Chelsea Looking to Stretch their Lead at the Top

Tomorrow the two teams face each other again at Stamford Bridge in front of another sell-out crowd. Last year Chelsea ran out 3-0 winners of which both Wayne Bridge and Geremi both scored memorable goals.

Mourinho can expect to select from a virtually full strength squad as Ricardo Carvalho and Robert Huth have returned from injury. Whether they get any involvement tomorrow remains to be seen. The notable exception is poor old Scott Parker who is expected to be sidelined for another eight weeks with his broken bone in his foot.

Chelsea look to keep up an amazing clean sheet record. Since the 2-2 draw with Arsenal, Chelsea have not conceded a goal in any game when Super JT, Bill Gallas and the giant Petr Cech have been involved.

Portsmouth will be without Lua Lua and Amdy Faye who are both suspended. I suspect however Faye would not have featured as he is subject to transfer speculation to Newcastle.

Probable line-up:

Cech, Ferreira, Gallas, Terry, Bridge, Makelele, Duff, Lampard, Smertin, Robben, Gudjohnsen

If both Bridge and Smertin play, it will be interesting to hear the reaction of the Pompey fans. Last season Bridge was continously jeered each time he touched to the ball, but he did go some way in quietening the travelling Pompey fans by scoring. In stark contrast when Smertin lined up at Fratton Park and then subsequently substituted this season he was given a warm welcome and a standing ovation.

Chelsea will look to go thirteen points clear of Arsenal, who do not play until Sunday.