Chelsea's biggest threat to retain their title may come from disgruntled players in the dressing room rather than the opposition.
On the face of it, Jose Mourinho shouldered the blame for the wounding defeat in his first Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Former midfielder Paul Scholes, who played more than 700 matches for United, said the club are lagging behind City and a strengthened Liverpool this season.
Jose Mourinho believes no manager could have done better for Chelsea this season and his players deserve more credit for winning the League Cup and still being in contention for three other trophies.
Chelsea captain John Terry will miss the Champions League knockout game with Porto on Tuesday following his head injury suffered in last weekend's League Cup final win over Arsenal.
Jose Mourinho expects another mixed reception in Porto when he takes Chelsea for their Champions League tie.
Ghana easily overcame African rivals Nigeria 4-1 in a friendly on Tuesday thanks to goals from Laryea Kingson, Sulley Muntari, Junior Agogo and Joe Tex Frimpong.
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney admits the arrival of Jose Mourinho has given him added motivation for the season ahead.
A draw for Jose Mourinho's side will finally extinguish Manchester United's hopes of a first championship since 2003
Chelsea left back Ashley Cole will not need an operation on his injured knee and is expected to play again this season, the club Web site www.chelseafc.com said on Thursday.
There was no celebratory run down the touchline, no dancing on the pitch, just a sober reflection of a job well done from Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho on Sunday after his side beat Crystal Palace to win the Premier League title.
Lucas Moura scored twice as Tottenham Hotspur romped to a 3-0 English Premier League win over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday as Jose Mourinho's team's defensive frailties were brutally exposed once again.
Arsenal host EPL leaders Manchester United on Sunday.
Chelsea striker Fernando Torres will be out for three weeks after suffering a knee injury in the 4-0 Champions League Group E victory over Steaua Bucharest in Romania, the club said on Wednesday.
Revolution is in the air at Real Madrid after their Champions League empire was razed to the ground with an astounding 4-1 loss at home to Ajax Amsterdam, with a huge clear out of players expected as well as a change of manager.
Chelsea failed to score for a fourth successive English Premier League match in a 0-0 draw with Fulham.
Premier League champions Manchester United suffered a shock League Cup exit for the second season running when they lost 2-0 at home to second division Coventry City on Wednesday.
New Chelsea manager Avram Grant believes he can improve the style of the team's football.
Avram Grant lost his opening match as Chelsea's coach with his side going down to 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday.
Israeli Avram Grant has been appointed Chelsea's new coach on a permanent basis although he has not yet signed a contract.
Terry had surgery in France last week to cure a back problem and has been sidelined since a league win over Newcastle United on Dec. 13.
Israeli Avram Grant and Steve Clarke will take charge of the Chelsea first team from Thursday.
Chelsea captain John Terry missed the game against Manchester United due to a toe injury and will sit out the next game as well
The Chelsea manager said he needs to strengthen the Premier League champions with three new players next season.
The 76-year-old, who was kept in intensive care for days after his operation for brain hemorrhage, in a new video he released on Thursday, said he 'felt humbled' by the support.
When Jose Mourinho jumped to beleaguered Louis van Gaal's defence in February, sympathising that he should be given time.
Middlesbrough handed Chelsea only their second Premier League defeat this season with a 3-0 victory.
Jorginho's first-half penalty earned Chelsea a 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Thursday.
Gareth Bale arrived at Luton Airport near London ahead of completing his imminent return to Tottenham Hotspur.
UEFA's director of communications said Jose Mourinho suggested match officials for the game against Barcelona.
Jose Mourinho said on Sunday that he intends to return to the Premier League when his time as Inter Milan coach comes to an end.
The Chelsea boss apologised to Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger for calling him a "voyeur" earlier this season.
Manchester City must rebuild for title challenge: Guardiola
