With Drogba, Essien, Kalou and Mikel all unavailable the extent to which we can rotate players is more limited than normal. It would also not be wise to go nuts in terms of resting players as you can guarantee that Watford will put their indifferent league form aside and raise their game for this cup tie.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Zhirkov play again and quite possibly Belletti to play in midfield again. Alex back at centre half with Ivan back on the right hand side.

Sturridge to lead the line with Anelka if he is fit and maybe Kakute and borini on the bench.

I would love it if matic could get atleast 45 min of game time so I could finally see him play.

Wilkins praised Matic, calling him the best in training. Would love to see him get a chance to impress in the starting line-up. Also, don't risk anything with Anelka, can't afford loosing him once again. Other than that, I think this should be used as a confidence-builder. Therefore a strong line-up which is pretty similar to our best XI.

I am for some reasno worried we will play a significantly weakened squad, and be knocked out.

I hope beyond hope I'm wrong.

I am for some reasno worried we will play a significantly weakened squad.

Well.

'I know that the FA Cup is a very important competition in England. I want to put out the best team because the next game will be the ninth of January with the possibility to train after the third of January.'

At least you don't have to worry about that part, according to Ancelotti. Though I am a bit worried they won't give some of the less-used players in the squad a shot. I don't want a bunch of them, just 2-3.

Edited January 1, 201016 yr by A.T.E

That's something then....

I just don't want the team to lose this, even without our best two strikers, DM's and....Kalou

It will be interesting. I love the FA Cup, just don't want to see us bundled out early.

That game is a good chance to boost our confidence again. 2 wins in a row cant be a bad thing after our recent results. Thats why I like the idea of playing our best team.

-------------------cech------------------

-----ivan-----alex---jt-------ashley----

----------------Ballack-------------------

-----------Lampard-Zhirkov------------

-----------------Joe---------------------

-----------Sturridge-Anelka------------

Subs: Hilario, PF, Ricci, Matic, Kakuta, Malouda, Borini

If Anelka isn´t fit replace him with Borini.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Jacob Mellis on the bench

Let's give Ferreira a chance as CB :D

Apparently the match against Watford will be the last home game before the CIU shuts down (the club behind the So bar). I know it's not everyone's favourite place to have a tipple but it will still be sad to see it go though I do believe the long term plans are to reopen it once the buidling work above it has been done.

As this is a cup game with Chelsea involved it wont be aired on tv. So it's back to listening to the radio like some caveman. :D

As this is a cup game with Chelsea involved it wont be aired on tv. So it's back to listening to the radio like some caveman. :D

....cue Alan Green telling us how 'there's no atmosphere at the Bridge,..but of course at Old trafford or Anfield.....'

Let's give Ferreira a chance as CB :D

:D :D

I would imagine we'll see something like:

-------------Hilario

Ferreira--Alex--JT--Zhirkov

-------------Matic

---Belletti-------Lampard

-----------J Cole

---Sturridge-----Borini

One of the players lost to injury in December was Nicolas Anelka who suffered a small hamstring tear. The news on the French striker is good.

'He will be ready to return to the squad [for the Watford game],' reports Ancelotti.

'Tomorrow he will train with us, he recovered very well. We have to look at him during this day and if there is not a risk, he will play.

'I know that the FA Cup is a very important competition in England. I want to put out the best team because the next game will be the ninth of January with the possibility to train after the third of January.'

(chelseafc.com)

So very good news on Anelka !

Great opportunity to see Borini start with Sturridge, just to see how they work out . I thought Sturridge looked lively at home to Fulham & id like to see him given a full 90 mins.

Carlo is well aware of the importance of the F.A. Cup and I expect him to start a strong side against Watford and I expect a convincing victory

-----------------------------------Cech---------------------------

Ivan----------------Alex--------------------Terry-----------Zhirkov

---------------------------------Mikel--------------------------------

-------------------Belletti---------------------Lampard------------

-------------------------------Joe Cole------------------------------

--------------------Anelka------------------Sturridge---------------

Subs: Hilario, Ferriera, A.Cole, Ballack, Malouda, Borini, Matic.

-----------------------------------Turnbull---------------------------

Ivanovic----------------Alex--------------------Terry-----------Zhirkov

---------------------------------Matic--------------------------------

-------------------Malouda---------------------Lampard------------

-------------------------------Joe Cole------------------------------

--------------------Anelka------------------Sturridge---------------

Subs: Hilario, A. Cole, Ballack, Ferreira, Beletti, Borini, Carvalho

Same as Mikstaw, but I expect a more attacking bench, with Kakuta there, for sure.

I like the fact we've got no midweek after this.

I would like to see Matic, but alas, I fear we won't. Hopefully Anelka will grab a couple and step up to the plate in Drogba's absence (I've no doubt he can).

3/4-1 Chelsea, come on you blues!!!!

Is there any chance that theres going to be a stream for this match ?

Is there any chance that theres going to be a stream for this match ?

I have failed in every search for one, but the other top teams are playing at different times, so there might be one.

:P

I don't know why, but I think Ivan could be a great holding midfielder...

-----------Cech-------------

Ferreira-Alex-Terry-A.Cole

-----------Ivan-------------

-----Lampard-Ballack------

---------Malouda-----------

------Anelka-Studge-------

Subs: Hilario, Carvalho, Zhirkov, Deco, J.Cole, Kakuta, Borini.

...or does that make no sense?

Edited January 3, 201016 yr by IR-Blues

I can't find any.

I have failed in every search for one, but the other top teams are playing at different times, so there might be one.

The only other literally top teams still in the FA Cup are Newcastle and Leeds. :)