What a time to do my first preview!!
Form (last six): L-W-D-L-W-W
2002/03 Finish: League; Premiership 4th
FA Cup: Quarter Finalists
League Cup: Quarter Finalists
2002/03 Top Scorer: Gianfranco Zola- 14
2003/04 Top Scorer: Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink- 7
Where do you start? This is a game that, for 90 minutes at least, Notts fans can forget recent problems and just enjoy the game.
There's no question, moneywise, that this was the best draw Notts could have been given and as soon as the draw was made Notts' fans minds were on little else.
Enjoy the day... I know I will.
Now, let's talk about the wonder that is Roman Abramovich's Chelsea.
Chelsea FC was turned on it's head this summer as they were bought by a Russian Billionaire seemingly interested in one thing, enjoying himself.
This one man has given the tabloids a field day, and if there is a top player in Europe that Chelsea haven't been linked with I'm still to see him.
For the record, Abramovich has signed 12 players for Chelsea, Glenn Johnson (6m), Damien Duff (17m), Juan Veron (14m), Joe Cole (6.6m), Wayne Bridge (7m), Geremi (7m), Adrian Mutu (17m), Hernan Crespo (18m), Claude Makelele (16.6m), Marcio Ambrosini, Neil Sullivan and Jurgen Macho (all free).
How many of those will feature against Notts is another matter though.
One man who is expected to be given the whole game is England international, Joe Cole.
Cole, is one of the most naturally talented players in the game and has the potential to be a world beater, so that should be enough for him to worry Notts County then.
I imagine Cole will play wide, with possibly Jesper Gronkjaer on the other wing, although Damien Duff is an outside bet to play.
I expect at least one of Gudjohnson, Hasselbaink, Crespo and Mutu to play, which is sure to keep Barras and Fenton on their toes.
***Star Man*** - Juan Veron
Chelsea's dangerman could've been any one of their squad, but I've gone for Veron purely on the fact that Ranieri says he will be playing.
Plus ofcourse, he's not a bad player....
Veron has so far failed to make much of an impression at Chelsea, although this may be the type of game he'll relish (i.e not needing to run or tackle much).
A poor man's Darren Caskey, Veron is one of the most respected midfielders on the continent and is captain for one of the best national sides in the world.
Veron has found the net for Chelsea just once this season, and was hardly prolific in his Man U days, but don't bet against him scoring a free-kick tomorrow.
Veron is now 28 years of age so should be hitting his peak, what better time to kick-start his Chelsea career then against Notts?
***Fancy a flutter?*** - courtesy of William Hill bookmakers [www.willhill.com]
Chelsea; 1/8
Draw; 11/2
Notts County; 11/1
