The last couple of matches for Chelsea have been uninspiring and infuriating, especially from a supporter’s point of view. The first match of the season saw Chelsea ridicule a strong & emerging Pompey side with a 4-0 win, nothing short of a tease when you look back at Chelsea’s last couple of matches.
Chelsea is short of strikers and this, out of anything else might be their worst setback. Anelka is shy of goals, unable to take full advantage of his current situation, while Drogba insists that he is in no rush to play. The Ivorian is committed to give it his all, but only when he is fully fit. Drogba has missed the first three matches, as he continues to slowly recover from a knee injury. And with Shevchenko gone and Claudio Pizarro on loan to Werder Bremen, there is little to choose up front.
19 year-old, Franco di Santo made his debut as a substitute against Spurs last Sunday. The young Argentine and Chelsea’s new #9 should probably expect to see more time with Scolari’s choices becoming very limited. But watch for Scolari to turn to Salomon Kalou, Drogba’s Ivorian teammate, who hasn’t seen much playing time so far this year. And with the failure to capture Robinho, Kalou seems to be a clear-cut alternative, capable of having the same speed, flair and an eye for goal as the Brazialian ace. The 23 year-old and former Feyenoord striker can also be used as a winger. And with Malouda’s constant ineffectiveness, Kalou should be expected to fill in that role in the left-wing, where it will be easier for him to take a shot with his favored right foot.
