Date:12/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/12/stories/2008031256112000.htm

Sport - Football

Chelsea turns focus back to Premier League

LONDON: Chelsea is turning its focus back to the Premier League after another cup disappointment.

Chelsea manager Avram Grant is under pressure after the Blues were beaten by lower-league Barnsley 1-0 in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup on Saturday — two weeks after a 2-1 loss to Tottenham in the League Cup final.

Now the Blues have two competitions left to aim for — the Premier League, where they are in third place, eight points behind leader Arsenal, and the Champions League, where they will find out their quarterfinal opponent on Friday.

First up, Chelsea is at home Wednesday against relegation-bound Derby.

While Grant’s position is in doubt, Derby counterpart Paul Jewell knows his job is secure even if the Rams go down. Jewell has failed to win a league game since arriving at Derby in November.

Also on Wednesday, Aston Villa hosts Middlesbrough and Portsmouth plays Birmingham. — AP