Jose Mourinho knows that tomorrow's game against Arsenal will have a major bearing on Chelsea's chances of defending its Premier League title. But a bigger threat could come from within.
There is speculation that several of Chelsea's huge playing squad are unhappy they don't get regular starts. Defender Ricardo Carvalho was quoted in a Portuguese newspaper as saying he will demand answers from Mourinho on why he didn't start in Sunday's victory at Wigan.
"I want to know why I didn't play," said Carvalho, who faces a fine from the club over his reported comments. "How can I explain when I don't understand it? Sincerely, I gave a lot of thought and time to myself but cannot find a valid explanation. It's totally incomprehensible.
"I don't understand why Mourinho said I have to wait for another opportunity to play this season.
"I don't understand the reason he put me in a group including Robert Huth, Joe Cole and Tiago," added Carvalho, referring to three non-starting teammates.
Carvalho, one of 17 Chelsea players in action for their countries Wednesday, started in Portugal's 2-0 victory over Egypt in a friendly. But whether he plays against the Gunners is uncertain.
Mourinho has to assess how many of his stars returned fully fit for a game Chelsea knows is vital to retain a psychological edge over its London rival and keep a title it waited 50 years for.
The Blues have already beaten Arsene Wenger's team this season -- 2-1 in the Community Shield at the Millennium Stadium. If Arsenal wins at Stamford Bridge, however, that would suggest that Chelsea isn't the hot title favorite after all.
Arsenal side that won the championship in 2004 without losing a game, while the Chelsea lineup that lost just once in the league last season.
The Gunners no longer have Patrick Vieira -- who has moved to Italian club Juventus -- and struggled against 10-man Newcastle on Sunday.
Chelsea had even more problems against Premier League newcomer Wigan, needing a long-range strike from Hernan Crespo in injury-time for a 1-0 victory.
A draw at Stamford Bridge will suit the other contenders.
Manchester United, which looked impressive in a 2-0 victory at Everton on the opening day, hopes to follow up with a home victory over Aston Villa.
Champions League winner Liverpool, expected to improve on a disappointing fifth-placed finish in the league last term, will be confident of beating promoted Sunderland at Anfield.
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