Chelsea v Ipswich - Chelsea to win. God help us if we don't!.

If this game was taking place two months ago I think it's fair to say we would walk this game and that is no disrespect to Ipswich in any way at all, in fact I think even their own fans would dread the thought of taking on Chelsea.

However, it's a no lose situation for the Tractor Boys and it's Chelsea they have EVERYTHING to lose today as we start our defence of the FA CUP.

We have to face facts now that Ipswich, although Managerless will be eyeing a potential scalp this afternoon at the Bridge after Chelsea's dismal run of form and I have to say this is no means an easy game today.

Roy Keane lost his job which seemed like a surprise for me until I had a look at their league form. Keane's side had won only one of ten league games including losing seven in a row. Stand in boss Charlie McPartland has revealed his side is down to the bear bones today but his players will have no problems being up for the game this afternoon.

That's the thing when a manager is sacked, the players have to give an account of themselves once again as the slate is wiped clean. With reports that Paul Jewell is due to be appointed as Keane's replacement and could be at the Bridge this afternoon, the players will want to give a good account of themselves. Expect Ipswich to show plenty of fight and look to remain compact, get men behind the ball and expose us with any set pieces they have.

Chelsea fans! Why not go and try the brand new Indian Restaurant in Fulham Broadway The MASALA ZONE before or after the game today. Head to The Masala Zone (opposite Barclays Bank) and please mention you have seen this advert on my website "Chelseadaft" for me when you go in. 

The Masala Zone - Real Indian Food!

It will be very interesting to see how Carlo lines us up this afternoon. I have posted on here this week the team I believe that Carlo should play and have asked you all to post your thoughts and opinions. I have suggested that we play the youngsters along with some more established names to provide a blend today that will freshen up the side.

People have been saying this week that we have seemed stagnant with the same names being picked week in week out and not performing so I just wonder if Carlo sees this as an opportunity to play a few of them.

Carlo did speak earlier in the week and stated that the FA Cup is an important competition for Chelsea and will pick a strong side. He revealed we had fitness doubts over Drogba, Essien and Cole but I expect two of them to play today.

I would like to see Danny Sturridge play through the middle in place of Drogba. Sturridge scored five goals in midweek for the reserves against Spurs and provides Carlo and the side with a different option up front with his pace. For me anyway, there's no point sticking him out wide so we should give him a go through the middle.

No matter who is picked by Carlo we should on paper have enough to beat Ipswich today. However, you have to earn the result in any game you play. You have to match the desire and hunger of the opposition first of all and then take it that one step further.

Like I have said, expect Ipswich to come to the Bridge and get everyone behind the ball today. Chelsea will need to get their passing going and play at a higher tempo than normal. If we can get the ball forward sooner rather than later then we have the class to get goals today.

This could be the game that gives the players some confidence back, then again it could be the game that breaks us.

With the situation we are in now and have been faced with for weeks now, nothing but a win will do today. We have the quality and the class to get the right result and should do easily. God help us and Carlo if we don't!.

Chelsea to win by three or four (no disrespect Town fans).

KTBFFH.