As it stands, what is our strongest team?

[Cam]

With the squad as it is, not allowing for new signings, what would be our strongest team next season??

I think it would be something like this:

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

--Bosingwa----------------------Terry----------------------Alex-------------------------Cole------

------------------------------------------------Essien------------------------------------------------

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

------Kalou------------------------------------Drogba----------------------------Anelka-------------

But then I thought about it some more....Essien's best role isn't DM, it's as a CM...so perhaps Ballack can stay for DM, Essien could take Malouda's spot, and Malouda can move to the left forward spot (where he played his best football).

I also struggle to see Kalou as a starter (despite a few strong showings), when everyone is fit...so perhaps Anelka will have to go wide right and Kalou to the bench, to make a team more like this:

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

--Bosingwa----------------------Terry----------------------Alex-------------------------Cole------

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

--------------------------Lampard-----------------------------Essien--------------------------------

-----Anelka------------------------------------Drogba---------------------------Malouda-------------

Although Anelka's best position isn't wide, he has adapted to it in recent times and is often seen floating inwards to get the ball anyway. And if Ballack didn't stay, Mikel would come into the DM position.

That said, there's a likelihood of a signing or two, which would dramatically change the line-up and possibly the formation too.

Does anyone have alternative line-ups for next season, on the off chance we make no big signings?

[Jawan]

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

--Bosingwa----------------------Terry----------------------Alex-------------------------Cole------

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

--------------------------Lampard-----------------------------Essien--------------------------------

-----Anelka------------------------------------Drogba---------------------------Malouda-------------

This line up might get us another Premier league and FA Double.....But we must not forget that other English teams are definitely going to get involved in transfer market this season as we have dominated english football.

I do believe Manure wants to get rid of Berba and bring in some new striker and looking at their reputation they will surely get some strong striker and may be even some midfielder.

Gunners and Scousers need to rebuilt their squad in case their main players leave.

In these scenarios Citeh might emerge as possible new entrant in CL 2011 season.

Our team looks good for EPL[looking at current condition of other squads:) ] but If we are to challenge other teams in Europe and win CL 1 or 2 new players great skills must be bought and should be put in this line up that you suggested.

We have been doing well all over CL but bad game in some crucial moments proves fatal for us.We need to rectify loopholes with proper investment and get that ever elusive honor of CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE.

[sals]

I would have ivanovic as starting CB over alex at the moment for sure. Apart from that it would be your first lineup with Joey on for kalou i would say

[ethicalstrategy]

Interesting question.

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

--Bosingwa/Ivanovic------Terry/Ivanovic----------------------Alex/Ivanovic--------------Cole------

------------------------------------------------Essien-----------------------------------------------

--------------------------Lampard-----------------------------Zirkhov--------------------------------

-----Anelka------------------------------------Drogba---------------------------Malouda-------------

Essien's best position may not be in the holding role, but in terms of the team I think it is where he needs to play. Ivanovic is a problem because he has to play somewhere. I just wonder whether he might even be able to play in the holding role? Otherwise you could make an argument for him in any of the positions that I've indicated. Probably he will keep his place at right back as Bosingwa will take some time to regain fitness.

Zirkhov is the other conundrum. He won't displace either Cole or Malouda but he is definitely worth his place. If Malouda pushes on more then he could play in the midfield.

I'm not a fan of Anelka out wide, but if he stays then he plays.

All in all there are seven certain starters if fit - Cech, Terry, Cole, Essien, Lampard, Malouda and Drogba. We have good options for the other 4 places.

[Nibs]

All in all there are seven certain starters if fit - Cech, Terry, Cole, Essien, Lampard, Malouda and Drogba. We have good options for the other 4 places.

You're getting into dangerous territory there ES - back to the days of Jose's "Untouchables".

Okay, the players you have listed there are the KEY players and one would imagine that they will play most games.

But as well as being fit, they have to be in form. We all hope that Essien will be the player he was before he got injured but no-one can guarantee that. Lamps and Drogba may well not be able to play every game when we get back to 3 games in a week. There were a fair few occassions this season when both looked off the pace when faced with a number of matches in a short period of time.

And Malouda had a great season and sure, when on form he's in the first 11, but not when his form dips (thought he was one of our least effective players in the Cup Final for example).

I expect there to be even more competition for places next season.

I'm all for a settled side but no player should be relaxed enough to think "I'm playing this week whatever".

[ethicalstrategy]

You're getting into dangerous territory there ES - back to the days of Jose's "Untouchables".

Okay, the players you have listed there are the KEY players and one would imagine that they will play most games.

But as well as being fit, they have to be in form. We all hope that Essien will be the player he was before he got injured but no-one can guarantee that. Lamps and Drogba may well not be able to play every game when we get back to 3 games in a week. There were a fair few occassions this season when both looked off the pace when faced with a number of matches in a short period of time.

And Malouda had a great season and sure, when on form he's in the first 11, but not when his form dips (thought he was one of our least effective players in the Cup Final for example).

I expect there to be even more competition for places next season.

I'm all for a settled side but no player should be relaxed enough to think "I'm playing this week whatever".

I take your point about form Nibs, but I was simply basing it on this past season. Everyone will have games where they are more or less effective but you can't judge it match by match. One of the main reasons for our strong finish to the season was consistency of selection. Ancelotti worked out his best team and stuck to it. Of course, he wouldn't be able to do that over a full season so other players will get their opportunities. We have a pretty strong squad and most players have some good competition for their places. Really, only Cech, Lampard and Drogba don't have anyone who could directly replace them and even then it doesn't mean that we couldn't cope without them for a period.

I would hope that competition for places was very hot, both from younger players coming through and perhaps one or two new signings.

To be fair to Malouda he has been one of our best players for a season and a half now, ever since Hiddink took over.

Incidentally, what is your strongest team, as it stands?

[Nibs]

Incidentally, what is your strongest team, as it stands?

Your selection looks pretty good to be honest. You know I would have to shoe in an in form Joey and if I did, it would be at the expense of Zirkhov. Zirkhov is a very decent squad player and did have a couple of good games, but he still hasn't totally convinced me.....yet.

And I'd always select Ivan over Bosingwa. Must admit, he is a bit of a forgotten man. When other players are out / injured, you still notice them in the stands / dug-out etc. Haven't noticed Boss in ages. If it wasn't for the eyebrows I think I'd have trouble remembering what he looks like!!

[Jawan]

Haven't noticed Boss in ages.If it wasn't for the eyebrows I think I'd have trouble remembering what he looks like!!

Superb..Thats is some iQuotes material mate

Edited May 19, 2010 by Jawan

[Ruh Buh Juh]

.......................................Cech

...Bosingwa.............Alex...............Terry............Ashley

.......................................Essien

.......................Lampard

....................................................Malouda

...Anelka.....................................................Zhirkov

.......................................Drogba

I think Ashley/Malouda/Zhirkov in tandem could well be nigh on unstoppable. The rest pretty much picks itself, IMO.

[sleepy_gonzalez]

..........................................Cech

Bosingwa/Ivan.........Alex/Ivan...............Terry............Ashley

..........................................Essien

.......................Lampard

.........................................................Malouda

...Anelka...............................................................Zhirkov

.......................................Drogba

[Randy36]

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

Ivanovic-------------------Alex--------------------Terry----------------Cole

--------------------------------------Essien----------------------------------

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

Anelka------------------------------Drogba-------------------------Malouda

Ballack is now questionable because of his injury and Mikel has not thrived in that position. I'm reluctantly using Essien as a holding midfielder which diminishes his attacking options.

I would like to see Yuri get an opportunity to demonstrate his talents in left midfield.

[HisDogSpot]

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

---Ferreria-----------Carvalho-------------Terry-----------------Cole

---------------------------------Alex---------------------------

---Essien---------------------------------------Lampard

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

--------------------Cole------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------Drogba------------

Subs

Turnbull

Kalou

Belletti

Ivanovic

Bosingwa

Edited May 19, 2010 by HisDogSpot

[Spiller86]

As it stands, I'd suggest it is probably similar to the one that started the final with the addition of Essien.

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

------Bosingwa/Ivanovic----------Alex----------------------Terry--------------A.Cole------

------------------------------------------------Essien-----------------------------------------------

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

---------------------------------Kalou---------------------Anelka-------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------Drogba------------------------------------------------

Obviously I've put Ivan and Bossy at Right Back, I really think it will be Branislav who starts there next season. He deserves to as well and for me it will be up to Bosingwa to regain full fitness and get his spot back.

The system I've picked probably has the supporting strikers a little bit more tucked in than other people's systems. In fairness I don't think Kalou or Anelka have really been wide players at all, especially not Anelka, who in this system has rarely been wide and has always cut back in when he has been out there. In my mind if Aguero comes in, then he will slot into Kalou's sport and play a similar role to Anelka on the other side.

The alternate system is probably more similar to the one we played in last years FA Cup final, with Anelka tucked in and Malouda rampaging down the left

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

--Bosingwa/Ivanovic------------Alex-----------------------Terry------------------------A.Cole------

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

--------------------------Essien-----------------------------Lampard--------------------------------

--------------------------Anelka--------------------------------------------------------------Malouda

----------------------------------------------Drogba---------------------------------------------------

In that case Bosingwa is probably preferred as he is a little better with the ball at his feet down the right. It's a little lop sided, you might say, but good enough for Guus good enough for me.

Edited May 20, 2010 by Spiller86

[The Blue Train]

If everyone's fit it would probably look something like this.

Cech

Ivanovic - Alex - Terry - Cole

Lampard - Essien - Zhirkov

Anelka - Drogba - Malouda

You could switch Malouda's and Zhirkov's positions but overall it seems pretty reasonable. A flat 3 man midfield. We should attack as a team and defend as a team, hopefully not making the defensive midfielder position that vital (except for in European or high profile Premier League games). In my opinion this is the way we should set out against anyone but the Sky 4 in the league. When we face those we have to set out a little more carefully.

Has anyone else thought about how physical our side is? Bar Cole and perhaps Zhirkov in that lineup everyone's as strong as an ox, and that's leaving Ballack, Belletti, Mikel and Matic on the bench.

[icecoolguy22]

Cech

Ivanovic JT Alex Cole

Ballack

Lampard Essien

Anelka Drogba Malouda

A pick between Mikel and Ballack for the holding role, really think Essien would be wasted in that role, he needs to go forward. Malouda is more effective up front.

Of course, with the upcoming signing, we won't see a team like this next season.

[Epic]

I wouldn't put Essien in our starting XI. Reason being he hasn't proven he can play without injuries for nearly two years now. Matter of fact I would buy Yay Toure to provide more competition in midfield, Essien has become a liability and I fear it will only get worse.

[Nibs]

I wouldn't put Essien in our starting XI. Reason being he hasn't proven he can play without injuries for nearly two years now. Matter of fact I would buy Yay Toure to provide more competition in midfield, Essien has become a liability and I fear it will only get worse.

You can hardly call Essien a "liability".

His injuries have been frustrating and it's a credit to Carlo and the rest of the squad that we coped well without him.

But if and when he is fit again, he is head and shoulders above the likes of Ballack and Mikel. Ask opposing teams fans which Chelsea player they would like to have if they could and many go for Essien.

[Epic]

You can hardly call Essien a "liability".

His injuries have been frustrating and it's a credit to Carlo and the rest of the squad that we coped well without him.

But if and when he is fit again, he is head and shoulders above the likes of Ballack and Mikel. Ask opposing teams fans which Chelsea player they would like to have if they could and many go for Essien.

He is a liability if we don't strengthen the midifeld because he is due to return soon. What happens if he picks up another long injury in September? He's had 2 injury plagued seasons so we shouldn't expect him to stay healthy. We should be after a midfielder who can provide the energy and drive Essien use to.

Edited May 20, 2010 by Epic

[Nibs]

He is a liability if we don't strengthen the midifeld because he is due to return soon. What happens if he picks up another long injury in September? He's had 2 injury plagued seasons so we shouldn't expect him to stay healthy. We should be after a midfielder who can provide the energy and drive Essien use to.

I thought you had Mikel ear-marked for that role? Having second thoughts?

[Epic]

I thought you had Mikel ear-marked for that role? Having second thoughts?

I don't recall ever saying Mikel offers energy or drive.

Mikel is more of a ball playing DM. He's a very good passer of the ball and when he plays we invariably dominate games much easier than without him. We need more variation in midfield as none of Ballack, Mikel or Lampard offer what Essien can i.e. lots of energy and speed to the central areas. We need a player like that and I don't think we can rely on Essien to stay fit any longer.

[Nibs]

I don't recall ever saying Mikel offers energy or drive.

Mikel is more of a ball playing DM. He's a very good passer of the ball and when he plays we invariably dominate games much easier than without him. We need more variation in midfield as none of Ballack, Mikel or Lampard offer what Essien can i.e. lots of energy and speed to the central areas. We need a player like that and I don't think we can rely on Essien to stay fit any longer.

Fair enough. It's just that on one of the other threads I recall you mentioning that we should perhaps sign another DM to "free Mikel up a bit".

But hopefully Essien will be back next season 100% fit and with all his injuries behind him but I do share your concerns as in recent seasons, we would have got more games out of Robben!!

Edited May 20, 2010 by Nibs

[Epic]

Fair enough. It's just that on one of the other threads I recall you mentioning that we should perhaps sign another DM to "free Mikel up a bit".

But hopefully Essien will be back next season 100% fit and with all his injuries behind him but I do share your concerns as in recent seasons, we would have got more games out of Robben!!

I honesty do think Mikel is restricted and he could offer more. That's just my own persoanl opinion and I know a lot of people seem to disagree.

Chelsea have reportedly made a £17million offer for Barcelona misfit Yaya Toure.

According to Catalan Television, the Blues’ bid for the out of favour midfielder was swiftly rejected by Barca, who are holding out for closer to £20million.

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/EuroS...icle432189.html

Good news and hopefully we can reach an agreement.

[rahul]

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/EuroS...icle432189.html

Good news and hopefully we can reach an agreement.

Whoa! Thats a bummer. Quite unexpected. If Ballack leaves then I can see sense in this transfer but still I am not too sure.

[PloKoon13]

The Ivorian’s outspoken agent yesterday distanced his client from a move to Arsenal, saying that ‘there were bigger clubs interested’, so rumours of Chelsea’s offer may come as no shock.

Heh.

[jcm28]

No injuries. No loans. We have all of our current players 100%. What is our best formation and which player goes where?

I'd say a 4-4-2:

Cech

Bosingwa Ivanonic JT Ashley

JCole Essien Lamps Malouda

Drogs Anelka

Opinions? Please post your formations too.