16th November, 2012
Two Nigerian players, John Mikel Obi and Osaze Odemwingie will be at loggerheads as their clubs trade tackles in one of this weekend’s matches in the English Premier League.
Chelsea’s Mikel and Osaze of West Brom would have to jettison their Nigerian nationalities and justify the money they earn as their clubs battle for the three points at stake in the crucial match tomorrow. Another Nigerian, Victor Moses will face Osaze in the colours of Chelsea, making the tie a two against one battle of the Nigerians. Though Mikel and Osaze have not been enjoying playing time in the national team, the Super Eagles back home, but they have been in top form playing regularly for their English clubs in the EPL.
Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo travels to his former club West Bromwich Albion, who are on a run of form to rival some of the big clubs this season.
The English Premier League clash on Saturday will see two teams at the top end of the table, with just four points separating them. Chelsea, league leaders for much of the season, lie third on 24 points from eleven games, three behind first-placed Manchester United, while West Brom are fifth on 20 points.
West Brom manager Steve Clarke, who has been instrumental in guiding his side to the strong start, will also be facing his former club, where he spent 12 years as a player and then a coach, while Di Matteo returns to the club he managed for two years.
Clarke expects nothing short of a stiff challenge against the European champions, who are trying to avoid a November slump, having gone winless in their last three games.
“We now have the European champions at home on Saturday and want to be ready for that one, and our fans want us to be ready,” Clarke added. “We’re going to work as hard as we can to make it a really different afternoon for Chelsea. That’s what we’ve done every game so far and it has worked quite well.
“I’ve only been here a short period and it has been great. We know there will be days that aren’t so good, so it’s important you enjoy your good moments. Supporters can dream if they want but we have to be focused on the job in hand.
“We will try to get whatever success we can. Chelsea have changed the dynamic of their team over the last couple of years but they still have key players in key positions and we are aware of that.”
The Blues will miss the services of skipper John Terry, who suffered a knee injury in the 1-1 draw against Liverpool last Sunday, while Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard remain doubtful.
Di Matteo will be desperate to pick up all three points, knowing full well a loss or even a draw, might see United pull well clear at the top, with Manchester City also capable of putting some daylight between the Blues. West Brom will be without first-choice goalkeeper Ben Foster, who has been ruled out with a groin problem.