The Unofficial Inter Preview

Tuesday 16th March will be remembered, at least for a week or so, as the biggest game of our season. Whether after its climax we are able to push on and challenge three trophies all the way until May or if we simply fade to a sort of pathetic runner`s up attitude; either way that mid-week day in March will be seen as important.

The obvious request from most fans is a dominant display which can humble but not embarrass Jose Mourinho and his Inter team. Whilst his mind-game tactics continue in press conferences, he knows very well that the main talking will be done on the pitch.

Safe passage through to the Quarter Finals with no suspensions and certainly no more injuries is what we ask for, that surely sits in first place above any other request. We all know that 1-0 is sufficient and right now I`d gladly accept that. Leave the Mourinho-bashing for his imminent return to the Premier League to manage either Citeh or Liverpool. The Special One will always remain special in our History and his bravery to taunt us from his new home at the San Siro should be applauded.

The game will be won or lost in Midfield. The aspirations and effort from Drogba, Eto`o, Anelka and Milito will be crucial but I believe it will come down to some "no-man`s land" battles. Lampard will need space in this game; against Citeh and Inter (a) he was pretty much doubled-teamed every time he got a touch of the ball. For this to happen, Mikel will need to provide solid anchoring just in front of Terry and Alex. It is a big game for Obi and he`s more than able to perform against Sneijder.

Ballack will need to put more effort into his game than his usual barracking of the referee. I`m hoping that the longer he stays quiet, important referee decisions aside, the longer he can provide a workmanlike unit on the right with Iva.

Having Yuri back and fit is the best bit of news we`ve had since Hilario was deemed injured. The freedom Malouda will now have must be the main headache for Jose after such an incredible performance on Saturday. I`m the first to admit that I`ve not been on the Frenchman`s side the last couple of years but I`ll hold my hand up and say that he has flipped my opinion of him 180 degrees and I`m overjoyed with his relentless determination to cross, score or dribble his way to a Chelsea victory.

So I`m expecting a staggered 4-4-2 formation which is able, thanks to the forward thinking of Yuri and Iva, to change to 4-3-3 seamlessly and allow Florent his space up front. Anelka will be a key link-man between midfield and attack as he always is and it`s vital that Drogba is on song and he`ll be receiving the most chances.

It`s more than possible to achieve, like Utd last week, a big win over a complacent Inter side. They lost at the weekend in the League and despite their win at the San Siro; it`ll take a lot to beat a determined Chelsea side at Home.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.