This is yet another game which has completely changed complexion over the weekend, following the news that Roy Keane has been relieved from his duties as Ipswich manager. It’s news that has certainly pleased the Tractor Boys faithful although opposition manager Carlo Ancelotti is another man feeling the strain, with his job under threat following some dreadful form over the past few weeks.
One of the big downsides of being in charge of one of the top clubs is that victories are expected every week, and if not pressure arrives. That has certainly been the case with Carlo Ancelotti as not so long ago his Chelsea side could do no wrong as they topped the Premier League. Recent form has been dire though and having won just one out of their last eight, they have slipped down the table and now sit in 5th. That leaves them nine points behind league leaders Manchester United and having also played a game more, it already looks as though their title ambitions are over. That perhaps means that they’ll put more emphasis on this fixture as Ancelotti bids to at least add some silverware to the Stamford Bridge trophy cabinet. What’s more, the Blues also know that should they win the competition this year, they will be the first club since 1886 to win three consecutive FA Cups.
Ipswich’s poor form has stretched back a little further than their opponents and the only question their supporters are posing is why Roy Keane wasn’t removed from his position earlier. The former Sunderland manager hasn’t been popular at Portman Road for a while, yet it was only on Friday that the board acted and supporters will be hoping for a fresh start now. As it stands, they sit in 19th spot in the Championship and looking back at recent form, they certainly won’t carry much confidence into this encounter. The Tractor Boys have lost seven games from their last ten and with their away record absolutely dismal, it’s certainly not looking promising as they travel to the current holders of the competition.
On the team news front, Chelsea have several worries ahead of this game and Carlo Ancelotti is preparing to put three players through late fitness tests. Michael Essien, Ashley Cole and Didier Drogba are all struggling with minor knocks and Ancelotti will leave it until late before making a decision. The visitors have a few definite absentees though, with Rory Fallon ineligible and Grant Leadbitter suspended. The Tractor Boys also won’t be relying on the services of Jack Colback, who returned to his parent club Sunderland earlier in the week.
Both of these sides are in poor form but we just can’t see past Chelsea here. Ipswich are in all sorts of turmoil and we just don’t think they’ve got what it takes to get anything out of this fixture
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