Full-Time: CHELSEA 2-0 MIDDLESBROUGH The final whistle blows and Chelsea will be relieved, in more sense than one after bitter rivals Liverpool drop points at the JJB. It will make this Sunday's encounter very interesting indeed.
90
Deco fires in a free-kick, his only contribution of the game but it doesn't really come to anything and the final whistle is close.
90
The fourth official holds up his board and there will be a minimum of TWO minutes added on at the end of this second half.
89
Substitution
Anelka trudges off with - believe it or not - a sulk on his face to be replaced by youngster Miroslav Stoch.
89
Even better news for Chels' as news filters through that Everton are leading Arsenal at the moment!
88
The corner comes to nothing but this late on is does not really matter that much for the Blues.
88
Lampard fires in a great ball into the mixture and McMahon has to dive across to head the ball out for a corner.
86
Lampard drills in the free-kick but it flies over the bar and into the lower tier of the Matthew Harding.
85
Sloppy free-kick is given away here by Middlesbrough and the visitors believe that the referee has been very lenient with the hosts tonight.
84
The biggest roar of the evening comes as the home support hear that Wigan have just equalised against Liverpool at the JJB, at the minute Chelsea will be going second.
82
Substitution
Kalou's last action in the game will be his goal as he is brought off for Deco to get a run out.
81
Goal
CHELSEA 2-0 MIDDLESBROUGH. KALOU grabs his second of the evening from the corner. Turnbull flaps at the ball and the striker nods it into the back of the net!
81
Cole smashes a shot at goal which is deflected behind for a corner kick, will the hosts make the most of this opportunity?
81
Bosingwa drops the ball inside for Lampard who sets himself up before battering a shot goalwards which flashes inches wide of Turnbull's near post.
80
Chelsea have had more than two thirds of the possession here tonight but we are only beginning to see their dominance in this second half, why Drogba does not start alongside Anelka I do not know.
78
Drogba comes forward, drives forward and unleashes a shot on goal but his effort is seen all the way and Turnbull saves after getting his body behind the shot.
76
Set-piece sent in from Lampard, Turnbull miss-judges the flight and the ball falls for Kalou, he strikes clean air and the ball hits his standing foot! These chance have to be put away!
75
The Londonders need another goal here to settle it and it seems as though they will be the ones to get it here, it's all Chelsea at the moment but they just can't find that telling ball.
74
Anelka takes the ball of Tony McMahon and drives out wide, playing the ball up for Lampard who inexplicably misses with a side-footed attempt! He is much better than that and 'Boro escape.
71
O'Neill whips it in but his high ball is poor and Alex heads the ball deep out of danger and Chelsea break away.
70
Alves gets a shot off which Cech has to turn round for a corner kick, that has got the travelling fans excited in front of The Shed!
68
Drogba - brilliant play - sets up Anelka who is off balance and can't quite find the power in his shot to test Turnbull but this is better for Chelsea.
66
Substitution
King makes way for Alves as 'Boro go two up top...
65
Substitution
Tuncay on for Shawky here who is on a yellow card.
63
Johnson whips in a ball for King but Cech rises and collects the ball with ease here.
62
A little bit of interest here on the bench, Sanli Tuncay is now warming up on the sidelines, could the Teesiders be looking to bring on two strikers?
60
Chelsea have got the goal that they needed, I say they needed it because 'Boro were looking dangerous in spells and now the visitors seem to be looking towards Alfonso Alves from the bench...
58
Goal
CHELSEA 1-0 MIDDLESBROUGH. Lampard's at it again. He plays it in, the ball lands to KALOU who fires home, sending his volley crashing into the roof of the net! He makes up for his earlier error...
57
Alex smashes in the free-kick, it takes a deflection and ends up behind for another Chelsea corner, will they make the most of it this time?
56
Yellow Card
Riggott is shown a yellow card for a bad challenge on Drogba.
54
Corner swung in, headed back across goal by Ballack which finds Kalou, he must score!! No! Somehow he heads over the bar, unbelievable!
53
Lampard must be knackered, he's taken everything tonight but nothing seems to be coming off.
52
Swung outwards but only onto the head of King who heads out, the ball comes back in, headed out for a corner...
51
Terry wins a corner out in front of the Matthew Harding and the Chelsea faithful roar on their side...
51
There were just seven shots in the first half here, five falling to Chelsea, either side needs to step up a gear if they want to take all the points tonight...
49
Chris Riggott has been truly top-class this evening, putting in brilliant challenges time after time and has been one reason the hosts can't break through.
48
Chelsea still look to be struggling here, they just can't get into this match and being a Blue you've got to start fearing that another poor result at home is on the cards...
46
Drogba almost makes an immediate start, racing forward and firing off a shot but his effort sails out for a goal kick!
Second half
The second half of the match gets underway and already it's looking a bit more lively than the first!
45
Substitution
Didier Drogba comes on to replace the hapless Malouda, with Juventus interested surely the Blues will part company soon with the winger?
Half time
Half-Time: CHELSEA 0-0 MIDDLESBROUGH. The half-time whistle goes and both sides head down the tunnel. Disgracefully the Chelsea fans are booing their own players.
45
The fourth official indicates just ONE minute to be added on at the end of this first half.
45
Mikel lines up a shot, he hits one but it really is never going to test the 'keeper and Turnbull holds on.
44
Bit of a scuffle on the bench between Scolari and Malcolm Crosby who are having words between each other, it looks as though the Brazilian's temper may be getting the better of him at the moment...
43
The half time whistle is coming soon and both sides will be happy about that, 'Boro have kept Chelsea out so far but the hosts really haven't got into their stride yet.
42
The wall does its job first time round, the ball is played back in towards David Wheater who collides with Cech and the whistle goes for a Chelsea kick.
41
Frenchman Malouda catches Bates and the visitors have a real chance from this set-piece such is Chelsea's vulnerability from crosses.
39
Lampard winds up a free kick, curls the ball up over the wall but it sails just over the bar too!
38
Another easy free kick given away but the Chelsea players are looking for these set-pieces.
37
O'Neill gets in behind Ashley Cole and the linesman flag is raised very late, the 'Boro man is upset but replays show the decision was correct.
36
Chelsea have yet another corner to take... Lampard yet again takes and finds the head of Salomon Kalou who sends a lovely looking effort onto the roof of the net.
34
Saying that Luiz Felipe Scolari looks furious with his teams tempo here and is appealing for the hosts to up their game and play the ball around with pace.
32
Alex plays the ball back to Cech as the Blues look to keep possession, this isn't anything new from Chelsea and Middlesbrough just have to stay calm and not try to push too hard otherwise they will be caught out.
31
Lampard smashes in a free kick which flies just wide of Turnbull's post, you have to feel that Lampard is just starting to get his sights in.
29
Played into the box but Chelsea deal well with the corner and try to break but the visitors are organised and compact, cutting off the supply to Nicolas Anelka with ease.
29
The ball is put into the mix, Cech punches the ball out but only as far as O'Neill who puts the ball back into the box and following a scramble, 'Boro have their first corner of the evening.
28
Bates is tripped by Lampard, Gareth Southgate is up off his feet calling for a card but referee Lee Probert says just a free-kick this time.
27
The Chelsea support are really raising the roof now, will their side respond in kind with a goal?
26
Downing strikes it from way out, it takes a deflection and rolls out for a throw-in to 'Boro.
24
Third time round Middlesbrough scramble the ball clear and chase to the other end of the pitch, earning their own free kick as Matthew Bates is brought down.
23
Ball comes in from that man Lampard, Alex gets up and heads goalwards!... Marlon King clears, brilliant clearance!
22
Lampard curls the ball in but it is too long and sails over everyone's head, but Adam Johnson puts the ball out for another corner...
21
Chelsea piling on the pressure here and force 'Boro to send the ball out for a corner kick.
19
Michael Ballack whips in a free-kick and Turnbull has to get down and palm the shot away, the pitch is beginning to prove a little tricky for the stoppers tonight.
18
The Chelsea fans are beginning to find their voice here, they must support their team in the coming months with all their injuries...
17
Jose Bosingwa makes a straight run down the right, receives the ball and finds his left flanked collegue - Ashley Cole - who heads the ball into the side netting! He should have scored.
15
Steward Downing brings the ball forward, he decides to drive at the Blues' goal, drills in a shot but his effort is wayward and not testing Petr Cech.
14
Malouda is in space on the edge of the box, he fires in a shot which looks goal-bound but a solid block comes in at the last minute!
12
Yellow Card
Booking for Shawky following that foul.
12
Malouda gets forward again beats Mohamed Shawky who comes sliding in and it looks as though we will be having our first booking of the evening.
10
There has been rain in South West London today and the pitch looks rather nippy, I wonder whether the teams will look to use the precipitation to their benefit?
9
Frank Lampard steps up to take, he sends his shot cannoning back of the Middlesbrough wall, that was never going to test the 'keeper.
8
Malouda is brought down by Gary O'Neil and the hosts have a free kick.
7
John Obi Mikel passes to John Terry who returns the favour, a very pedestrian start to Chelsea's approach.
5
'Boro have avoided one record tonight already! The Blues' quickest league goal was against 'Boro after 12 seconds!
4
Stamford Bridge is looking rather empty tonight, there were a number of spare tickets being returned ahead of the fixture and the atmosphere when both teams entered the fray was very muted...
2
Florent Malouda swings a ball into the box from the left wing with his left foot, Ross Turnbull gathers with ease.
1
Chelsea might not be playing well at the minute but are grinding out results following Man Utd's win last night, Blues' supporters will simply be hoping for all three tonight.
1
Kickoff
The game starts and both sides will be hoping for a performance tonight.
Awaiting Kickoff
Tonight's referee will be the inexperienced Lee Probert. The official has taken charge of just one game this season a 1-1 draw between Sheffield United and Portsmouth in the cup.
Middlesbrough may start with loanee Marlon King up front alongside Alfonso Alves who has shaken off an achilles injury to make the 'Boro team tonight.
Awaiting Kickoff
Chelsea welcome back captain John Terry following the defenders recovery from a back injury and know that three points tonight is vital as the season makes its way into the 'business end'.
Chelsea
Middlesbrough
Full time
Full-Time: CHELSEA 2-0 MIDDLESBROUGH The final whistle blows and Chelsea will be relieved, in more sense than one after bitter rivals Liverpool drop points at the JJB. It will make this Sunday's encounter very interesting indeed.
Deco fires in a free-kick, his only contribution of the game but it doesn't really come to anything and the final whistle is close.
The fourth official holds up his board and there will be a minimum of TWO minutes added on at the end of this second half.
Substitution
Anelka trudges off with - believe it or not - a sulk on his face to be replaced by youngster Miroslav Stoch.
Even better news for Chels' as news filters through that Everton are leading Arsenal at the moment!
The corner comes to nothing but this late on is does not really matter that much for the Blues.
Lampard fires in a great ball into the mixture and McMahon has to dive across to head the ball out for a corner.
Lampard drills in the free-kick but it flies over the bar and into the lower tier of the Matthew Harding.
Sloppy free-kick is given away here by Middlesbrough and the visitors believe that the referee has been very lenient with the hosts tonight.
The biggest roar of the evening comes as the home support hear that Wigan have just equalised against Liverpool at the JJB, at the minute Chelsea will be going second.
Substitution
Kalou's last action in the game will be his goal as he is brought off for Deco to get a run out.
Goal
CHELSEA 2-0 MIDDLESBROUGH. KALOU grabs his second of the evening from the corner. Turnbull flaps at the ball and the striker nods it into the back of the net!
Cole smashes a shot at goal which is deflected behind for a corner kick, will the hosts make the most of this opportunity?
Bosingwa drops the ball inside for Lampard who sets himself up before battering a shot goalwards which flashes inches wide of Turnbull's near post.
Chelsea have had more than two thirds of the possession here tonight but we are only beginning to see their dominance in this second half, why Drogba does not start alongside Anelka I do not know.
Drogba comes forward, drives forward and unleashes a shot on goal but his effort is seen all the way and Turnbull saves after getting his body behind the shot.
Set-piece sent in from Lampard, Turnbull miss-judges the flight and the ball falls for Kalou, he strikes clean air and the ball hits his standing foot! These chance have to be put away!
The Londonders need another goal here to settle it and it seems as though they will be the ones to get it here, it's all Chelsea at the moment but they just can't find that telling ball.
Anelka takes the ball of Tony McMahon and drives out wide, playing the ball up for Lampard who inexplicably misses with a side-footed attempt! He is much better than that and 'Boro escape.
O'Neill whips it in but his high ball is poor and Alex heads the ball deep out of danger and Chelsea break away.
Alves gets a shot off which Cech has to turn round for a corner kick, that has got the travelling fans excited in front of The Shed!
Drogba - brilliant play - sets up Anelka who is off balance and can't quite find the power in his shot to test Turnbull but this is better for Chelsea.
Substitution
King makes way for Alves as 'Boro go two up top...
Substitution
Tuncay on for Shawky here who is on a yellow card.
Johnson whips in a ball for King but Cech rises and collects the ball with ease here.
A little bit of interest here on the bench, Sanli Tuncay is now warming up on the sidelines, could the Teesiders be looking to bring on two strikers?
Chelsea have got the goal that they needed, I say they needed it because 'Boro were looking dangerous in spells and now the visitors seem to be looking towards Alfonso Alves from the bench...
Goal
CHELSEA 1-0 MIDDLESBROUGH. Lampard's at it again. He plays it in, the ball lands to KALOU who fires home, sending his volley crashing into the roof of the net! He makes up for his earlier error...
Alex smashes in the free-kick, it takes a deflection and ends up behind for another Chelsea corner, will they make the most of it this time?
Yellow Card
Riggott is shown a yellow card for a bad challenge on Drogba.
Corner swung in, headed back across goal by Ballack which finds Kalou, he must score!! No! Somehow he heads over the bar, unbelievable!
Lampard must be knackered, he's taken everything tonight but nothing seems to be coming off.
Swung outwards but only onto the head of King who heads out, the ball comes back in, headed out for a corner...
Terry wins a corner out in front of the Matthew Harding and the Chelsea faithful roar on their side...
There were just seven shots in the first half here, five falling to Chelsea, either side needs to step up a gear if they want to take all the points tonight...
Chris Riggott has been truly top-class this evening, putting in brilliant challenges time after time and has been one reason the hosts can't break through.
Chelsea still look to be struggling here, they just can't get into this match and being a Blue you've got to start fearing that another poor result at home is on the cards...
Drogba almost makes an immediate start, racing forward and firing off a shot but his effort sails out for a goal kick!
Second half
The second half of the match gets underway and already it's looking a bit more lively than the first!
Substitution
Didier Drogba comes on to replace the hapless Malouda, with Juventus interested surely the Blues will part company soon with the winger?
Half time
Half-Time: CHELSEA 0-0 MIDDLESBROUGH. The half-time whistle goes and both sides head down the tunnel. Disgracefully the Chelsea fans are booing their own players.
The fourth official indicates just ONE minute to be added on at the end of this first half.
Mikel lines up a shot, he hits one but it really is never going to test the 'keeper and Turnbull holds on.
Bit of a scuffle on the bench between Scolari and Malcolm Crosby who are having words between each other, it looks as though the Brazilian's temper may be getting the better of him at the moment...
The half time whistle is coming soon and both sides will be happy about that, 'Boro have kept Chelsea out so far but the hosts really haven't got into their stride yet.
The wall does its job first time round, the ball is played back in towards David Wheater who collides with Cech and the whistle goes for a Chelsea kick.
Frenchman Malouda catches Bates and the visitors have a real chance from this set-piece such is Chelsea's vulnerability from crosses.
Lampard winds up a free kick, curls the ball up over the wall but it sails just over the bar too!
Another easy free kick given away but the Chelsea players are looking for these set-pieces.
O'Neill gets in behind Ashley Cole and the linesman flag is raised very late, the 'Boro man is upset but replays show the decision was correct.
Chelsea have yet another corner to take... Lampard yet again takes and finds the head of Salomon Kalou who sends a lovely looking effort onto the roof of the net.
Saying that Luiz Felipe Scolari looks furious with his teams tempo here and is appealing for the hosts to up their game and play the ball around with pace.
Alex plays the ball back to Cech as the Blues look to keep possession, this isn't anything new from Chelsea and Middlesbrough just have to stay calm and not try to push too hard otherwise they will be caught out.
Lampard smashes in a free kick which flies just wide of Turnbull's post, you have to feel that Lampard is just starting to get his sights in.
Played into the box but Chelsea deal well with the corner and try to break but the visitors are organised and compact, cutting off the supply to Nicolas Anelka with ease.
The ball is put into the mix, Cech punches the ball out but only as far as O'Neill who puts the ball back into the box and following a scramble, 'Boro have their first corner of the evening.
Bates is tripped by Lampard, Gareth Southgate is up off his feet calling for a card but referee Lee Probert says just a free-kick this time.
The Chelsea support are really raising the roof now, will their side respond in kind with a goal?
Downing strikes it from way out, it takes a deflection and rolls out for a throw-in to 'Boro.
Third time round Middlesbrough scramble the ball clear and chase to the other end of the pitch, earning their own free kick as Matthew Bates is brought down.
Ball comes in from that man Lampard, Alex gets up and heads goalwards!... Marlon King clears, brilliant clearance!
Lampard curls the ball in but it is too long and sails over everyone's head, but Adam Johnson puts the ball out for another corner...
Chelsea piling on the pressure here and force 'Boro to send the ball out for a corner kick.
Michael Ballack whips in a free-kick and Turnbull has to get down and palm the shot away, the pitch is beginning to prove a little tricky for the stoppers tonight.
The Chelsea fans are beginning to find their voice here, they must support their team in the coming months with all their injuries...
Jose Bosingwa makes a straight run down the right, receives the ball and finds his left flanked collegue - Ashley Cole - who heads the ball into the side netting! He should have scored.
Steward Downing brings the ball forward, he decides to drive at the Blues' goal, drills in a shot but his effort is wayward and not testing Petr Cech.
Malouda is in space on the edge of the box, he fires in a shot which looks goal-bound but a solid block comes in at the last minute!
Yellow Card
Booking for Shawky following that foul.
Malouda gets forward again beats Mohamed Shawky who comes sliding in and it looks as though we will be having our first booking of the evening.
There has been rain in South West London today and the pitch looks rather nippy, I wonder whether the teams will look to use the precipitation to their benefit?
Frank Lampard steps up to take, he sends his shot cannoning back of the Middlesbrough wall, that was never going to test the 'keeper.
Malouda is brought down by Gary O'Neil and the hosts have a free kick.
John Obi Mikel passes to John Terry who returns the favour, a very pedestrian start to Chelsea's approach.
'Boro have avoided one record tonight already! The Blues' quickest league goal was against 'Boro after 12 seconds!
Stamford Bridge is looking rather empty tonight, there were a number of spare tickets being returned ahead of the fixture and the atmosphere when both teams entered the fray was very muted...
Florent Malouda swings a ball into the box from the left wing with his left foot, Ross Turnbull gathers with ease.
Chelsea might not be playing well at the minute but are grinding out results following Man Utd's win last night, Blues' supporters will simply be hoping for all three tonight.
Kickoff
The game starts and both sides will be hoping for a performance tonight.
Awaiting Kickoff
Tonight's referee will be the inexperienced Lee Probert. The official has taken charge of just one game this season a 1-1 draw between Sheffield United and Portsmouth in the cup.
Awaiting Kickoff
Middlesbrough XI: Turnbull, McMahon, Wheater, Riggott, Pogatetz, Adam Johnson, O'Neil, Shawky, Bates, Downing, King.
Awaiting Kickoff
Chelsea XI: Cech, Bosingwa, Alex, Terry, Ashley Cole, Mikel, Kalou, Ballack, Lampard, Malouda, Anelka.
Awaiting Kickoff
Middlesbrough may start with loanee Marlon King up front alongside Alfonso Alves who has shaken off an achilles injury to make the 'Boro team tonight.
Awaiting Kickoff
Chelsea welcome back captain John Terry following the defenders recovery from a back injury and know that three points tonight is vital as the season makes its way into the 'business end'.