Diamond system a gem, says Ancelotti

CARLO ANCELOTTI insists he still has belief in his system as league leaders Chelsea look to end their poor form away from home.

The Blues have turned Stamford Bridge into a fortress this season, with just one goal conceded since the opening day of the campaign.

In the last three games on their home turf, Chelsea have scored 13 goals without reply — but they are suffering on their travels, where they have lost their last two games.

Defeats at Wigan and Aston Villa temporarily blighted their good start under Ancelotti but victories over Atletico Madrid, Blackburn and Bolton at home have restored confidence in the Italian coach’s ‘diamond’ formation.

Their 4-0 victory over Wanderers on Wednesday night was achieved without numerous first-team regulars.

They will all return against the same opposition today for a game that will once more test Chelsea’s character and Ancelotti’s system away from home.

“We want to maintain the same system,” said Ancelotti. “I said before that for this season, we follow this way at home and away.

“The last two matches away were not good for us, but we don’t want to change because of that. I think this system is very good away from home.

“Tomorrow will be a different game to the game in the Carling Cup. I think that Bolton can play different, but we want to play at the same level.

“To win this Premier League is a very long race. If it’s possible to maintain being top of the table, as we are, then that’s good.

“It means we’ve started the season well. But the race is very long and will only finish at the end of the season.”

Bolton boss Gary Megson will welcome back striker Kevin Davies for today’s game after resting him in the midweek Carling Cup tie, and Ancelotti is well aware of his physical prowess.

“He’s a very good player,” added the Italian. “He’s very important for his team, but we have respect for him and for Bolton. We want to play the best because we think this game is very important.

“I like all kinds of strikers. It’s important, I think, for a striker to work for the team. That’s what I want all my strikers to do and that’s what I ask of them.

“For me, it’s not so important that a striker always scores. For me, it’s important they work for the team.

“I don’t ask them to defend, just work for the team. Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka, Salomon Kalou and Daniel Sturridge show their qualities for the team. This is good.”

Chelsea have doubts about Branislav Ivanovic and Salomon Kalou for the trip to the Reebok but John Terry, Frank Lampard, Drogba, Michael Essien and Ricardo Carvalho all return.