PREMIER LEAGUE:Chelsea v Birmingham. Venue: Stamford Bridge. Kick-off: 7.45pm
CARLO ANCELOTTI believes Chelsea’s depth of attacking quality sets them apart in the title race after suggesting Manchester United are overreliant on Wayne Rooney and would find it “difficult” to retain the trophy without the England striker.
Chelsea, who have slipped to third ahead of this evening’s visit of Birmingham City, welcome Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou back to Cobham following Ivory Coast’s elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations.
The team have prospered in the forwards’ absence, scoring 14 goals in three matches in all competitions, with Ancelotti confident that variety of fire-power could ultimately prove decisive.
“Without Rooney it’d be difficult,” said the Italian when asked if United could win the title if denied Rooney by injury. “He’s the best striker at Manchester United, and one of the best strikers in the world. He’s a champion, a world-class player, and not only just a finisher but a team player. I saw him play left-wing at times last year, coming back to help the team out defensively.
“He’s a very decisive player for United. But we have possibilities without Didier because we can put Anelka on, another top striker in world football. Drogba is an important player for us, but we’ve played very well without him. This means, as I’ve always said, we have a very good squad. Without him we have the possibility to put other strong, fantastic players in the team.
“When we were without (the suspended) Didier earlier in the season in the Champions League, Nicolas did very well. Now we have had Nicolas and (Daniel) Sturridge doing well for us in the last month, so we have quality without Didier. We can use other players in those forward areas.”
Talks have opened with Anelka over a new contract, extending his stay beyond the summer of 2011, with Ancelotti “100 per cent convinced” the forward will remain at Stamford Bridge.
Birmingham arrive unbeaten in 15 matches in all competitions and mounting an unexpected pursuit of European qualification.
Striker Cameron Jerome is set to return after missing the away win over Everton in the FA Cup with an ankle injury. Kevin Phillips is ruled out with a groin problem.
Guardian Service
