Carlo Ancelotti admits Chelsea are wary of Blackpool’s home form

Carlo Ancelotti, Chelsea

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Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has admitted the reigning champions are in for a tough game on Monday night as they head to Bloomfield Road  to take on Blackpool.

The Blues will head north with confidence after beating Manchester United 2-1 in midweek but the Italian knows he cannot take the Tangerines for granted.

“It’s an important game, a difficult game because Blackpool have had fantastic performances at home,” he explained.

“They beat Tottenham in their last home game, and were 2-0 up against United.

“It’s a team who like to play football with intensity and a good pace, attacking football.

“It will not be an easy game, but our moment’s good now. We want to maintain continuity in the results.”

Ancelotti also explained how he had plenty of respect for manager Ian Holloway, who has guided Blackpool to 15th in the table this season.

“He’s an honest man,” explained Ancelotti.

“I’ve met him just once, when we played at home. I can look at his team and say he’s a good manager.

“This team has a philosophy to play. They are playing good football, they try to play football, so I think he’s a good manager.”

Yet Chelsea do have injury problems going into the game with their manager revealing that both David Luiz and John Obi Mikel are doubts.

“Until now, he [David Luiz] has not been able to train,” he said.

“He [Mikel] had a scan, but everything was okay. I hope, also, that he can train.”

Yet the Italian had better news regarding long-term injury victims Yossi Benayuon and Alex who are both approaching returns.

“[Yossi] Benayoun is starting to train outside on the grass, alone, in individual sessions,” he said.

“Alex will come back next week and, after that, I think we will check him and take a decision on him then.

“He’s very close to recovery.”