Chelsea need to beat Boro to stay in title race

Back in form, Chelsea play Boro today knowing that only a win will keep their slim title hopes alive

Let's do it: Michael Ballack

Back in form, Chelsea play Boro today knowing that only a win will keep their slim title hopes alive

Chelsea will go into today's Premier League clash against strugglers Middlesbrough looking to keep up the pressure on league leaders Manchester United and second-placed Liverpool.

Manager Luiz Felipe Scolari will have one eye on Sunday's summit clash with the Merseysiders as he attempts to prolong the Blues' promising recent run of three straight victories.

Chelsea's humiliating 3-0 reverse to United at Old Trafford on January 11 saw many write off their title ambitions but their encouraging form since, which left them two points behind the leading duo heading into this week's matches, will have given their fans new belief.

Scolari's side managed a comfortable 3-1 home win over mid-table Championship side Ipswich Town in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday thanks to two goals from Germany midfielder Michael Ballack.

Focussed
Not that he was getting carried away ahead of Wednesday's match.
u00a0
"We have dropped too many points at home and we have to be careful," Ballack warned.

Chelsea will have to do without Carlo Cudicini for Wednesday's clash after Tottenham signed the club's reserve goalkeeper on a free transfer on Monday.

Middlesbrough also made it through to the last 16 of the FA Cup on Saturday with a 2-1 win at Championship leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The result, thanks to a late winner from Dutch striker Marvin Emnes, eased the pressure on Boro boss Gareth Southgate, whose side are rooted in the bottom three after a dreadful run of 10 league games without a win.

Liverpool play Wigan
Liverpool travel to Wigan hoping to get their Premier League title challenge back on track Wednesday but with off-field issues continuing to overshadow the Merseysiders' quest for trophies.

Sunday's 1-1 FA Cup draw with Everton, played out against the back-drop of co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett seeking further investment, once again highlighted the issue of Robbie Keane's position at Anfield.

The striker is reported to have refused to attend the game after being told he would not be included in the 18-man squad.

Everton host Arsenal
Game by game and piece by piece, Arsenal are beginning to stitch their tattered season back together.

The north Londoners' recent performances may have lacked some of their renowned swagger, but for the moment manager Arsene Wenger is not complaining.

An eight-game unbeaten run is the club's best of the season and such consistency is welcome given the way they scaled euphoric highs and plunged to desperate lows earlier in the campaign.