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.

Been in love with Germany the last 5 years or so, my pick for the World Cup hands down. Young and talented in 2010, now 4 years on and more big game experience for those players. Really helps out the national side that the Bundesliga produces the highest percentage of domestic players in Europe's top 5 leagues. It's what made Spain so successful the last 5 years, chemistry built already between the bulk of the team through playing with each other throughout a season for the same clubs. Other than Germany however I really fancy Belgium to go on a decent run. Hoping for a semi-final appearance, but the experience isn't quite there yet, Quarter-Finals will be a step in a huge direction for them. Shame my country Canada can never make a World Cup, would give you guys a bit of comedy to go along with what should be one of the better World Cups in recent memory (or at least since 2002).

We really need to come racing out of the gates tomorrow early on. The away fixture could not have started better, felt like the start you expect Chelsea to have at home, and we did it in Germany. First goal is always frustrating, earlier it comes the better. Keep the ball, don't give Schalke time, because the longer amount of time/space they get on the ball the more they're gonna settle into the game. It really is just the same philosophy for every game, but in European games especially it's crucial. A point for Schalke is not bad at all for them in this situation, feel they'll play a lot of their players behind the ball and try to frustrate us and try catching us on breaks. In reality it could come down to who can be more clinical from counter attacks, two really quick/youthful sides with brilliant technical players. Schalke is probably going to rely heavily on that, and probably be reduced to long balls. Then there's us, and we all saw how lethal our counter is, given the player on the ball. Although it would be brilliant to witness a 3 v 1 counter with Cole, Mikel and Terry dashing forward!

For sure! Wouldn't dare turn down the chance to see a world class rugby team like Stoke to get battered at the Bridge! Was really hoping to see a London derby, but tickets will be a tough ask for me as I've only got a membership for myself and have never been to the Bridge/England/Europe in general haha. Was planning to take my younger sister with me, if all else fails I'll have to make do with making the pubs my hotel for that week!

Yeah I understand why almost 99% of us wouldn't like it considering how poor it worked out in his early days. He's improved though since when he's in those wide positions. Problem would be if Oscar played deep and were to pick up a long term injury this season we would need Ramires deep. No chance I'd want to see Lamps and Mikel together. Ramires/Mikel or Oscar/Mikel are the only possible options if we want to compete for trophies. Safe to say Mikel is the glue that's gonna hold that midfield together, something I wouldn't have said a few years back.

The cheapest option we have at the moment for a Defensive Midfielder is to just get Oscar to adjust to a slight deeper role. Defensively he's good at tracking back to help out, and he can play a decent long ball. I prefer him playing into players feet rather than a Pirlo/Alonso long ball specialist, but in time it would work out well. Pair him with Mikel, and let Ramires take care of the right flank. I'd rather have Ramires on the wing then Oscar, the few times Ramires got into those positions against City he whipped in quite a few good crosses. He has insane pace plus it saves Ivanovic some time making those overlapping runs and putting in his usual Row Z crosses that go out of play before they can even reach the near post. Where that leaves room for Lamps, I actually have no idea. He would almost certainly need to be a bit part player for most of the season, and it's about time. 25+ games a season playing a full 90 minutes I'd imagine is not easy at all at 35. Then again I can barely manage a 5 second jog up the stairs in my own home.

I blame twitter haha

Midfield for me was a bit of a headache to pick considering how poor Mazacar was against Newcastle. Haven't fancied that front 3 for awhile, don't like those 3 starting together. Cech Ivanovic JT Cahill Cole Mikel Ramires Oscar Mata Schurrle Torres Hazard didn't look convincing (as did our entire midfield) against Newcastle. I really like Schurrle down the left flank, think he offers a bit more width then Hazard and is more suited as a legitimate winger role. In other cases I'd start Hazard in this position, but Schalke's back line for me is so poor, Schurrle can stretch the defence and allow more space for the others to work their magic. Also really like Schurrle on the counter, very direct and straightforward, doesn't try so hard to make defenders look as s**t as Titus Bramble. Also opted for Mata to get the start in his number 10 role. Feel as though Mata is more suited to this position when him and Oscar both start. Never liked Mata on the wing, even in the early days in his CFC career with AVB using him on the wing in a 4-3-3. Only time Oscar should be in that role is when Mata is on the bench, which clearly we've seen a lot of so far this season. Also the last major (or not so major depending how you feel about it) change..."Rampard" has to go. Lampard needs to get the axe, atleast for now which is painful to say as I'm absolutely obsessed with the guy. Stick Mikel in to do the defensive work and let Ramires have space to go forward. At 35 it's bad enough that Jose feels Lampard should start almost every game, but at that age to adapt to a more defensive position just won't work, especially when your career has been built on runs from midfield and hovering near the penalty spot. Lampard still tries those runs from midfield and most of the time leaves Ramires under the bus when possession is lost. Mikel for me is probably one of the best defensive midfielders out there right now in my opinion. Not a fan of his constant sideways passing, but that's about all the criticism I have for him. Let Ramires go forward, the guy is an absolute bolt of lightning with and without the ball at his feet. Plus for a counter attacking side it only makes sense to have a player with incredible stamina in his early 20's, rather than a man in his mid 30's trying to spark a counter attack. Ramires hasn't yet proved his final ball is lethal, but in time it'll sharpen up I think. Only change in defence I made was Cahill for Luiz. This one is a bit of a dodgy change for me due to how slow both him and JT are, but after Luiz' display against Newcastle it's honestly a no brainer. Other than that, Cech starts which was never ever going to be in doubt, and Torres starts (partially because of the little man crush I have on him ). This is what I'd hope for our XI to look like, don't think it will be anything close. As long as Mikel/Ramires combo is back I'll be happy with it.

Hi everyone, name's Dave, from Toronto Canada. I came across this forum in the last year or so, so happy to finally join. Been a Chelsea supporter from when I started to follow football, about 2006 after the World Cup. Come from an Italian background so no surprise seeing your country win a World Cup can get you into football, haha **look away England supporters** (I've since started to support Germany). Stumbled across Chelsea by playing FIFA 07 because I liked the name and their kits. 7 or so years on, I've got an obsession with the club, and undoubtedly made the greatest choice of my life. Never been to the Bridge, surprise surprise, being 19 years of age and not affording a $3000 trip to SW6 seems achievable by most young kids these days and their parents wallets. Working full time the last few months just to go see Chelsea v Arsenal at the Bridge on my birthday next year. Really hoping to have the money to extend my stay a week, and possibly make it a tradition each season to go back. I'll be hoping a lot of the lads on this site enjoy my insight in future posts, and show respect to my opinions like I know you all will! Also if anyone could recommend a decent bar close to the Bridge that would be brilliant. Can't spend my 20th birthday at a London Derby for the first time in my life going to the Bridge without havin a few pints in me. Thanks to anyone who bothered reading KTBFFH!