Chelsea ask the FA for fixture favour

Chelsea manager Roberto di Matteo has turned to the FA to help him to ease fixture congestion that could see the Blues play nine games in 31 days. Chelsea take on Bolton or Tottenham in the FA Cup, and then three days later will meet Benfica in the Champions League.

Di Matteo revealed that he has already been in contact with the powers that be at the FA to discuss new fixture arrangements for his side.


"We absolutely need more assistance over our fixtures as the schedule here does not help English teams in Europe," di Matteo said. "We're engaged with the FA but ultimately someone has to make the call."