Dec 22

Blackburn look to extend Franco Di Santo’s loan spell from Chelsea

• Argentinian striker has become a regular starter for Rovers
• Chelsea relaxed at losing Drogba and Kalou to Ivory Coast

Blackburn Rovers hope to extend Franco Di Santo’s loan deal after Chelsea indicated they do not require the Argentinian striker to cover for their losses at the African Cup of Nations in January.

The 20-year-old is due to return to Stamford Bridge on 31 December after a productive loan spell at Ewood Park in which, despite scoring only once in the Premier League, he has become a regular starter.

Chelsea originally insisted on a limited loan period given Didier Drogba’s and Salomon Kalou’s international commitments in Angola next month.

However, talks over an extension have progressed smoothly in recent days, with Di Santo’s regular first-team opportunities at Blackburn an influential factor for Chelsea, and an agreement is believed to be close. A permanent deal is not on Rovers’ agenda at this stage.

Blackburn RoversChelseaPremier LeagueAndy Hunterguardian.co.uk

Oct 23

Squad sheets: Chelsea v Blackburn Rovers

Chelsea’s dismantling of Atlético Madrid cost the Spaniards’ manager, Abel Resino, his job, though a more stringest test of their resilience awaits. Rovers will seek to exploit the hosts’ vulnerability in the air and prosper where Stoke, Wigan and Aston Villa have reaped rewards recently. Chelsea were without their manager Carlo Ancelotti in their preparations for this game, after he returned to Italy to be with his father who was taken ill on Wednesday night. Ancelotti expects to be back in time for kick-off but Ray Wilkins stands by. Dominic Fifield

Venue Stamford Bridge Tickets Sold out Last season Chelsea 2 Blackburn 0 Referee A Wiley

This season’s matches 8 Y27, R3, 3.75 cards per game

sportingbet odds Chelsea 1-6 Blackburn 12-1 Draw 6-1

Chelsea

Subs from Turnbull, Hilario, Deco, Sturridge, Ferreira, Hutchinson, J Cole, Bruma, Borini, Kalou, Matic, Belletti, Alex, Mikel

Doubtful Alex (match fitness), Mikel (match fitness)

Injured Bosingwa (knee, 31 Oct), Zhirkov (knee, 31 Oct)

Suspended None

Form guide LWLWWW Disciplinary record Y10 R1

Leading scorer Drogba 7

Blackburn

Subs from Salgado, McCarthy, Givet, Reid, Emerton, Hoilett, Doran, Van Heerden, Olsson, Brown, Giannakopoulos, Kalinic

Doubtful None

Injured Grella (thigh, 31 Oct)

Suspended None Ineligible Di Santo

Form guide WLWLWD

Disciplinary record Y13 R1

Leading scorer Dunn 4

Match pointers

• Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 15 league games at Stamford Bridge and have won the last six in a row

• Blackburn have failed to score in their last six league meetings with Chelsea

• Nicolas Anelka has scored 10 goals in 12 league starts against Rovers – he has not been as prolific against any other opponent

• Only Arsenal (six) have won more times at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League than Blackburn Rovers (five)

• In the first halves of Rovers’ last two games there have been a total of nine goals

ChelseaBlackburn RoversPremier Leagueguardian.co.uk

Num	Team	PTS	G	GD
1	Arsenal	0	0	0
2	Aston Villa	0	0	0
3	Birmingham City	0	0	0
4	Blackburn Rovers	0	0	0
5	Blackpool	0	0	0
6	Bolton Wanderers	0	0	0
7	Chelsea	0	0	0
8	Everton	0	0	0
9	Fulham	0	0	0
10	Liverpool	0	0	0
11	Manchester City	0	0	0
12	Manchester United	0	0	0
13	Newcastle United	0	0	0
14	Stoke City	0	0	0
15	Sunderland	0	0	0
16	Tottenham Hotspur	0	0	0
17	West Bromwich Albion	0	0	0
18	West Ham United	0	0	0
19	Wigan Athletic	0	0	0
20	Wolverhampton Wanderers	0	0	0

Watch Blackburn

Blackburn look to extend Franco Di Santo’s loan spell from Chelsea

Squad sheets: Chelsea v Blackburn Rovers

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