Posted August 15, 200915 yr We are guaranteed to play the diamond again so I don't expect much in the way of change to the line up against Hull. We may see Ballack start ahead of disappointing Mikel or, alternatively, Esien may move to the base meaning Frank moves to the right hand side and Deco starts at the tip.
August 16, 200915 yr I'd like to start with the same team as this week and follow probably the same subs pattern. Sunderland won't be pushovers away and they will be pacy in attack. Mikel stays for me, with Ballack to come on later. Deco and kalou in reserve. Hope Cech is fit. 1.0 to us
August 16, 200915 yr I'm hoping for a good performance and 3 points here (as is everyone here I'm sure ;) ). I think Mikel should start again, just to give him one more chance, with Deco, Lamps and Essien all starting as well, malouda on the bench, probably send him out when we need more width/speed on the flanks. My prediction, 2-0. Drogs and Essien.
August 16, 200915 yr sunderland got a good away win in their first match but i think we should get the points here. Will Yuri be back?
August 16, 200915 yr I think Ballack deserves to start over Mikel. You should reward those playing better than others on a competitive team like ours. If Ballack slips up then someone else comes in for him. This is twice in a row he's come in and made a difference.
August 16, 200915 yr Author I think Ballack deserves to start over Mikel. You should reward those playing better than others on a competitive team like ours. If Ballack slips up then someone else comes in for him. This is twice in a row he's come in and made a difference. My thoughts precisely. Sunderland away is not an easy game and the team we select should be the one with the very best chanceof taking all three points. Mikel has disappointed in two consecutive games and, in both games, Ballack has replaced him and been more effective. There is no point having a good squad if we are not going to use it effectively and reward the players in form. This doesn't mean writing Mikel off, just means he needs to drop to the bench if he is not performing well - that should be the case for any player.
August 16, 200915 yr This doesn't mean writing Mikel off, just means he needs to drop to the bench if he is not performing well - that should be the case for any player. Even if Ancelotti carries on playing this diamond formation and Lampard continues to be anonymous?
August 16, 200915 yr This will be a difficult game for sure. Mikel was very poor yesterday, easily the worst I've seen him and logic would say he shouldn't play against the Mackhams BUT - they have two big strikers and there will be a lot of high ball into them. Mikel offers height over Essien and if he sits in front of Jones (as he should do) then he would probably get the call. Personally I'd go for Essien.
August 17, 200915 yr bit worried about going up against a midfield with lee cattermole and Cana in it. Both well known for their recklessness and i can see a lot of players throughout the season getting injured playing these guys
August 17, 200915 yr I think we will start with the same team. Ancelloti comes across as a person with a big ego, maybe not as big as Jose, but still big enough to continue playing the same way and the same formation unless something clicks or miserably fails. Dont know how long before he takes Frank off that hole and puts him where he is the best in the world. It will be a difficult game as usual and we'd do well to score in the first 30 mins. Edited August 17, 200915 yr by rahuldotchelsea
August 17, 200915 yr Mikel has to be dropped i.m.o... Midfield diamond should be Essien, Malouda, Ballack, Frank. Deco and Sturridge to come on if things need shaking up. 3 points should be won here. I'm more worried about the Fulham game on the weekend!.... By the way, what TV channel is this on??? Edited August 17, 200915 yr by Elliott
August 17, 200915 yr yup definitely agree fulham will not be easy, god it would be nice to get 3 victories straight up
August 17, 200915 yr Community Shield a week ago Internationals (including travelling) a fewy days ago Competitive home game a day ago Long trip up north to a stubborn side 3 days later. That is tough, I don't care how fit you are, especially at this stage of the season. 3 points will be extremely tough. Edited August 17, 200915 yr by Gem
August 17, 200915 yr Community Shield a week agoInternationals (including travelling) a fewy days ago Competitive home game a day ago Long trip up north to a stubborn side 3 days later. That is tough, I don't care how fit you are, especially at this stage of the season. 3 points will be extremely tough. Yeah, this scheduling is a joke, do we really need internationals right before the start of the season, plus a game 3 days after our opener?
August 17, 200915 yr Sunderland fan in peace We have had two key injurys during the Bolton game so its looking better for you lot. Richardson and Malbranque who have both been outstanding during the bolton game and pre-season picked up knocks so that may allow your full backs to attack us better. Im not convinced by the diamond formation yet because it looks like you place to much hope on your full backs overlapping, if your full backs have an off game you will struggle going through the middle against us (ask arsenal twic last season) especially now that we have strengthened our spine. My heart says a victory for sunderland but my head says a 2-1 vicotry to yourselves. Good luck for the rest of the season and please knock the smile or SAF face by beating them to the title!
August 17, 200915 yr Zhirkov sits out Black Cats clash Interesting that Pizarro and Sheva aren't traveling, though neither are reportedly injured.
August 17, 200915 yr Zhirkov sits out Black Cats clashInteresting that Pizarro and Sheva aren't traveling, though neither are reportedly injured. Can't see either of them featuring anytime soon especially given one if not both will be gone by the start of next month.
August 17, 200915 yr Apparently Bremen are close to signing Pizzarro... I too agree that Ballack should be given a start over Mikel, cause no doubt it'll be a physical game, and Ballack will probably scare the living daylights out of anyone...
August 17, 200915 yr Damn time differences. i've missed the chance to submit my BPL....but after the weekends resounding starting 11, 6 subs, correct time of goal, correct progression, correct scorer.....oh and did I mention I was Australian tiddly wink champion Anyway, I think we will start with the same 11 but I could see Carlo making rapid changes at the half if things are not going well. Also, if people are to play their way onto the team, I'd almost like to see Drogba and Sturridge upfront together
August 18, 200915 yr just been reading richardson and malbranque are out so thats their first choice wide men out which is good. as this is carlo`s first away game in charge it will be interesting to see how he sends the team out. will he be defensive, will he allow them to attack, will he try and stop sunderland playing first. i always look forward to the first away game with a new manager.
August 18, 200915 yr just been reading richardson and malbranque are out so thats their first choice wide men out which is good. as this is carlo`s first away game in charge it will be interesting to see how he sends the team out. will he be defensive, will he allow them to attack, will he try and stop sunderland playing first. i always look forward to the first away game with a new manager. We were very good last season in away games under LFS. I don't think it will change that much. Our opponents home will try to attack more which gives our midfielders chance to play Drogs or Nic through. Away games are a chance to make some counter attacking happen. Especially Essien and Malouda can run with the ball and Lamps' long passes are deadly. This will actually be a test to our defence. I hope we choose Ballack over Mikel. I think we will concede some awkward freekicks and bunch of corners so we have to be really careful with those. I predict a tough and gritty game: 2-3 to chelsea.
August 18, 200915 yr its a shame alex isnt fit for this, this is the kind of physical game i would prefer to see him in than riccy.
August 18, 200915 yr Damn time differences. i've missed the chance to submit my BPL....but after the weekends resounding starting 11, 6 subs, correct time of goal, correct progression, correct scorer.....oh and did I mention I was Australian tiddly wink championAnyway, I think we will start with the same 11 but I could see Carlo making rapid changes at the half if things are not going well. Also, if people are to play their way onto the team, I'd almost like to see Drogba and Sturridge upfront together Glad to see you have faith in our defence and keeper. :D
August 18, 200915 yr its a shame alex isnt fit for this, this is the kind of physical game i would prefer to see him in than riccy. Are you suggesting Riccy's a pussy? I'd like to see you say it to his face!
