Chelsea in search of second wind to blow United away

AFP - 26 April 2007 16:12

Chelsea´s Frank Lampard (R) and Ricardo Carvalho are seen during their Champions League semi-final first leg match against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in London, 25 April 2007. Chelsea planted one foot in the Champions League final with a grimly determined 1-0 victory over Liverpool, and a similar effort in their Premiership encounter with Bolton on 28 April could reinvigorate their title tilt.

LONDON (AFP) - Jose Mourinho has never cared much for convention, and his penchant for the unpredictable has apparently spread to his Chelsea players.

The west Londoners were widely expected to falter under the sheer weight of games as they pursue an unprecedented clean sweep of the four tournaments they are involved in.

But, ominously for their rivals, Mourinho's side appear to be growing stronger as the finishing line comes into view.

Chelsea planted one foot in the Champions League final with a grimly determined 1-0 victory over Liverpool on Wednesday, and a similar effort in Saturday's Premiership encounter with Bolton could reinvigorate their title tilt, especially as Manchester United's trip to European hopefuls Everton has a treacherous look to it.

A clean sweep of trophies would not just represent an extraordinary sporting achievement for Chelsea; it would be a feat of almost superhuman endurance.

The clash with Bolton is the club's 58th competitive fixture of a gruelling season - that tally could rise to 64 by the end of May - and, as Mourinho is fond of reminding anyone who cares to listen, many of them have been negotiated without key personnel.

"It's been very tough," Frank Lampard, the midfielder, admitted. "It's hard to keep going in all different directions and although we've done well over the last couple of months, it will not be easy for the remaining weeks.

"The games are counting down now but we'll keep plugging away. When you have the opportunity of winning four, three, or two trophies, to add to the one we already have in the bag, that should be motivation enough. Any player would love that chance with just a month to go."

Ironically, Chelsea's injury problems appear to be dwindling ahead of the campaign's final straight, but fatigue could yet prove the greatest enemy of all. It certainly played a part in the recent goalless draw with Newcastle, although the side's resilience should never be under-estimated.

Chelsea would undoubtedly have preferred less irksome opponents than Bolton as they seek to maintain their pursuit of another league crown. This has been another exceptional season for Sam Allardyce's side, who have overcome the handicap of their relatively meagre resources to establish themselves as one of the Premiership's elite.

Wanderers have not dropped out of the top six since December and although last week's home defeat to Reading, another surprise package, was a shock, they are still well placed to book a place in next season's UEFA Cup.

Indeed, goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen believes it is time his side were given the recognition they deserve outside Lancashire.

"When we are at our absolute best there are only the top four clubs in the country, who are better than us," the Finland international said. "When you look at the squad of players we have got and compare them to other sides, I think it is the best squad outside the top four. We have the ability to beat all the rest of the teams in our league, particularly at home. That's the confidence level we have going into games."

Bolton will however have to do without two key players at the weekend -- El Hadji Diouf and former Chelsea transfer target Tal Ben Haim -- while captain Kevin Nolan is doubtful with an ankle injury.

Chelsea are expected to welcome Michael Essien back into the squad after he sat out the Liverpool game through suspension.