Chelsea suffer without Lampard

It looks like Chelsea will be without the service of Frank Lampard for at least another two weeks. The midfielder went under the knife at the end of August, but has had complications with his recovery and will miss the Champions League tie with Marseille, Arsenal in the Premier League, and England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti said: "We need to have more time than we expected for his rest".

Ramires is favourite to hold his position, although many Blues fans have been unimpressed with the Brazilian, who was easily robbed of possession leading up to Tevez's winning goal as Manchester City nicked the win at Eastlands. Ramires is clearly a very decent player but will need time to adjust to life in the Premier League.

Marseille shouldn’t give Chelsea too many problems, but with a patched up squad it will be a far from cushy match and the Champions League betting tips reflect this. It is the clash with Arsenal which will be the biggest test to Ancelotti's men. The Gunners are in form this season, and will be looking to bounce back from the shock defeat at West Brom last weekend, if Chelsea don't perform, then Wenger's men have the ability to turn the Blues over.

As the international football predictions suggest the England qualifier against Montenegro won't be a problem, Capello could play Chris Moyles in midfield and still expect to leave with five or six goals, but having already missed the first two qualifiers Lampard will have to impress in training to reclaim his position.