Champions in the Champions League

By BlueBlood
September 13 2005

For the third season in a row and the first time as Champions, Chelsea begin their Champions League programme with a home game against Anderlecht this evening.

Two simple reasons have stopped me from attending this evening's match. 1) Work commitments - therefore that is why this preview is late and 2) Basically the price of the ticket. £45, to sit in my own season ticket seat. £45 is a bit steep in my view to watch a league game, in you think of it that way. Ok the game is against European opposition but even so £45 and it is only a Group game. Anyway although I won't be there in body, I will be there in spirit - in front of the TV - with a few alcoholic beverages. I am glad to say that my boy has gone. Generous as I am I dug deep into my pockets and paid him his way, so have a good game Son.

Anderlecht went top of their Championship division at the weekend and have 13 points from their 5 League games. Anderlecht are former employers of two Chelsea players. One currant - Yves Makalamby and one former - Newcastle's Celestine Babayaro. Expect Mbo Mpenza as the oppositions dangerman.

I got my team prediction for the game against Sunderland completely wrong and subject to fitness, expect the following to start later tonight.

Cech, Ferreira, Terry, Carvalho, Gallas, Makelele, Lampard, Essien, Duff, Drogba, Robben.

Although there is still doubt about Claude, if he doesn't make it then Gudjohnsen could easily start.

Amongst the seven permitted substitutes you could easily select Cole, Wright-Phillips and Crespo and perhaps a nod to Carlton Cole who had a good game against the Welsh in the recent U21 International.