Sports Talk: Chelsea for the Cup?

Victory over Arsenal would see Claudio Ranieri add an English Cup triumph to those he has already won in Italy and Spain.

But it would also bring a first notable reward for the gamble Chelsea took in appointing the Italian in September 2000.

His predecessor Gianluca Vialli was popular with Blues fans, and could hardly be labelled a failure having delivered five trophies during his tenure.

But the Premiership title, and the attendant glamour of the Champions League, are what Chelsea crave, and chairman Ken Bates demands.

It was perhaps a surprise then to see Ranieri pledging his future to the club by signing a new five-year deal recently.

After all, it was only last November that fans responded to a dismal goalless draw with Blackburn by chanting Vialli's name.

Ranieri's early inability to communicate effectively in English hinted at problems in the dressing room.

And on the pitch, his penchant for rotating players and making half-time substitutions was questioned in some quarters.

But while inconsistency may have cost them a Champions League spot this season, the Blues have proved a match for anyone on their day.

A 3-0 demolition of Manchester United at Old Trafford before Christmas was a case in point.

And with Barcelona publicly expressing their interest in the studious Ranieri, Bates acted swiftly to secure his man.

"We have a good squad and I hope to give everyone some trophies," the manager said on signing his new deal. "I know it's very difficult but I like difficulties."