Campbell souped up for first start

Sol Campbell has declared he's raring to go - and therefore presumably also fit - ahead of tonight's League Cup clash at Stamford Bridge. If selected, the defender - just turned 36 - will be making his long-awaited debut in black and white.

He'll be only too aware he needs to impress, too, if he's to force his way into the first team. Even with Steven Taylor out injured, his path to a starting place is currently being blocked by Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson. While the Argentinian has been largely solid, Williamson is probably vying with Bigger Lad for the title of our best player thus far this campaign.

Campbell was wide of the mark in suggesting that "Chelsea will probably play a full side", with Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti having already announced that former Toon loanee Patrick van Aanholt will be among the youngsters starting for our hosts. Nevertheless, we still go into the game very much as underdogs - perhaps by that token we might be able to play freely, without any expectation or fear, but it hasn't very often worked out that way in the past.