Frédéric Piquionne is left isolated as champions’ pressing game keeps Pompey on the back foot

How Chelsea lined up
Carlo Ancelotti’s confident Chelsea unsurprisingly retained their eight-goal stylists from last week. Well balanced, with Ashley Cole and Florent Malouda important left-footers, their danger came from their interchangeable front three. Chelsea’s plan was to stretch Portsmouth’s back four, who would need to keep their stations and cover each other well. If, as expected, Chelsea would dominate possession, Frank Lampard’s attacking movements would take him into advanced positions to support their pacy front three. Portsmouth selected one lone striker, Frédéric Piquionne, with Jamie O’Hara supporting from a deeper position. Michael Ballack would be keeping an eye on him.

Tactics and teamwork
Portsmouth dropped off as Chelsea took