YoungBlue94

Anyone know the proper pronunciation of Szczesny's name? I hear a lot of commentators, mainly Tony Jones and Jon Champion refer to him as "St-Chez-nee" I've always just pronounced it as "Shez-nee". I'm pretty sure I've been pronouncing his first name right "Voy-check". I'm Canadian, furthest thing ever from Polish so I may have just sounded like a complete c**t to anyone who is Polish here haha.

Cech Brana Cahill JT Dave Mikel Lampard Schurrle Mata Hazard Ba I don't like the whole sticking to 4-2-3-1 but at the same time the only way I'd see a 4-3-3 being able to work properly is if Ramires is added into the XI. I've been disappointed with his form in the last couple months, not so much off the ball but on it. He really is just a Brazilian Aaron Lennon when he's on the ball in the opposition's final third. That final ball lacks so much in his game and it's one thing that's holding him back from being a top player in the side. He does the gritty work getting back and making tackles, but his technique and shooting is piss poor. This is the kind of game a 4-2-3-1 would be fine to use, because before a ball is even kicked we know we have the midfield battle won. Obviously Stoke isn't going to score from a beautiful 20+ pass tiki taka style goal so I agree from set pieces we have to be top drawer. Thankfully were not ones to use a zonal marking system which I've got a lot of hate towards, it's just a case of being able to stay awake during set pieces. Stoke are a rugby team with big lumps that can attack the ball well, it's just a matter of being tighter when marking, something which wasn't being done at Sunderland. Ba should get the start over Torres. I've been a bit intrigued by his little cameo appearances in the last few games, particularly on Sunday against the Saints. I feel he'd give a bit more of an aerial presence during set pieces, something which Torres lacks although he's got quite a big frame too, not much smaller then Ba. The midfield these days is always just a roll of a dice and whoever it lands on you'd be fine with. I'm still amazed by the amount of depth the midfield has alone, but I've chosen to drop only Wilian. He didn't have a great game against Sunderland, seemed lost when he tried to pick a pass and wasn't given any time to do so when a chance presented itself. Oscar should be fit to start the game but I'd like to see Schurrle at least get an hour in him. I've been a huge admirer of him for the last 3 years it's a shame Jose isn't giving him a chance. The other two boys don't need much explaining. Hazard was in a different galaxy then the other 21 players on the pitch against Sunderland, absolutely unplayable. Mata and Lampard also had fantastic games, but it's hard to praise their performances after seeing Hazard put on a masterpiece. This game has a lot more ramifications then most people would figure it does. Yes, it's December and it's a hectic period. Yes, every game is important; however, winning 2 consecutive away games would do our morale and confidence a world of good. Going to the North-East and scoring 4, albeit Sunderland, is still a decent feat in December especially. I believe we host Palace the week after also, which is in all honesty a gimme'. A strong performance against Stoke, 2 straight away wins, hosting a struggling Palace side is a proper mental boost heading into that game at the Emirates on the 23rd. Don't feel it'll quite be raining goals again on Saturday, but I fully expect Jose will have us well prepared for those Stoke long balls and set pieces. I think I'll lean towards a 3-1 Chelsea win. Ba to open scoring within 10 minutes. Stoke to level it around the 30 minute mark. Then Mata and Hazard to jump on the score sheet in the second half. No idea if this will even be close to being a right prediction, but as long as anything gives us 3 points I'm happy. Even if we need another brace from our Stoke double agent, Walters.

Maple about 5 minutes from Woodbridge. Usually ill just tell people I live a few blocks from wonderland. They seem to know it that way a lot better haha. Cant complain about the Leafs too much so far though :D

The only good thing about this break is that it means we only have 1 more dreaded November match left. I like our run in though for December, especially when you consider the other top sides and their schedules. Spurs still have to play City, Arsenal host Southampton which is tricky. Also Liverpool have to go to Goodison. Few results that can go our way and maximum points should see us top, if not 1 point back of Arsenal. On top of all that, a huge London derby at the Emirates. That could put us in a brilliant position by the new year.

Cech Azpi JT Cahill Bertrand Mikel Ramires Willian Mata Schurrle Eto'o Need to see Ivan and Lamps dropped, haven't fancied Ivanovic going forward. He's got a terrible cross and he pushes far too forward to leave our defense vulnerable. I really have no explanation for Lamps other then he should never be a starting consistently at his age in a position he's not used to. That and he's been terrible with Ramires. Willian has been solid in just about each cameo appearance and even games he's started. He works tirelessly and always has something to offer other then slowing down the game and allowing teams to settle. Quick on the ball and doesn't dwell on it. Mata needs to start in CM, that's been obvious for the last 2 seasons. Schurrle really needs to be given more of a chance, Hazard hasn't reached his standards from last season. Yes, I realize he had a part in both goals. He's also played a lot of football seeing as he's a starter for his national side also. I just think Schurrle is more fresh and offers just as much. Eto'o at the moment gets the start only just..His pressing causes so many problems and gives us chances to pounce on other defender's mistakes. Torres will get a chance off the bench, but I'd say for now don't fix what isn't broken. He's close to his clinical best. Still feel Torres would be picked due to his presence alone. He's bigger then Eto'o and it doesn't hurt when West Ham got some big boys in their side. Also gives an option for set pieces seeing as Eto'o is 2 feet tall...but I'd say play it safe if Torres isn't 100% fit.

Not too big a fan of American Football, I watch it when I got time but I don't follow it regularly. It'll be awhile before we see any progress within the Canadian football system when it comes to producing talented players. At the moment they're a bit hesitant on funding youth systems and improving training facilities across the nation. I'll love it if I could see Canada soon enough in a World Cup but it isn't something I'm too bothered about, especially when I'm a huge supporter of the German national side haha. Won't need to worry about group stage exits with them, thats for sure!

Would be quite the irony if we ever signed him and his debut goal is an own goal past Cech.

Yeah its sad, you would think Canada would have the funding for good youth academies for Football like USA. After all we only really have Hockey so it wouldn't be tough financially. I believe the only 2 Canadians we've had in Europe that are notable that have played for Canada are Simeon Jackson and Craig Forrest. I've given up hope of any sort of WC success in my lifetime though. Maybe a group stage exit or 2 but that's it. USA on the other hand would be a team to watch in the next few years, some promise in that team. Love that Centre back of yours, believe it's Omar Gonzalez. Also a fan of Wondolowski, and also Beckermann because of that set of hair the lads got.

Recently got a new 60" Sharp Aquos, looking for a decent system to install or just something small to put in. Don't wanna spend hundreds on anything, just about 100-150 if anyone knows a good brand. Was looking at buying a single soundbar, about a 40inch. Nothing too spectacular.

Wasn't sure where to post this just thought maybe someone could answer. I got my membership last month and still haven't got my November issue in the mail yet. Has anyone got theirs? I figure it's because I'm from Canada it'll take longer for it to ship overseas. Sorry to post it here, had no idea where to post it. Cheers everyone!

Haha yeah I try to throw in a bit of slang when I can. Kinda figured beforehand that's what the piss-up is, seeing as I fully expected alot of drinking when I come there! Thanks for the welcome mate.

Willian, just like I had hoped made a huge impact and a wonderful assist for Eto'o's second. Did make me a bit happy to see Eto'o get a brace like I said. Oscar off the ball was brilliant, kept quiet tonight but dropped back alot and did a great job defensively. Cahill/JT partnership is so solid, only part of that back four that's unconvincing is Ivanovic. Not many other standouts for me, disappointed De Bruyne wasn't brought on earlier.

I can see Willian causing an absolute riot. I'll go 4-1, Eto'o to get 2, Schurrle and Ramires. Boateng for Schalke, and hopefully a quiet night for Draxler.

Surprised Mata isn't getting the start over Oscar, he was almost as poor as Hazard v. Newcastle. Stunned though how he's not on the bench. Hope De Bruyne gets atleast 20 mins tonight.

Would like to see Brana back at CB and let Dave start at RB. Then of course the Mikel/Ramires pivot.