Ivorian's

Ancelotti is expected to retain Didier Drogba from the start against United after the Ivorian's impressive display at Stoke, but the Italian must decide whether Drogba will be partnered by Fernando Torres – the Spain striker still without a goal since his £50m move from Liverpool, but a scourge of United in the past – or Nicolas Anelka.

Petr Cech believes home first leg gives Chelsea edge over United 2011

Emmanuel Eboué is a popular member of the Arsenal dressing room but Arsène Wenger was angered by the Ivorian's concession of a late penalty against Liverpool last season.

Arsenal's Emmanuel Eboué set for £4m move to Galatasaray 2011

Van der Sar's weak clearance led to an opening for Yaya Touré, who slid his shot past the veteran goalkeeper, taking a just reward for an individual performance that began quietly but gradually turned into a demonstration of the Ivorian's ability to get himself into the right place at the right time without the apparent need to hurry.

Manchester City show the desire required to make it to FA Cup final 2011

The situation, though, has changed: when Barcelona sold Touré, the Ivorian's agent had repeatedly spoken out in public about his client's dissatisfaction at being a substituted and contract renewal talks had also stalled.

Barcelona prepare improved bid for Liverpool's Javier Mascherano 2010

Van Aanholt and Drogba thumped efforts against a post, the Ivorian's from a 25-yard free-kick and via Dubravka's fingertips, as the visitors retreated.

Chelsea fight back against Zilina to claim Champions League Group F Dominic Fifield at Stamford Bridge 2010

The Ivorian's reassuring holding presence was also a comfort to the returning, ring-rusty, home centre?

Carlo Ancelotti relieved as Chelsea avoid another slip-up Louise Taylor at St James 2010

Mourinho knew what he was buying when Chelsea invested £24 million in the Ivorian's services in 2004.

Telegraph.co.uk - Telegraph online, Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph 2011

Mourinho knew what he was buying when Chelsea invested £24 million in the Ivorian's services in 2004.

Telegraph.co.uk - Telegraph online, Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph 2011

Mourinho knew what he was buying when Chelsea invested £24 million in the Ivorian's services in 2004.

Telegraph.co.uk - Telegraph online, Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph 2011

Newcastle player had dragged him up from the turf by his shirt, furious at what he saw as the Ivorian's attempt to win a penalty by diving.

Telegraph.co.uk - Telegraph online, Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph 2011