By Simon Leyland
Today the Blues arrive of course.
They appear to be having another stop/start season with the arrival of the Potterman expected to kickstart a revival in their fortunes.
For a little while, it seemed to be the case with wins over Palace, Wolves and Villa. But normal service resumed with defeats to Brighton, Arsenal and Newcastle. They are floating along in 9th place with 30 points, which reminds me of the old joke “What looks good in the middle of a table?” Answer: Chelsea.
As per usual, they have been splashing the cash about spending over £285 million in the recent window. The as yet unused Benoit Badiashile cost £32m which seems a lot. Not that Chelsea ever worry on that front.
David Fofana arrived from Molde and has made just two underwhelming appearances so far. This is yet another example of Chelsea’s pernicious habit of signing youngsters on long-term deals as a way of getting round FFP rules with the costs being spread over the length of the contract.
Finally UEFA have copped on to this and have now announced a five-year limit to these shoddy practices.
The 18 year-old Andrey Santos who arrived on an £18m deal from Vasco Da Gama, is being viewed as “one for the future”, so don`t expect him to be seen around any time soon as he will probably be shipped out on loan somewhere.
I am not going to bother about Mykhailo Mudryk (£89m), Noni Madueke (£28m) and the £26m paid for French Under 21 defender Malo Gusto.; because I feel a headache coming on.
Nevertheless, despite all the money spent by them they do appear to be somewhat disjointed, and that should B be come motivation for the Irons today.
I would get them to look at that dreadful refereeing decision at their place earlier this season. A Hammer friendly result is definitely on the cards!
