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Cole ready for final thriller

22 Feb 2008 - 10:48:28

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Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole is expecting a "heated" Carling Cup Final showdown with London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Last season, the two sides fought out an action-packed 3-3 FA Cup sixth round tie, while previous league encounters have witnessed plenty of goals and the occasional red card in controversial circumstances.

But rather than the occasion failing to live up to expectations as has occurred in recent domestic cup finals, Cole is predicting a lively encounter full of goalmouth action for Wembley on Sunday.

"I expect it will be heated," said Cole. "Ever since I was a kid there has been a tense rivalry between the two clubs.

"I'm really excited about the game. I missed the last two through injury and I missed the Carling Cup final (last year against Arsenal) as well so I'm desperate to be involved.

"It's a big game at any level but a cup final just increases it that much more.

"Whoever wins this one will have the bragging rights for some time to come. It promises to be entertaining but there will be an edge to it, that's for sure."

Meanwhile, Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck has played down reports suggesting the club will sign Ronaldinho from Barcelona during the summer.

The unsettled Brazil star has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for the last 18 months, but Buck insists they have no plans to sign Ronaldinho.