Posted August 22, 201014 yr Stoke haven't had the best of starts to the season although were clearly robbed against Spurs by a terrible refereeing decision and should gave got a point out of the game. Jones will be back for them and will play up front alongside Fuller. We should see the same eleven that started against Wigan with Ramires likely to take a place on the bench.
August 22, 201014 yr We should win this on paper but Stoke are a stubborn side and with them having such a poor start to the season there's nothing like gettting a sneaky result against the champions to turn the season around. Hopefully it'l be an easy win would love another drubbing but I'd even take a 2-1
August 22, 201014 yr No reason for any changes in the first eleven. However if we only manage to score five, or :gasp: even four, I'd suggest we make wholesale changes for the next fixture.
August 22, 201014 yr Same starting 11, hopefully we will start the game better then we did against Wigan as it was a bit worrying. Can see Ramires getting some time if we are in a comfortable lead.
August 22, 201014 yr Ramires will probably on the bench next weekend. As for the game itself I can see it being another Chelsea win, this time 4-0. I just think that we have just got such amazing momentum at the moment, while Stoke have had a poor start to the season.
August 22, 201014 yr Can see Ramires getting some time if we are in a comfortable lead. I think if Ramires is on the bench, I can see him getting 30 minutes, no matter the score at the time.
August 22, 201014 yr Ivanovic and Lampard were below their expected level against Wigan; however, I doubt we'll not see Lampard start. I wonder if we'll see Ivan start, or Paulo. I felt Paulo was good when he came on, so could get the nod. However, wasn't Ivan recovering from a stomach virus? If so, then he should be fully recovered and would start. Scott
August 22, 201014 yr Author I can't see Paulo starting. Ivan is clearly the first choice right back just now and, for me, his performance yesterday was purely down to being a little short of match fitness. The best thing to correct that is playing time.
August 23, 201014 yr Any ideas if Sturridge or Kakuta will be available. Can't see both of them getting in but maybe one.
August 23, 201014 yr The way the team is playing at moment, I hope they play every day. Stoke is not a fancy team, but they can defend and will trouble us with their height and javellion throw. I'm not betting on another 6 goals or Drogba hat trick, I'm happy for a modest 3:0. No point playing the youth just for the sake of it, we got a good thing going, apart from Lampard and the right back, I would say everyone have done themselves proud so far.
August 23, 201014 yr I can't see Paulo starting. Ivan is clearly the first choice right back just now and, for me, his performance yesterday was purely down to being a little short of match fitness. The best thing to correct that is playing time. And what about Bosingwa?
August 23, 201014 yr I think both Frank and Ivanovic were doubtful for the Wigan game and their lack of fitness showed. Assuming we have Ramires available, it might make sense to keep Frank on the bench unless he is fully fit. Otherwise I'd expect us to stick with a winning formula. Stoke will be physical as we saw against Spurs but hopefully Alex and JT will be able to cope. A repeat of the last match against them at the Bridge would be most acceptable.
August 23, 201014 yr Saturday, 3pm KO. *faints* 3 points Chelsea, please. Is it really a 3pm start? Im confused now, are we allowed to play at that time? I thought there was some new rule against it.
August 23, 201014 yr Yep, and surprisingly Man Utd get to watch everyone again! :D I don't know if I'm one of small group but i prefer playing before our rivals because if you win it puts more pressure on them to win. The teams playing later in the weekend are always playing catch up all bit by a couple of hours or days.
August 23, 201014 yr I don't know if I'm one of small group but i prefer playing before our rivals because if you win it puts more pressure on them to win. The teams playing later in the weekend are always playing catch up all bit by a couple of hours or days. Agreed. We also seem unable to exploit our rivals missteps. When they lose points, we rarely take three points.
August 24, 201014 yr Yep, and surprisingly Man Utd get to watch everyone again! :D Indeed. In fact should it all go to plan for us (Chelsea) on Saturday we could be five points clear by the time they (Man U) play West Ham in the evening. Edited August 24, 201014 yr by The Machine
August 24, 201014 yr all roads point to another win this weekend,last time we met we destroyed them and i can only see us winning. prediction 2-0
August 24, 201014 yr Haven't watched any games this season yet due to travel commitments. Backn for this one so hope cfc form remains good.
