Anelka finding his form

Nicolas Anelka has struggled to become a favourite with the Chelsea faithful since signing for the West London side this January but with three goals already under his belt this season, it seems that he may be beginning to find his form and the best is yet to come with strike partner Didier Drogba returning from injury.

The Frenchman has made it well known in the past that he prefers to play in a front two pairing and yet despite many appearances for the Blues, has had few opportunities in this desired formation.

Last season, under the management of doomed Avram Grant the striker was played in a wide position with Drogba as the lone forward. Anelka himself was outspoken about this decision and was thought to be unhappy at Chelsea because of this.

However, following the departure of Grant earlier this Summer, the arrival of Scolari has coincided with a upturn in demeanour and with it a chance to test himself at Chelsea in a forward role.

Following his opening day goal against Portsmouth he failed to score in Chelsea’s next two matches but back to back goals against Manchester City – a cool finish from a through ball – and Bordeaux – a predatory tap in from a Belletti shot which cannoned back off the bar – have got him back amongst the goals. And I will probably be betting on Anelka to score against Manchester United this Sunday with his strike-partner back to full fitness.

Drogba is now back to full fitness for this weekend’s Premier League showdown with Manchester United, a game which many believe now will serve as the first real test of Anelka’s ability in a partnership with the Ivorian.

The pair have proven before that they can work together. Grant’s controversial decision to bring on Anelka against Arsenal with his side trailing one-nil sparked an immediate turn around as he set up both of Drogba’s goals which claimed all three Easter Sunday points for Chelsea.

Blues fans will be hoping that the pair can hit form this weekend against United, and it would be interesting to check out the football betting to see if other punters agree that a strike partner will mean even more goals for ‘Le sulk’.