Tough decisions ahead for 'Tinkerman'
Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri enjoys the joke that he is known as "Tinkerman" because he chops and changes his team so often.
However, it will be no laughing matter for the Blues players who miss out when the Italian picks his team for tomorrow night’s Champions League clash at Sparta Prague.
Ranieri is likely to make at least six changes – or possibly even seven – to the team which beat Tottenham 4-2 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Here the Press Association reveals the men most likely to miss out.
MARIO MELCHIOT: Was at fault for Frederic Kanoute’s second goal on Saturday as he was beaten in the air by the French striker. Ranieri spent £6m (€8.5m) on England Under-21 defender Glen Johnson during the summer and is likely to pitch him into the Champions League battle.
CELESTINE BABAYARO: Despite having a good game down the left against Spurs, Babayaro is likely to make way for £7m (€9.9m) Wayne Bridge. The left-sided defender played well for England against Liechtenstein last week and was rested at the weekend, but is a certainty to return.
EMMANUEL PETIT: Has more Champions League experience than most in the Chelsea squad but that will count for little as Ranieri gives a full debut in midfield to £13m (€18.4m) Claude Makelele, who arrived from Real Madrid just before the transfer window closed.
JESPER GRONKJAER: One of Chelsea’s main men last season – before he was demoted to the role of a bit-part player over the summer. He will make way for Juan Sebastian Veron, who was also rested on Saturday after returning from international duty with Argentina.
FRANK LAMPARD: This is likely to prove Ranieri’s hardest decision, but there will be no room for sentiment if the axe does fall on the midfielder. Although Lampard failed to shine for England last week, he was one of Chelsea’s best players against Spurs. However, with Geremi available after suspension, Ranieri might partner his summer signing with Makelele.
JIMMY FLOYD HASSELBAINK: Marked his 100th appearance on Saturday with Chelsea’s fourth goal, but waiting in the wings to replace him is Hernan Crespo. Ranieri’s biggest signing of the summer was also rested as he was away with Veron on international duty, but he will be let loose on Sparta.
JOE COLE: Desperate not to be seen as a perennial substitute after £6million switch from West Ham. There is no doubting Cole’s ability, but there is just no room for him in the starting line-up at present.
EIDUR GUDJOHNSEN: One of the best marksmen in the Premiership who would be guaranteed a starting role in most teams. However, he too will become a bit-part player when the likes of Crespo and Adrian Mutu are available ahead of him.
