Posted October 18, 200915 yr Atletico haven't made the most convincing start to their season with only 6 points form 6 games in La Liga however if we defend against them as poorly as we did against Villa then they have every chance of upsetting us. Based on the entire season so far Carvalho and Lampard really need a dramatic improvement in form and based purely on the Villa game I think we need much better performances from Ashley Cole, Drogba and Anelka. Carvalho played well in the opening few games of the season (Community Shield, Hull and Sunderland) but seems to have been getting worse and worse game after game since then. Lampard, on the other hand, has been well below par every game this season and is really struggling to adapt to the diamond formation. Kalou will come in for Drogba but, depending on fitness issues with Bosingwa and Ballack, I don't think we will see many other changes from the Villa starting XI. Joe Cole's cameo 5 minutes against Villa really confirmed he is nowhere near the level of fitness required to compete effectively.
October 18, 200915 yr Sadly Kalou will undoubtedly start in place of Drogba, I don't see why he just doesn't take a chance and use Sturridge, and if it's not working, bring Kalou on at half-time. And something I've just realised. We've lost twice this season. Ballack was missing in those 2 games. Now, sexelk will probably rip into me for this, but I think he is quite important to our midfield. He's a strong guy and isn't scared to go into a tackle, he's a good passer, and he can attack aswell. He's not the fastest, obviously, but he is a very, very good player. ..........................Cech Bosingwa...Carvalho...Terry...A.Cole .........................Essien ..........Ballack..................Lampard ..........................Deco .................Kalou.........Anelka Subs: Hilario, Ivanovic, Belletti, Zhirkov, Joey Cole, Malouda, Sturridge
October 18, 200915 yr Sadly Kalou will undoubtedly start in place of Drogba, I don't see why he just doesn't take a chance and use Sturridge, and if it's not working, bring Kalou on at half-time.And something I've just realised. We've lost twice this season. Ballack was missing in those 2 games. Now, sexelk will probably rip into me for this, but I think he is quite important to our midfield. He's a strong guy and isn't scared to go into a tackle, he's a good passer, and he can attack aswell. He's not the fastest, obviously, but he is a very, very good player. ..........................Cech Bosingwa...Carvalho...Terry...A.Cole .........................Essien ..........Ballack..................Lampard ..........................Deco .................Kalou.........Anelka Subs: Hilario, Ivanovic, Belletti, Zhirkov, Joey Cole, Malouda, Sturridge I don't think it is only coincidence. Ballack likes to play the game in the traditional way(4-4-2) and he probably likes Carlo as well. He was brilliant against Manu in the Community shield and have been very solid. He has outshone Lamps as well. Him and Essien can really make our midfield look good. We have been far from convincing in the first two games in the CL and have to improve if we want to beat Atletico. They have had a bad start for their season but they will try to use as the turning point. I think Aguero wants to show their fans why he didn't come to our team in the summer. Will be a tough game all around but we have been very good at home under Carlo so I think it will continue. 2-0 (Anelka,Lampard)
October 18, 200915 yr We need joe cole back in first squad instead of deco. He can dribble, attack, assist, can shoot also. He is the best CAM imo. ..........................Cech Bosingwa...Carvalho...Terry...A.Cole .........................Essien ..........Ballack..................Lampard ..........................J.Cole .................Kalou.........Anelka Subs: Hilario, Ivanovic, Belletti, Zhirkov, Deco, Malouda, Sturridge
October 18, 200915 yr Whats wrong with Zhirkov? Does Ancellotti not fancy him or is he leaving him out because he wasn't his signing? Edited October 18, 200915 yr by bcarroll
October 18, 200915 yr We need joe cole back in first squad instead of deco. He can dribble, attack, assist, can shoot also. He is the best CAM imo. ..........................Cech Bosingwa...Carvalho...Terry...A.Cole .........................Essien ..........Ballack..................Lampard ..........................J.Cole .................Kalou.........Anelka Subs: Hilario, Ivanovic, Belletti, Zhirkov, Deco, Malouda, Sturridge Joe isn't ready, as he showed when he came off the bench on saturday...besides deco had a very good game saturday so would be harsh to drop him
October 18, 200915 yr Sturridge must at least get a look in at some stage and unless Joey starts i fear he'll start thinking transfer request .
October 18, 200915 yr Author I don't think Joe will be thinking that and if he does then he deserves to be on the transfer list. He is nowhere near ready to start a game of this magnitude and I would like to believe he realises that more than anyone.
October 19, 200915 yr Is Ballack even fit to play, I don't know how serious his injury is/was? If he comes back into the mix, then I think we'll see him play more of a holding role with Essien and Lampard just ahead, and then Deco in behind the front two. Would like to see Sturridge, and even Yuri given a shot
October 19, 200915 yr Depending on injuries and fitness here is how i think we will line up ---------------Cech ---bos-----JT------Bran-----Cole ----------ballack -----essien-------lamps ----------J cole ----sturridge----anelka Not sure how man people would agree with me sticking Ballack in defensive mid, however i think if we do that it will allow essien to move forward a bit more which i would like to see. J cole and sturridge surely wont start but would love to see it. The lineup that i think will happen ---------Cech ---bos---riccy---JT----Cole --------Essien ---Malouda----lamps --------deco -----kalou------anelka If Kalou is not performing i really really hope sturridge is given a chance.
October 19, 200915 yr ..........................Cech Bosingwa...Carvalho...Terry...A.Cole .........................Essien ..........Ballack..................Deco ..........................J.Cole .................Kalou.........Anelka Sub. Hilario, Ivanovic, Belletti, Zhirkov, Lampard, Malouda, Sturridge Lampard on the bench!!
October 19, 200915 yr I thought Drogba would be back for this game. How many games was he banned? I guess we'll see Kalou and Anelka together. Can't see why we don't give Sturridge or even Borini a shot. Sturridge seem to be ready to play and Borini has looked full of energy when he's come on in some games early in the season. I also don't understand why Zhirkov doesn't get to play. He's been fit for a few games now and surely it's time to give him a chance? The same with Joey. But since I doubt any of them will start and Ballack and Mikel are still out (hopefully not for long) we'll probably play with Essien, Lampard, Deco and Malouda in midfield again. And unless Bosingwa isn't injured he will probably start. Personally I would like to see Ivanovic play more because he has done a good job whenever he's played. And Riccy will yet again partner Terry as central defenders and Ashley will be our left defender. Cech in goal as usual. I read today that Alex played for the reserves tonight and even scored a goal. I can't wait to get him back. Riccy hasn't been great lately so I'd like to see Alex play alongside Terry soon.
October 20, 200915 yr Any updates from physioroom or the likes that outline Ballack or Bosingwa's injuries and expected return dates?
October 20, 200915 yr Hmm slight breach of internet etiquette but here is a copy of chelse from physioroom 4 J Bosingwa Ankle/Foot Injury no return date M Ballack Ankle/Foot Injury 21st Oct 09 J Mikel Ankle/Foot Injury 21st Oct 09 Alex Groin Strain 25th Oct 09 Suppose the good news is that Alex is supposed to be back shortly. However I still like Ivanovic in the centre of the defence.
October 20, 200915 yr Whats wrong with Zhirkov? Does Ancellotti not fancy him or is he leaving him out because he wasn't his signing? Very good question, the same must be asked regarding Sturridge.
October 20, 200915 yr http://www.chelseafc.com/page/LatestNews/0...1831806,00.html Ballack is back for tomorrow's game Boss is out, but should be fit for Saturday Mikel is still out I think we will see this line-up tomorrow: ------------------Cech------------------ Ivanovich----Riccy-----JT--------Ashley -----------------Ballack----------------- ----Essien----------------------Lamps---- ----------------Deco/Joey--------------- ---------Kalou------------Anelka-----------
October 20, 200915 yr hey guys i know its short notice and tickets r like gold dust...but do any1 know where i can get a tickets for tomorrow's game?? i went to villa away and i,m going to bolton at home and did not think i could make madrid game but now i can but haver left it to late i could meet up with whoever in london to get ticket. cheers kel xx
October 20, 200915 yr everyone but not kalou ! --------------------cech-------------------- -----ivan-------carv---terry------ashley-- --------------------essien---------------- --------------lampard-ballack----------- -------joe---------anelka-----zhirkov i know it wont happen !
October 21, 200915 yr everyone but not kalou !--------------------cech-------------------- -----ivan-------carv---terry------ashley-- --------------------essien---------------- --------------lampard-ballack----------- -------joe---------anelka-----zhirkov i know it wont happen ! ;) This is the classic 4-3-3 of Jose. Wont happen but if it does I'm sure Lampard will score in this one. :)
