Foot in both camps (on a personal note)

After my hard-fought battle with those wretched A-Levels, I now sit here, in my desk chair, tapping away on the laptop, grinning from ear to ear, looking out at the grand Cathedral on the hill… oh yeah, probably should have made it a tad clearer, I’m at the Lincoln School of Journalism… in Lincoln.

Now I’ve got that out of the way, I believe there is some sort of football match on tonight, I’m not sure, think somebody mentioned it to me earlier. I joke, of course, as I have been plagued with questions from friends and twitter followers about my predicament. What predicament you may ask? Well let me clear that up, for my sins, I am a Chelsea supporter (cue the ‘boos’ and ‘hisses’). I was born into a family of Chelsea supporters, and might I say, my timing was impeccable. However, after following Swindon Town for almost 5 years now, through my affectionate attraction to the club when I first watched Owain Tudor Jones’ beautifully struck (massively deflected) free-kick grab Town a late point at Brunton Park in 2009, and after my experience working on the club programme and website, Swindon have, and will, always have a place in my heart.

Whenever I was asked the question: ‘What would you do if Chelsea ever played Swindon?’ I would laugh it off, and reply: ‘Yeah, like that’s ever gonna happen!’ Now here we stand… time to answer that question. I have to be honest and admit that above all, I am a Chelsea supporter, and that I guess they have to be my priority, but honestly, I had to turn down a ticket to the game, because I refuse to ever be an ‘away supporter’ at my beloved County Ground. That is why I’ll be watching from a pub tonight, surrounded by other students, hoping for a thoroughly entertaining game of football.

Now, away from all the sentimental, ‘touchy feely’ emotional trash that I know you guys really couldn’t give a jot about, on to the football! This is the area I am relishing, as I have a very strong personal incite regarding both teams. We all know that Swindon’s team pretty much picks itself for the moment, with injuries and suspensions preventing players such as Ryan Harley, Ryan Mason and Nathan Byrne from participating, the return of Alex Pritchard will be a great boost for Mark Cooper’s men. Depending on which wing the fleet-footed Essex lad starts on, one man he definitely won’t be facing is England’s defensive stalwart Ashley Cole. Cole is likely to be rested for the trip to Wiltshire, alongside his full-back partner Branislav Ivanovic, as Mourinho is likely to hand Cesar Azpilicueta and Ryan Bertrand their first starts of the season.

Michael Essien will make his return to the blues team after his season-long loan to Real Madrid expired in the summer, and David Luiz will also be recalled. The much-talked about Juan Mata is also likely to start, alongside Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne. Up front, Samuel Eto’o will be rested, prompting Demba Ba or Fernando Torres to start up front. Veteran Aussie ‘keeper Mark Schwarzer could be granted his Chelsea debut, while first-team regulars such as Oscar, Ramires and Eden Hazard are likely to be rested. It will be a difficult night for one Nile Ranger, who will face a tough battle with Luiz, and either England international Gary Cahill, or former Three Lions captain John Terry. Yaser Kasim, who will sit in the ‘anchor role’ will have his hands full with Chelsea’s dazzling array of midfield quality and flare, while Darren Ward will need to marshal his young defensive line like an army general on the beaches of Normandy.

Swindon Town face have a real battle on their hands, and for many fans, just to get a glimpse of stars such as Juan Mata, and Frank Lampard, running around the same patches of grass that was just last week graced by Scott Wagstaff and Marlon Harewood. However there are two sizeable advantages the Robins have over their opponents, that shouldn’t be underestimated. 1) The pitch. Although the turf at the County Ground is often pristine, home advantages are crucial, and it will definitely come as a shock to some of the primadonna’s in the away dressing room, with many wondering where exactly the luxury hot tubs and power showers are. 2) Mark Cooper knows who his best team is, Jose, quite frankly, has no idea. The Swindon team has had numerous games to gel together, and form a cohesive team. The Chelsea team will be extremely mixed tonight, with numerous amounts of changes to the side that faced Fulham on Saturday. Swindon have caused few cup shocks in the past, why not pull off the biggest scalp of them all?

All there is left to say from me is to everyone going to the game, have a great night, enjoy the fantastic football on show, and Come On You Blu… Re… football teams!

By Nick Lough

@NDL95