Chelsea vs MSK Zilina preview - Blues hit by Ancelotti speculation

Posted Tuesday, November 23, 2010 by PA

Chelsea's preparations for their Champions League clash against MSK Zilina have been overshadowed by speculation regarding the future of Carlo Ancelotti.

On Monday the Italian boss was today to deny that he ever considered quitting Stamford Bridge after rumours that he had spoken to the League Managers Association on Sunday night and consulted them about his position within the club hierarchy.

But despite Chelsea crashing to their third defeat in four games with a 1-0 reverse at Birmingham on Saturday, Ancelotti made it plain that he was here to stay ahead of their game against the Group F whipping boys.

"I don't know if it's enough to clarify my position and close these rumours and speculation," said Ancelotti.

"These rumours are totally untrue. I don't know why they came out. I didn't speak with the LMA.

"They called me when I was at home, quiet, to find out what was happening.

"These rumours are totally untrue. I have my contract until 2012, here, in this club. I've said a lot of times that I'd like to stay here."

Chelsea will rest a number of players against Zilina.

Midfielder Josh McEachran will be given his first start with Petr Cech, Nicolas Anelka and Ashley Cole all rested.

Defender Alex is out and Jeffrey Bruma will play alongside Branislav Ivanovic in defence as Chelsea look for the point that will guarantee them first place in the group.

Although Chelsea may be in a slump, MSK Zilina coach Pavel Hapal insists that is of no concern to him going into the game.

"I don't care at all about Chelsea's recent form," said Hapal. "Chelsea is a giant, a team of fantastic players who are the best in the world."

Zilina were hammered 7-0 by Marseille in the previous game, but Hapal maintains that they will try to use the counter-attack to unsettle Carlo Ancelotti's side this time.

"It may be a little bit similar to the last game but we have to change and play a counter-attacking style and be a bit dangerous," he said.

"We have got enough players who are good enough in attacking positions."

Zilina have no fresh injury worries ahead of the game but Hapal knows that, even against a weakened Chelsea team, they will be up against it, especially after losing 4-1 at home.

"We appreciate the quality of the Chelsea team, who are maybe one of the best teams in the world," he added. "We tried our best to beat them but we lost in the end.

"We know the Chelsea players and all of them are of a very good quality. There is no chance that we don't know a player from Chelsea."

Zilina still have a mathematical chance of finishing third and qualifying for the Europa League.

But they need to score a host of goals and record two victories in the remaining two games and hope that either Marseille or Spartak Moscow lose theirs.