reduced to 10 men when Gary Caldwell was sent off.

This season, at the DW Stadium, it was a similar story with Chelsea winning 6-0, after leading 1-0 at half-time.

Overall, these teams have met 11 times in the Premier League with Chelsea winning nine, one other drawn and Wigan winning one, at home last season when Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech was sent-off.

Chelsea have kept 13 clean sheets, the second best in the Premier League.

The two managers have been in charge for similar periods – but have very different records.

Chelsea’s Carlo Ancelotti has been in charge for exactly 100 games in all competitions and 68 in the league, winning 43 and losing 13.

Wigan’s Roberto Martinez arrived a fortnight later, in June 2009, and has led the club in 69 league games, winning just 15 and losing 32.

Chelsea are still without Alex while Wigan have a clean bill of health.


This season: Wigan 0 Chelsea 6.

Last season: Wigan 3 Chelsea 1, Chelsea 8 Wigan 0.

Stat of the game: Chelsea have scored 14 goals in their last two games against Wigan.

Match

PF at right back.
Mikel gets a start.

How did he not score that?

DD free kick

The inclusion of Mikel is evident already.

chelseabmw:

what is wrong with Super Sport7?

SS7 is just fine

It's a very poor selection. No creativity. No zest.
We don't even pose any threats to the defense of Wigan.

The front 3 of DD, Anelka and Malouda is outdated.
Let's see something fresh and dynamic.

Benayoun in midefield, Kalou in attack and heavens knows how many times Luiz has been found wanting in defense.

I love this Luiz person!!

Activity picking up. . . .

45 mins of absolutely shocking football.

Sturridge's scored for Bolton.

Benayoun coming on.

Mikel out. Must we play with Lampard and Ramires?

Malouda - about 5 crosses now with none pass the first man.

Torres coming on.

Anelka out. THis dude will never listen.
Don't play Torres and Drogba together.

Kalou coming on.

Goal.

Kalou doesn't make. . . Alex on. That means Ivanovic goes to RB.

This is the match were Torres will score;

If he doesnt then thats it!! He will be a repeat of Schevchenko.

cabali:

This is the match were Torres will score;

If he doesnt then thats it!! He will be a repeat of Schevchenko.

Ok we are waiting and watching.

I would be waiting to hear your conclusions after 90mins

Benayoun should be starting every game. The dynamism he provides is priceless. First signs of quality I have seen in midfield in weeks.
He's fed Torres in at least twice. But the dude gets so excited that he stumbles.

Torres haba! See pass from Benayoun. .

Benayaoun wants to take the love I have for Luiz

Torres really should be scoring that.

How is that not a goal?