Jol will have his team fired up, especially after getting the sack from Spurs. As for Piskie - he's lost umpteen arguments but never admits it, Jayram, just be content that everybody knows Piskie lost that one - and the proof is there for all to see - there are no decent players available in January - says Piskie - as we watch Cisse score more goals in the 2nd half of the season than anyone else - including 2 goal of the season contenders
It is good commercially to have a defending Cup winner in the competition. It just adds intrigue and attracts more casual viewers. That's why.
Surely Chelsea will have to play in the qualifiers, and not in the group stage straightaway, otherwise some team who all season have been thinking "Yay, we're straight into the group stage!" will have to qualify... ...having said that, it'll be at the expense of some minnow who UEFA don't give a **** about.
http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/fans/faqs/who-qualifies-to-play-in-europe/ This does not mention the fact, that the third placed team would drop into a qualifier if Chelsea win it despite not finishing in the top 4. There was a better link about it on Arsenal.com, but I can't find that link. I have yet to see a source which says that the third placed team drops into the qualifier should Chelsea win the CL despite not finishing in the top 4.
Also at present tv money is divided on the basis of where you finish in the previous season. Si, as it stands, 40% to city, 30% to united, 20% to arsenal, 10% to spuds. WOuld be interesting to see what % chelsea take if they win it.
