Drogba draws comfort from attacking depth

Turning the tables on free-scoring FC Barcelona, Didier Drogba insisted it is Chelsea FC's fire power that could be the difference between the teams as they bid for a place in the UEFA Champions League final.

Century up
Barça brought up 100 goals in the Liga this term when Gerard Piqué rounded off a remarkable 6-2 dismantling of Real Madrid CF at the weekend, yet Drogba points to the potential of goals all over the pitch for Chelsea. "[Lionel] Messi, [Thierry] Henry, [Samuel] Eto'o and [Andrés] Iniesta can all score but we have more players who are able to score," said Drogba. "Our midfield players can score and our defenders can score so goals can come from any position."

Missed chance
Given that the visitors have found the net in all bar four of their 55 games in all competitions this season, a repeat of the 0-0 scoreline at the Camp Nou a week ago looks unlikely, especially as Stamford Bridge was the venue for eight goals in its last UEFA Champions League tie, the 4-4 draw against Liverpool FC in the quarter-final second leg. Chelsea might have been defending a lead again this time round had Drogba accepted a first-half chance on the counterattack in Spain but initial disappointment at that eventually gave way to satisfaction at a solid team performance. "I was a little bit frustrated because in these games if you manage to score it can make the difference, but you know as a striker that another chance will come your way," Drogba explained. "It's the team that matters most of all and we were pleased with the result."

Rare pairing
In Saturday's 3-1 home defeat of Fulham FC, Drogba was paired alongside Nicolas Anelka in a two-pronged attack that has not been seen too often at Stamford Bridge since the Frenchman's arrival 16 months ago. It has left manager Guus Hiddink with a decision to make about how best to approach the task of beating the Catalan club. "We have shown we can win games with two up front or with a 4-3-3 formation so the manager has to make his decision," Drogba added. "I will be really happy to be on the pitch whatever the manager decides. I enjoy these kinds of moments – they are rare in a footballer's career."