The week of Chelsea and Utrecht

Tuesday is finally the day: the away match in London. The match that has already had much more written about it than the actual football itself. It remains unbelievable that UEFA can act like a dictator and impose such harsh penalties themselves. 

While the city of London already didn't want to receive away supporters, the local government has now got its way. It's no coincidence that not only supporters from Amsterdam are unwelcome; those from Frankfurt and Belgrade are also not allowed to attend their club's match in London this week. It stinks on all sides; an appeal achieved nothing, and frankly, no one expected it to. 

Tuesday will show how fit we are at kick-off. In Zwolle, a number of players dropped out. Our block of pure Grinta in midfield was roughly tackled twice. Martinez has already indicated it was nothing more than a knock, Edson's lips might still be a bit swollen, but we expect both to be at kick-off. Donny will also want to play, away in London.

Undefeated in 12 European away matches, this time without a full away section. That the away section isn't full doesn't mean there won't be any Ajax fans present. How many and exactly where, we leave that to the local authorities to communicate those numbers. We wish them good luck in their search for the riff-raff from Amsterdam. 

After Chelsea, Sunday sees the match against Utrecht. Not entirely unimportant, as last year's match is still fresh in our minds! What a relief that was; we've had the same joy for a few weeks now when we look at the 'lampenkappen' (PSV). There will be a battle to be fought, on Tuesday and Sunday. Just as Brian is fighting his battle, keep it up!! 

On to London, on to Stamford Bridge!

AFCA CBS.