Jose Bosingwa - Chelsea FC

English Premier League

2011-04-18T04:01:00.000-07:00

Over the last 20 years, the top division of English football has been transformed from the sick man of European football, in a time where its top players were flocking over the border to play in Scotland, into the World's most popular league. More people watch the English Premier League on television than any other league in the World and its stars, players such as John Terry and Fernando Torres, are instantly recognisable whether they are in London or Seoul. The Premier League is also one of the most popular leagues in the World in terms of betting on its matches and there is plenty of opportunity within a season for fans of sports betting.

The first bet really considered in terms of the Premier League is the winner of the league. There are generally only a few teams at the beginning of the season who are considered potential winners and with only four winners (Manchester United, Blackburn, Arsenal and Chelsea) of the league since it's breakaway from the Football League in 1992, the odds will reflect this. The odds of the top teams like Chelsea and Manchester United will shorten if they do race into an early lead, which has been the case for Chelsea so far this season, so it generally makes sense to bet before the season if you feel sure that one of the favourites will win the title. However, there is always a chance that poor form will cause a team’s odds to lengthen, but they still may win the league so keep your eye out for a late title push. Manchester United's triumph over Arsenal in the 2002/2003 season is a prime example of this.

Another popular thing to bet on in the Premier League is the top scorer. This is a little harder to pick than the League's winner, as there are generally more than two or three contenders for the golden boot. This will be reflected in the odds, though with more favourable odds generally offered even for the favourites. With a few surprises having cropped up in the last few years in terms of Premier League top scorers and with players such as Kevin Phillips, Dion Dublin and Andy Cole (whilst still a youngster at Newcastle) winning the award in the past, it is always an idea to look at some of the league's less well known players when trying to pick out a top scorer.

Jose Bosingwa Closing In On Return

2010-09-28T07:13:00.000-07:00

Jose Bosingwa is closing in on his return to the Chelsea first team after his year long injury since he damaged his knee ligaments against Aston Villa in October.
Bosingwa played 55 minutes in the reserves match on Wednesday night, coming through unscathed.

Knee ligament injuries are normally career threatening and can be very tough to come back from. However there are many online products available to help. Those include Knee Braces and Knee Supports.

The knee supports will provide the extra comfort especially after such a long lay off, something that is advisable to Jose.

Bosingwa Will Begin Training Next Week

2010-08-21T11:46:00.000-07:00

Carlo Ancelotti, Chelsea’s manager, reported this Friday that Portuguese Jose Bosingwa will be back to training next week and could be considered for the next games with London’s team.

Chelsea's football club could be considered one of the favorites in the sportsbook industry to win every game they play this season, considering that they have been the Premier League Champions four times and were the winners in the 2009/10 season.

The Portuguese defender, Bosingwa, has been out of competition since 2009, due to a severe injury to his left knee that he suffered in a game against Aston Villa last October.

The injury required further surgery in March and the Portuguese also missed the World Cup South Africa 2010. But after many months of waiting, Bosingwa seems to be very close to returning to the field.

For his part, the Italian coach, Ancelotti believes the 27-year-old defender will regain the good level of his game in September.

"We are without Bosingwa. But he will begin training with the team next week and might need two or three weeks to play again," said Ancelotti before facing the second game of the Premier League against Wigan Athletic.

In addition, Chelsea's new signing, midfielder Ramires Santos, already has his debut scheduled for the third match against Stoke City.

Branislav Ivanovic and Frank Lampard are fully recovered and will travel to Wigan to play this weekend’s game.

Finally, Chelsea got its first convincing win against the West Bromwich Albio 6-0, in their first meeting to defend the Premier League title.

Chelsea impress on opening day of title defence

2010-08-18T03:11:00.000-07:00

Even though Jose Bosingwa was unable to be involved in Chelsea's first Premier League game of the season, he could not help but be impressed by how his team-mates performed at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea signalled their intent to defend their Premier League title with a 6-0 win over West Bromwich Albion, following on from their 8-0 thrashing of Wigan on the closing day of last season.

It was the biggest opening day win in Premier League history and was achieved thanks to a hat-trick from Didier Drogba, two from Florent Malouda and one from Frank Lampard. The online football odds now make the side even stronger favourites for the title.

Bosingwa will be hoping he can regain his place in the Chelsea first team when he returns from an injury nightmare that saw him miss the majority of last season after needing two operations on a knee injury.

Goalscorer Malouda described the opening day win as the "perfect reaction" to Chelsea's poor pre-season form and his words of praise for the defence at Stamford Bridge shows the Portuguese international right-back could have to fight for his place upon his return.

The French midfielder was quick to show how he thinks Chelsea could have a successful season, meaning Bosingwa could have a crack at getting a Premier League winners medal he missed out on last term.

"We didn't concede any goals against West Bromwich and now with the goals we scored we have the confidence back up front. The season is long and we have to make sure that is the standard," Malouda said.

"If we try to improve on how we did last season then I think we won't be far from first place at the end of the season."

The Premier League odds also suggest Drogba could be top scorer again this season.

Despite the strong start to the season, manager Carlo Ancelotti has still issued a rallying cry to his Chelsea players to ensure they continue this great form away from home and not drop points on the road.

New 2010-11 Chelsea 3rd Kit Unveiled by Adidas

2010-08-13T06:19:00.001-07:00

The new Chelsea 3^rd football shirt for the 2010–11 season has been released and is now available to buy in all adult and junior sizes.

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE 2010–11 CHELSEA 3RD FOOTBALL SHIRT

The new Chelsea shirts for the 2010–11 season are manufactured by Adidas. Adidas have a multi-million pound long term deal with the club and they will be producing the Chelsea soccer jerseys for years to come. The new Chelsea third shirt is illuminous green with a black stripe down the centre of the shirt. The collar of the new Chelsea 3^rd jersey is also black with the Adidas stripes on the shoulder in black.

With the success Chelsea had last season we expect all the new Chelsea jerseys including the Chelsea 3^rd soccer shirt to be very popular this season. The Chelsea 3^rd shirt has been released for use in the Champions League, the one major tournament Chelsea haven't been able to win since Roman Abramovich took charge. Carlo Ancelotti was appointed to help them achieve their goal of Champions League victory so that will be one of the main focuses of the 2010–11 campaign.

The new 2010–11 Chelsea third football shirt is available to buy in both junior and adult sizes including small boys, medium boys, large boys, XL boys, small, medium, large, XL, XXL and XXXL. The official shirt printing is available for the new Chelsea 3^rd football shirt with custom names as well as player names like Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Florent Malouda, John terry, Nicolas Anelka and Michael Essien available in the official Premiership Sporting id Chelsea shirt printing.

As well as having the new 2010–11 Chelsea third shirt available we also have the shorts and socks in stock if you are interested in buying the full Chelsea third kit.

This is the latest new football shirt release ahead of the forthcoming season.

Light at the end of the tunnel for Jose

2010-08-04T02:11:00.000-07:00

Jose Bosingwa could finally be coming to the end of his injury nightmare and getting closer to a return to the Chelsea side.

According to his manager, Carlo Ancelotti, he could be back in training some time soon.
The Portuguese right-back missed out on the majority of Chelsea's title-winning season last campaign, being out from October onwards after suffering with a knee problem which needed two operations.

As a result, he had to watch from the sidelines as his Chelsea colleagues did the domestic league and cup double for the first time in their history, and he was also unable to represent Portugal in the World Cup in South Africa. The Premier League 2010/11 odds suggest the Blues should win back-to-back titles, so he may still have a shot of glory this time around.

Chelsea are currently embarking on their pre-season preparations over in Germany, but Bosingwa has not travelled with the squad as he is not able to play or train.

He will definitely miss the Community Shield next weekend against Manchester United, a game which the football betting makes Chelsea favourites to win. He will also be out for the first few months of the new Premier League season, but there could be a chink of light in the distant future for the right-back.

Ancelotti is hoping that a number of players will return to peak fitness before their Premier League title battle commences, and he also has hopes about Bosingwa.

The Italian manager said: "Drogba we will have to look at during training tomorrow and on Wednesday he could play against Hamburg. He is healing very quickly.

"When we come back to London I think Alex can also train with us but we have to wait for [Jose] Bosingwa."

It remains to be seen whether Bosingwa's defensive colleague Ashley Cole will still be a Chelsea player by the time the transfer window closes as he seems determined to leave the Blues to play in Spain.

Whether this will happen remains a doubt though as Ancelotti has publicly stated that Cole would "not be sold at any price".

Key defender to leave Chelsea?

2010-07-15T03:22:00.000-07:00

It seems likely Jose Bosingwa could have to wave goodbye to a defensive colleague this summer as Ashley Cole could be on his way out of the Chelsea.

When both fit, Cole and the Portuguese international would fill the left and right-back slots respectively of the Chelsea defence.

However, it is looking like they may not line up together again, as by the time Bosingwa returns from the long term knee injury that has kept him out of action since October 2009, Cole could be playing for another team.

Cole had been linked with a move to Real Madrid ever since former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho left Inter Milan for the hotseat at the Bernabeau, but there are signs the Special One could be close to getting his man.

A £30 million deal with the La Liga giants had been mooted in the press, and this speculation is likely to increase as Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has claimed it looks likely that Cole will be in Madrid for next season.

The club's Champions League odds suggest they are in with a good chance of tasting the glory which has eluded them in so long, and Cole could be a key man in their success.

Chelsea are likely to be determined to try and hold onto the 29-year-old England international, but it looks like Carlo Ancelotti could have to go into the transfer market for a new left back or rely on either Branislav Ivanovic or Yuri Zhirkov.

Casillas told The Sun: "From what I am hearing the signs look good. I have only briefly spoken to people at the club, but I am confident that he can be a Real Madrid player next year.

"I think it will be the right move for him both professionally and personally."

The football betting suggests Chelsea will challenge for the title again next season, but they can ill afford to lose one of their best players.

It remains to be seen whether he will be around to help Chelsea next season, and they start their campaign against West Brom on August 14th.

Chelsea squad set 2010/11 targets

2010-07-02T08:31:00.000-07:00

Jose Bosingwa will be hoping to get back into the Chelsea first team next season and it seems the Blues players are dead set on defending their Premier League title.

The Portuguese right-back missed out on the majority of Chelsea's title-winning season last campaign after twice going under the knife with a knee problem.

He was out of action from October onwards and did not make enough Premier League appearances to get a winners medal, so that could be more motivation for the international to get back on the pitch and help Chelsea defend their title.
He also missed his side's attempts to upset the World Cup betting odds and lift the trophy in South Africa.

According to Bosingwa's team-mate Florent Malouda, the entire Chelsea squad has set their targets for next year and want to win both the Premier League and the Champions League after their domestic double last campaign.

"First is to defend the league. We were fighting last year to get the league back. We have to defend our trophy," he told Sky Sports News.

"After that [it's] the Champions League. I wish in my Chelsea career that I could touch that trophy and lift that trophy, but I won't give up, even if we fail next year, which I don't want, but I won't give up."

The football betting odds suggest they have every chance of achieving their goals.

If that is the feeling across Stamford Bridge, then that really could be seen as a booster to help Bosingwa get back on the pitch after a 9 months to forget and finally get his hands on a Premier League winners medal at Chelsea.

Ashley Cole to join Mourinho at Madrid?

2010-07-02T04:16:00.000-07:00

Much like Chelsea defender Jose Bosingwa who has had injury problems, Ashley Cole hasn’t had the best time of late.

His much publicised personal problems were followed by a humiliating World Cup campaign for England and many world cup final betting pundits are suggesting that a fresh start might be in order for the Chelsea man.

With reference to this, it is worth nothing that Real Madrid are reportedly ready to step up their interest in Cole. It is understood that they have already made a £25million bid for him and are willing to push this fee up some more if necessary.

With Cole being one of the best left-backs in the World, Chelsea obviously want to keep hold of him, but you have to consider that he will be tempted to move abroad.

At 29-years-old, he is at the peak of his career and if he doesn’t take the opportunity soon, he might not get another one. His frustration at the media invading his private life are clear to see, so maybe he thinks a new life in Spain will help him concentrate on his football.

Real Madrid manager Mourinho signed Cole from Arsenal in 2006 too, so the pair know each other well and like many Chelsea players, Cole would have enjoyed working with ‘The Special One’.

Nothing will happen for a while though. At the moment, whilst you start thinking about your potential 2010 world cup semi final bet, Cole is on holiday for three weeks.

Much more will be known when he returns to pre-season training. How well he settles back into life at Stamford Bridge will have a major influence on the England man’s future.

Chelsea go home

2010-07-01T03:13:00.000-07:00

Chelsea were well represented going into this World Cup, 14 members of the last season’s first team squad travelled with their national sides to South Africa. Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel only missed out on the World Cup due to injury.

As we go into the world cup quarter finals , all of those player are either already home or are coming home in the next few days after early exits.

Ricardo Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira and Deco were the last Chelsea players left in the tournament, they were sent packing by Spain in the last second round game.

Chelsea’s England boys had a World Cup to forget, the French connection were even worse, Nicolas Anelka was expelled from the squad and Florent Malouda struggled to make an impact.

Branislav Ivanovic’s Serbia went against all world cup odds to beat Germany but failed to qualify from Group D. Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou represented the Ivory Coast, who battled bravely in their Group G. Despite drawing with Portugal and beating North Korea, the African side went out on goal difference. Michael Essien’s Ghana have reached the quarter-finals, as the only African nation left in this World Cup. While they have missed midfielder Essien, they have done exceptionally to get this far without their talisman.

Some good may come out of this poor showing for the EPL Champions though; the early exits for the Chelsea boys will give them more time to recover from this summer’s tournament. Plus many in the Chelsea squad will have something to prove when the season kicks off on the 14th of August, against promoted West Brom.

Joe Cole backs Lampard to improve

2010-06-17T08:57:00.000-07:00

Jose Bosingwa may not be involved in any world cup 2010 prices but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any Chelsea connections in South Africa.

Looking specifically at the England squad, there is heavy Chelsea involvement with John Terry, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard. Joe Cole – who has recently been released by the club – is part of Fabio Capello’s 23 players too.

It is Lampard that has received the most attention since England’s opening draw with Algeria though. Many have criticised the Chelsea man for not offering enough in the centre of midfield.

This comes after Lampard came under fire for his performances in the 2006 World Cup and it seems certain that expectant England fans want more from a man who so often turns on the style for Chelsea. Some may have bet on World Cup matters involving Lampard and they will want more from him.

Joe Cole is backing up his England team-mate though. He says that Lampard is simply a ‘victim of his own high standards’ and that he has ‘nothing to prove’ to those who have questioned his displays for the national team.

Cole continued by saying that Lampard ‘is the best in the World for what he does’. He clearly thinks that Lampard will use the game against Algeria tomorrow as a platform for a decent tournament for himself and the team.

As for Lampard himself, he has admitted that the 2006 World Cup didn’t go well, meaning that he is ‘determined to enjoy’ the current tournament, especially considering that it is probably his last World Cup.

The 31-year-old would certainly love a goal tomorrow to settle his nerves. You get the feeling that Lampard does lack a little self-belief when playing for England, but a goal against Algeria could change all of this.

Could Bosingwa have another battle on the horizon?

2010-06-17T01:39:00.000-07:00

Jose Bosingwa could face increased competition when he returns from injury as Chelsea have been linked with a new right back.

Barcelona's Brazilian defender Daniel Alves has been a rumoured target for the Stamford Bridge side for many years, but he has now rejected a new contract offer at the Nou Camp so could be on his way to England.

Portuguese defender Bosingwa has been out of action for since October with a knee problem which needed two operations and kept him out of Chelsea's Premier League title winning season and also the World Cup.

The defender is undoubtedly chomping at the bit to get back to action and help his side defend their Premier League title, but the news that Alves could be on his way to Stamford Bridge could be a bitter pill to swallow.

According to Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo, the one bit of good news for Bosingwa could be the fact that Manchester City are also interested in Alves.

The Brazilian defender is rumoured to be available for £35 million, which would be no problem for City's owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. With Alves currently playing for the World Cup favourites in South Africa, he could attract even more attention soon.

It has also been reported that Alves wants a wage packet which reflects his status at Barcelona and, as Chelsea have been looking to get some of their higher earners such as Joe Cole and Michael Ballack off their books they may baulk at the Brazilian's demands.

It remains to be seen who will line-up at right back for Chelsea next season as they look to retain their Premier League title, but there will be no man more motivated than Bosingwa when he returns to prove he is still one of the best in his position in the world.

Chelsea stars face big World Cup test

2010-06-04T03:24:00.000-07:00

Jose Bosingwa may be suffering from a World Cup nightmare this summer, but his captain at Chelsea, John Terry, is ready for South Africa and has been sent a chilling warning about the side he faces first.

The Chelsea right back is unable to play in the World Cup for Portugal as he has been out of action for many months with a knee problem which needed two operations.
But the Portuguese star's team-mates Terry, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Joe Cole are all included in England's 23-man World Cup squad and are all hoping to line-up for their opening game against USA in Rustenburg on June 12th.

The World Cup 2010 betting makes England favourites for the tie, but the Americans have been quick to warn Fabio Capello's men of the challenge they face.

Jozy Altidore, the USA forward, has said Bob Bradley's side are preparing to pull off a shock in that game and warned England that it would be a big mistake if they "think it will be easy".

"England are expected to win and that puts all of the pressure on them. We are ready to cause a surprise," the striker said.

Altidore's compatriot Maurice Edu has also warned Chelsea's England contingent that he thinks the USA can win Group C and "give anyone a game" at the World Cup this summer. It remains to be seen if they really can upset the 2010 World Cup odds.

He has said the USA area "good team" who are capable of making it to at least the quarter-finals in the competition. However, these ambitions could take a beating if the likes of Terry or Lampard can score against them in their opening game.

Portugal head to the World Cup without Bosingwa

2010-05-20T03:59:00.000-07:00

Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz has been unable to name Jose Bosinwga among his provisional 24-man squad for the World Cup, but he has sprung a surprise among his defensive choices.

Right-back Bosingwa would have been a certain inclusion in the Portugal squad had he not undergone two operations on a knee problem that has kept him out of competitive action since October.

As a result, he was forced to sit on the sidelines and watch his Chelsea team-mates win the club's first ever Premier League and FA Cup double, while also resigning himself to watching Portugal's World Cup games on television.

Queiroz has named his 24-man provisional squad, and the biggest shock was Real Madrid defender Pepe being named despite being out of action for five months - suggesting that Bosingwa would have been considered if he had been making his comeback in the weeks running up to the World Cup.

Pepe has only just returned to training following a knee injury and will be hoping to play his part as Portugal face a difficult campaign in South Africa having been drawn in Group G with Brazil, Ivory Coast and North Korea. Portugal's World Cup 2010 odds suggest they could struggle, and they might need a hand from Brazil, the side they face in their last group game.

Queiroz has warned that he has "one or two" doubts about the fitness of some of his players and he wants to asses them in a specially-arranged training camp.

"Things can happen at a training camp and we want to be sure the ones we take are in the best shape," the manager said.

"The World Cup will take place when players are usually on holiday, it will be important to prepare them correctly so they can contribute as best as possible."

Anyone who places a football bet on Portugal winning the World Cup will be taking something of a risk, but if they make it out of that group anything could happen.

Portugal's provisional squad:

Goalkeepers: Beto (Porto), Daniel Fernandes (Iraklis), Eduardo (Braga).

Defenders: Fabio Coentrao (Benfica), Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea), Ze Castro (Deportivo La Coruna), Bruno Alves (Porto), Rolando (Porto), Ricardo Costa (Lille), Duda (Malaga), Pepe (Real Madrid), Miguel (Valencia).

Midfielders: Tiago (Atletico Madrid), Deco (Chelsea), Raul Meireles (Porto), Nani (Manchester United), Miguel Veloso (Sporting Lisbon), Pedro Mendes (Sporting Lisbon).

Forwards: Simao Sabrosa (Atletico Madrid), Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen), Liedson (Sporting Lisbon), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Danny (Zenit St Petersburg).

Chelsea Are Champions But Rebuilding Job Remains

2010-05-11T08:14:00.000-07:00

Chelsea won the league title in style at the weekend with a 8-0 thumping of Wigan, and no one can deny that Chelsea have been the best team this season even though Man Utd run them close.

There has been a lot made of the Chelsea teams age and the need for reinforcements and even with the success the club have experienced this year there is no doubt that the teams needs investment and it looks like the team will get it in the summer.

The league title at the weekend was the third since Abramovich has taken over but the Champions League is his real goal and that will almost certainly again be the target for next season. Chelsea must have been disappointed at getting knocked out so early this season and will be striving for European success next term.

There are sure to be a number of players leaving the club and hopefully a number of top players arriving to pull on the Chelsea shirts this summer, but the real question mark this summer will be over the future of some of the players who are not out of contract or appearing to be on the sidelines such as Didier Drogba.

Drogba ended the season as Europes top goal scorer, however his behaviour during the game, when he wasn't allowed to take the first penalty, was audibly not appreciated by the fans and with the Ivory Coast international striker nearly hitting 33 years old this could be the last time to cash in on the clubs top goal scorer.

Chelsea will of course not be the only club to invest in new players over the summer with Man Utd, Man City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs all set to spend big so it looks like we could be set for one of the busiest and most exciting transfer windows for quite a few season.

Written by Danny Watson a sports writer who blogs about football news and football shirts.

Chelsea title party looks on the cards

2010-05-07T04:21:00.000-07:00

Even though Jose Bosingwa will not be able to claim a Premier League winners medal there is no doubt he will be cheering on his Chelsea team-mates at the weekend.
A player needs to make ten appearances in the Premier League to be awarded a winners medal, but a season blighted by injury means he has only played in eight domestic league games.

The Portuguese right-back needed two operations on a knee injury, and has been out of action since then and with no possibility of returning before the end of the season his injury has also ended his World Cup dream.

In Bosingwa's absence, Chelsea sit top of the Premier League at the moment and have a one-point advantage over Manchester United with one game to play. If Chelsea can beat Wigan Athletic at Stamford Bridge then they will win the Premier League title - and despite missing out on most of the campaign the right-back is bound to celebrate with his team-mates.

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard said the attitude of the Blues' squad has been "fantastic" and he thinks the players deserve glory at the end of the season - let's not forget that the club can also do the double as they have an FA Cup final against Portsmouth to come as well. In fact, the FA Cup final betting suggests the London club should run out comfortable winners.

"We have got a head of steam up. There is still another game to go but we are in a good position. If you are going to win titles you are going to have these moments," said Lampard.

Meanwhile, Portugal could face a tough time without Bosigwa. The World Cup 2010 betting suggests they could struggle to qualify from a group which also contains Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast.

How do you stop Lionel Messi? Just ask Jose Bosingwa!

2010-04-28T04:22:00.000-07:00

In April 2009, Chelsea travelled to Barcelona for the first leg of their Champions League semi final clash with Barcelona. The game was billed as the perfect showcase for the talented young Argentinean star Lionel Messi to put Chelsea to the sword and confirm himself as one of the world’s best players. Most of the betting tips that week told us that Messi would destroy Chelsea and single-handedly eliminate them from European competition.

The game ended 0-0 with Messi enduring one of his quietest nights in a Barcelona shirt in European competition. The reason for that was the exceptional performance of Chelsea right back Jose Bosingwa who effectively shackled the winger not just once, but repeated the performance in the second leg back at Stamford Bridge a week later, when only Andres Iniesta’s late goal, and some dubious refereeing, saw Barcelona through to the final against Manchester United.

MESSI IN 2010

Since then of course, Messi has proved beyond doubt that he is truly the world’s greatest player at this present moment. The unenviable task of stopping Messi in the 2010 Champions League Semi Final fell to Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan.

The first leg last week in Milan was a triumph for Inter. Messi was once again effectively shackled by the hard pressing of the Inter team that refused to allow Barcelona to settle into their rhythmic passing style. As such Messi, starved of service and space, was largely ineffective and despite Pedro’s opening goal, Inter stormed back to take a 3-1 lead to the Nou Camp this week.

However the second leg promises to be different. Barcelona at the Nou Camp are a formidable foe. Lionel Messi at the Nou Camp has been putting in performances verging on the genius this season. Some would argue surpassing even that hallowed mark.
So how do you stop him?

BOSINGWA FINDS THE ANSWER

The man who found the answer lies currently in a house somewhere in the south of England, nursing a knee injury and disappointed that he cannot play a role in either Chelsea’s push for the Premier League title, or Portugal’s World Cup adventure in the summer. A year on from his Messi master class, Jose Bosingwa is seeing the life of a professional footballer from the other side of the fence.

A knee injury sustained in October against Aston Villa required further surgery in March and ruled him out for the remainder of the season, and the summer’s festivities in South Africa.
So how did Bosingwa manage to keep Messi quiet, not just once, but twice and once in the rarified atmosphere of a packed Nou Camp?

The answer was simple. He never gave the winger space. Whenever Messi received the ball, Bosingwa was there. Messi may get past him, but the Portuguese stars pace and support from team mates meant that Messi would never get too far and but for a controversial late goal, it would have seen Chelsea progress to the Champions League final in 2009.

MOURINHO TO BORROW THE PLAN?

It’s a blueprint that former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho will be using once again this week as his Inter team try to harass and harangue Barcelona out of their stride. It worked wonderfully well at the San Siro, can it work again in the Nou Camp?

Perhaps it can, but the tactic would have a much better chance of success, if Jose Bosingwa was lining up at right back for Inter Milan.

Chelsea search for a star of the future

2010-04-22T03:12:00.000-07:00

Jose Bosingwa might have to get used to seeing a new face around the training ground in the few months as Chelsea have launched a new scheme to find an Asian footballing superstar.

There are only seven Asian players currently at professional level in England, and Chelsea are hoping to help combat this with their Search for an Asian Star scheme.
Scouts and coaches from Chelsea and other professional football clubs will be at the three-day event at Cobham and the winners will get a chance to play with Chelsea's academy and possibly even train with some of the first team - including Portuguese right-back Jose Bosingwa.

The scheme from Chelsea has received official backing from the Mayor of London who is certain it is not a "lack of talent" which is holding back on Britain finding its first Asian footballing superstar.

"By focusing on developing the game amongst London's Asian communities, Chelsea FC are not only taking us a step closer to finding this superstar, they are also reinforcing the message that football - and sport in general - is for everyone," said Boris Johnson.

However, it could be some time before Bosingwa is able to join Chelsea's players on the training pitch as he had a second operation on a knee problem that has kept him out of competitive action since October.

The Portuguese star will definitely miss this summer's World Cup and he will be hoping to get back on the training pitch before next season kicks-off.

Portugal's World Cup 2010 odds suggest they will struggle at the tournament, and it does look like they will be without a number of key players.

Meanwhile, anyone who made Chelsea their football betting tip for the Premier League title will be watching nervously as the race looks like it will go down to the wire.

New 2010-12 Chelsea Home Shirt Available Now

2010-04-15T06:41:00.001-07:00

The new Chelsea home shirt will launch on 6th May and it is now available to pre-order. Chelsea started to gain success in the English Premier League as of 2004 and this season, they are looking to win another title, as they are sitting top of the table.

Chelsea football kits have increased in popularity in recent years have many key players in their squad, including Frank Lampard, John Terry, Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka, Michael Essien, Petr Cech, Ashley Cole, Michael Ballack and Joe Cole, who will be looking to keep their good run going in the league to win their first title in years. Chelsea have a fantastic squad of players and many of these will be playing at the 2010 World Cup. Let us now take a look at the new Chelsea shirt.

The Chelsea home shirt will be worn by the team for season 2010/11 and it is the traditional blue colour, which has been manufactured by Adidas. It has a stylish white v-neck design with a red trim, and it is unusual to see red on a Chelsea shirt. From the collar down to the bottom of the sleeves is the Adidas 3-stripe design in white. The Adidas logo appears on the top right of the shirt, with the Chelsea badge on the top left. Chelsea have stayed with Samsung as their sponsor and this appears in white across the middle of the jersey.

Written by Danny Watson, a sports writer who blogs about soccer jerseys.

Bosingwa missing out on a 'certifiable group of death'

2010-04-02T03:36:00.000-07:00

Portugal are going to be gunning to beat Brazil in this summer's FIFA World Cup in South Africa as the two are paired in the group of death, according to Gilberto Silva.

One player who will not be able to play his part in cutting the Brazilians down to size however is Portugal's first-choice right-back, Jose Bosingwa, who has been ruled out for the rest of Chelsea's season after a second operation on his knee and as such not taking part in South Africa.

Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva claims that Group G is far tougher than some of the other ones in the competition and many outsiders will be watching closely to see if any of the other teams can cause a surprise and beat Brazil who are currently second favourites in the World Cup 2010 betting. He told Fifa.com that all teams, including Portugal want to beat Brazil due to the level of respect which the Samba Boys warrant in the footballing world.

"I think it's justified to call ours 'the group of death', but this team's already lived through a lot of adversity and is ready to face this situation," said Gilberto.

"I know a lot of the Portuguese players and particularly the Ivorians, who I played alongside at Arsenal."

The football betting odds suggest Portugal should make it out of the group, but they will want to finish top to ensure an easier draw in the knockout stage.Portuguese star Bosingwa's World Cup heartbreak was confirmed at the beginning of March by Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins.

The right-back had returned to light training after his first surgery but a further operation on the affected joint means he will miss the opportunity to add to his 23 international caps until after this summer's competition.

Chelsea boss wants players to bounce back

2010-03-18T06:02:00.000-07:00

Carlo Ancelotti reckons Jose Bosingwa's Chelsea colleagues need to use their Champions League exit as motivation in their bid to win the Premier League title.

The Blues suffered an acrimonious exit to former boss Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan 3-1 on aggregate on Tuesday night at the last 16 stage of the Champions League.

Chelsea were disappointing losing, 1-0 at Stamford Bridge to the Italian side and Ancelotti has admitted he will be under pressure following the result.

However, he now needs to get his side back in the right mindset to now go forward and win the Premier League and FA Cup. The online betting suggests they are in with a chance of doing the double, but they will need to dig deep.

Ancelotti believes his players need to control their emotions and be strong in the games against Blackburn and Portsmouth that come in the next seven days.

"This defeat could be a very good motivation for the next few games," said the Italian manager.
"We have to be strong after this defeat. We have to have a new motivation, a good motivation, for the future."

Chelsea will have to go on in their Premier League title battle without Chelsea and Portugal right-back Jose Bosingwa, who is out injured with a knee problem for the rest of the season.

The 27-year-old has not featured since limping out of the game against Aston Villa in October and the club recently revealed he needed another operation on his knee, ruling him out for the run in.

He will also be unavailable for Portugal in the summer, news which could be a blow to the side's World Cup 2010 odds.

Chelsea players must deal with pressure of playing for club

2010-03-03T03:21:00.000-08:00

Jose Bosingwa's Chelsea team-mate Michael Ballack believes all the players at Stamford Bridge need to remain focused on the battles ahead of them despite the injury problems which have rocked the club this season.

Currently, Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelloti must do without Ashley Cole, Petr Cech, Yuri Zhirkov, Michael Essien, Alex and Deco along with long-term casualty Bosingwa - who underwent surgery on a knee problem earlier in the season and has missed three months of football so far.

In their last match Chelsea suffered a dreadful 4-2 home loss to Manchester City, but they still managed to hold on to their lead in the Premier League title race - where they sit one point ahead of rivals Manchester United. The online betting now makes the Blues and the Red Devils joint favourites for the title.

German international Ballack was sent off in that game and has called for his Chelsea team-mates to focus on their upcoming matches to ensure they can end the season with silverware.
"I think if you play for Chelsea you have to deal with the pressure, everybody knows the expectations," said the 33-year-old.

"You want to win everything possible and you try it every year, but you can't win everything, we know this as well but we have to play good football, we have to get the best of our team."

Portuguese right-back Bosingwa's manager at Stamford Bridge, Ancelotti, recently said he did not want to leave Chelsea to take charge of the Italian national team after the World Cup.

Italy are fifth favourites for the competition and could be a good World Cup bet.

Cech looking at another decade in Chelsea blue

2010-02-17T05:05:00.000-08:00

Jose Bosingwa's Chelsea team-mate Petr Cech has set his sights on playing for the Stamford Bridge outfit for the next ten years.

The Czech goalkeeper has seen Branislav Ivanovic fill the right-back role in front of him in recent months as Portuguese international Bosingwa has been ruled out of action for three months after having surgery on a knee problem.

Cech has returned to fine form in recent weeks to help Chelsea consolidate their position at the top of the table, where they hold a one-point advantage over Premier League title rivals Manchester United.

The 27-year-old has praised his team-mates for getting Chelsea into the position they are now in and also highlighted how it can be difficult for goalkeepers in a successful side as they may only have a few things to do during games and so need "to be spot on" when called into action.

Cech told Chelsea magazine that keepers can compensate for ageing legs with "a bit of experience" and he is looking to keep his reactions sharp and play on in Chelsea blue for many more years.

"If I stay fit, at least as I am now, then I'll play as long as I can because this career is normally pretty short and everyone wants to make the most of it," said the 'keeper.

At the other end of the Chelsea team, star striker Didier Drogba has said that at the start of each season he aims to better the performances he put in during the previous campaign.

The Ivory Coast forward has scored 23 goals so far this season, but stated he is always looking to improve and get better as a player year after year.

He scored against Cardiff at the weekend to help Chelsea into the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

Indeed, the FA Cup betting makes Chelsea favourites to lift the trophy.

Ivanovic likened to Bosingwa by team-mate

2010-02-03T02:50:00.000-08:00

Ashley Cole has praised the impact that Branislav Ivanovic has had deputising for the injured Jose Bosingwa during Chelsea's Premier League title charge.

The 25-year-old Serbian international arrived at Stamford Bridge from Lokomotiv Moscow in 2008 and is primarily a centre back by trade.

He has been forced to fill in for Portuguese star Bosingwa at right-back this season after he underwent surgery on a knee problem that has forced him to miss three months of football so far.

England left-back Cole has been full of admiration for the job Ivanovic has done for Chelsea, helping them to the top of Premier League by getting forward and offering some width to their attack when needed.

"Brana has done brilliantly. When he first signed here we saw in training everyday what he can do and for me he has been one of our best players this season," he told the club's website.

"He is out of position some might say, but he is up and down like Bosingwa and it is good to see him fit and enjoying his football."

Ivanovic recently told the website that he has his sights set on playing 100 games for Chelsea, after he surpassed the 50 mark a few weeks ago in the victory over Sunderland.

Chelsea slipped up last night as Hull defied the football odds to claim a 1-1 draw.

Advantage Chelsea in the Premier League

2010-01-29T03:19:00.000-08:00

The media focus on Wednesday night was undoubtedly on Manchester, where a bitter contest was ensuing between two old rivals both hungry to reach the Carling Cup final and secure the first silverware of the season. However, elsewhere in English football, other clubs were quietly going about their business, unconcerned about the drama unfolding at Old Trafford.

One such team was Chelsea, who brought an end to Birmingham's magnificent unbeaten run in all competitions with a comfortable 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge. Before the game, all signs pointed to a tough test for Chelsea, who had only managed a goalless draw against a resilient Birmingham side in December at St Andrews. However, a period of domination during the opening minutes of the clash was capped by a simple goal from Florent Malouda, who headed home after good work from the lively Joe Cole.

From the perspective of England fans, it was a great night, with Cole looking back to his old self after making a slow, steady return from injury. Frank Lampard also looked on top form, notching up the second and third goals of the game with accurate finishes.

The result sent Chelsea back to the top of the league, with Arsenal only able to secure a point against a battling Aston Villa side. On the evidence of Wednesday night's action at Stamford Bridge, it’ll take something special to knock Chelsea off their perch. Their title rivals don't look like having the flair or consistency to mount a serious challenge to Carlo Ancelotti's side's quest to bring another title to west London and this is reflected in the Premier League betting odds.

Furthermore, Chelsea could be on for the double, as the best odds FA Cup bookmakers are offering make the London club strong favourites to lift the trophy.