SAM Allardyce is keeping his fingers crossed that there are no more disappointments in store before Saturday's clash with Chelsea.

"I've actually wondered whether we should train at all," he admitted, "but we've cut the training schedules right down to more non-contact training.

"We can ill afford one simple challenge or block tackle putting another player out. We've toned everything right down.

"I'm left with very few options for what is a crucial game as we try to follow up that magnificent win at Leeds. We've got to be looking to continue the undefeated run but we'll be hampered from the start against an in-form team that has only lost twice this season."