Posted July 24, 200915 yr Just over two weeks to go before we kick off the new season so no time like the present to welcome back the official match threads. I would expect to see Zhirkov and Sturridge get some playing time but don't expect either to start. I would expect to see a pretty familiar starting line up along the lines of Cech Bosingwa JT Alex A Cole Essien Ballack Lampard Deco Malouda Drogba with a bench of Hilario Zhirkov Sturridge Carvalho Mikel Belletti Anelka
July 24, 200915 yr Author and p.s. in case people weren't aware tickets are on sale for this game now as are tickets for the opening game of the season against Hull
July 24, 200915 yr 3 central midfielders over 30, I'm afraid we won't win anything with that midfield. Hopefully we make younger, faster, more energetic signings. I'll go for 2-2 with us losing on penalties. Drogs getting them both because he likes a "cup final".
July 25, 200915 yr I wouldn't mind seeing this, using the 4-1-2-1-2 system Bosingwa ----- Terry ----- Carvalho ----- A. Cole -------------------- Deco/Essien ---------------------- Essien/J. Cole ------------------------------- Zhirkov ----------------------- Lampard ----------------------------- ------------ Drogba ----------------- Anelka------------------- Bench: Turnbull Alex Malouda Ballack Deco/Mikel Belletti/Ivanovic Sturridge Edited July 25, 200915 yr by PraetorianGuard
July 27, 200915 yr I will go with, for a 2 - 1 result with Drogba and Anelka scoring. Cech Bosingwa JT Carvalho Cole Mikel Essien Malouda Lamps Drogba Anelka Bench Turnbull Alex Malouda Ballack Deco Ivanovic Sturridge
July 31, 200915 yr I will go with, for a 2 - 1 result with Drogba and Anelka scoring.Cech Bosingwa JT Carvalho Cole Mikel Essien Malouda Lamps Drogba Anelka Bench Turnbull Alex Malouda Ballack Deco Ivanovic Sturridge I would go with the same lineup although good as Malouda is I'd leave him off the bench if he's already in the starting lineup. That would then let Zhirkov come onto the bench. Joe Cole then can't make the bench and neither does Mancienne or Di Santo.
July 31, 200915 yr For anyone who wants a programme, they're on eBay for £4.99 + £1.99 p&p FA COMMUNITY SHIELD 2009: Chelsea v Man Utd The seller's got an excellent rep - 99.9% positive feedback from 6406 transactions and states himself to be an Official Distributor.
July 31, 200915 yr I will go with, for a 2 - 0 result with Drogba and Malouda scoring. Cech Bosingwa JT Carvalho Cole Mikel Essien Malouda Lamps Drogba Anelka Bench Turnbull Alex Malouda Ballack Deco Ivanovic Sturridge
July 31, 200915 yr I will go with, for a 2 - 1 result with Drogba and Anelka scoring.Cech Bosingwa JT Carvalho Cole Mikel Essien Malouda Lamps Drogba Anelka Bench Turnbull Alex Malouda Ballack Deco Ivanovic Sturridge I'd go with the same line-up. We may get a surprise and see Zhirkov start, but other than that, that's probably it.
August 5, 200915 yr Van der Sar is out for up to 8 weeks with a broken finger and bone in his left hand. Man Utd suffer Van der Sar blow (BBC) Edited August 5, 200915 yr by sweet waffle
August 5, 200915 yr 2-1 to the mancs. Owen and Park to score. And malouda to score for us. I'll give 2:1 against that.
August 5, 200915 yr 2-1 to the mancs. Owen and Park to score. And malouda to score for us. i think chelsea will win drogba to score first then lampard or j cole after half time
August 5, 200915 yr I'll go with a 2-0 to us, Drogba and Zhirkov scores. Chec Bosingwa Alex JT A.Cole Deco Essien Zhirkov Lampard Drogba Anelka 4-4-2 Formation Subs: Turnbull Beletti Malouda Ballack Mikel Ivanovic Sturridge
August 5, 200915 yr I know its only the Hub Cap but could be really important to give Carlo the right start Edited August 5, 200915 yr by bonetti
August 5, 200915 yr We should make the game a statement of intent more than anything. Play some mind blowing football with Drogba and and Anelka having an unbeleavable partnership while both new signings Sturridge and Zhirkov score a cracking goal. Then seat back while Pool and Man U start sh*tting themselves about the season ahead.
August 5, 200915 yr hopefully we take this game seriously as it will set the tone for the season ahead. i would go with our strongest lineup cech bosingwa --- carvalho --- terry --- cole essien/mikel mikel/essien ---------- malouda/zhirkov lampard drogba ----- anelka essien and mikel can swap occasionally and share the defensive duties cause i would like to see both further up the field runouts for malouda/zhirkov (whichever doesn't get on), sturridge and 1 more chance for deco Edited August 5, 200915 yr by sexelk
August 5, 200915 yr hopefully we take this game seriously as it will set the tone for the season ahead. i would go with our strongest lineup cech bosingwa --- carvalho --- terry --- cole essien/mikel mikel/essien ---------- malouda/zhirkov lampard drogba ----- anelka essien and mikel can swap occasionally and share the defensive duties cause i would like to see both further up the field runouts for malouda/zhirkov (whichever doesn't get on), sturridge and 1 more chance for deco I think Carlo is going to upset you by starting Ballack
August 5, 200915 yr This is the first of hopefully many battles between Carlo and SAF. I think SAF's been waiting for an able opponent since Jose's days as Tubby just dont cut it. Both managers have a lot to prove. Carlo want's to show he can bring our glory days back not to mention first game against top 4 teams, SAF needs to show all the Manc supporters that there is life after Ronaldo... I think we will land an experienced lineup with 4-4-2 diamond. Boss--Carvalho--Terry--A.Cole --------------Mikel -----Essien----------Malouda ------------Lampard ------Anelka------Drogba Zhirkov and maybe Sturridge will feature on the second half.. I expect us to win but it will be a tough battle. 1-0 with Carvo's header..
August 6, 200915 yr I prefer Alex insted of Carvalho at this rate, he is a pure tank Agree. Also Ashley might have his hands full with Valencia (the player). I've seen glimpses of the Man U vs Valencia CF friendly yesterday and Valencia (the player) had a blinder - he is extremely fast and made both goals for Man U.
August 6, 200915 yr Cole is one of the best left backs in world football, he will cope. As for who should partner JT. it's Riccy everytime for me.
