It's mid-October and the daily tabloid tales of the Chelsea superstars disillusioned with life on the bench have predictably begun in earnest. If it's Monday it must be Scott Parker, Tuesday Carlo Cudicini, Wednesday Glen Johnson ... and every day there are fireworks involving Adrian Mutu and head coach Jose Mourinho. All good copy and fun for football fans up and down the country who are happy to see the Good Yacht Abramovich come across some choppy waters. But on the pitch, Chelsea have made serene progress - at least until last Saturday.
If they win tonight, progress to the next round of the Champions League is all but complete.