67% chance of Chelsea win

The Fink Tank in The Times gives Chelsea a 67% chance of a win at The Valley today. Given that the Addicks are weakened by the absence of Darren Bent and Luke Young and have none of the new signings available apart from Thatcher and possibly Zi Zi on the bench (for the benefit of 1 million Chinese television viewers) this is a realistic forecast. The return of John Terry will also revitalise Chelsea.

Meanwhile, 'nerves are jangling' at The New Windmill Ground following the Brakes 2-0 midweek defeat by Stratford Town, their first defeat in the league this season. Brakes are away to Biddulph Victoria and the Leamington Spa Courier notes, 'Heaven knows what state everyone will be if Brakes fail to win ... tomorrow. There will be a full-blown crisis of Chelsea proportions by this time next week.'