Posted April 24, 201212 yr Not that anyone cares about this match after we just beat the best team in the world (yay!), but I thought I'd make the thread anyway. Who should we rest from the Barca game, and opinion on lineups?
April 24, 201212 yr Classic let-down game. After the emotions and the exertions of mid-week coupled with upcoming fixtures versus Newcastle and Pool, our focus might be off.
April 24, 201212 yr I expect a fair amount of squad rotation, for the sake of both fitness and focus. As fantastic as we've been since RDM took over, our league form is still just 3-3-1 (I believe). Unbeaten in the FA Cup and CL, but somewhat average in the league. Let's hope they aren't putting all the eggs in the CL final basket, and still give the remaining league games and honest go.
April 25, 201212 yr I can't see us finishing top 4, but we won't give up easily, we could smash QPR 6-0 with Torres bagging 4 now that the devil is off his shoulder, wouldn't mind seeing Lukaku play for a change or Piazon even... It won't happen.
April 25, 201212 yr Auditions for the CL final team begin on Sunday. If fit we know a number of players that will start for Robbie, Cech, Cole, Cahill, Luiz, ?, Mikel, Lampard, ?, Mata, ? and Drogba. Those three spots need to be filled and so far Boswinga has the leg up for the RB spot then it is a case of whether Mata plays as one of the middle 3 or wide, leaving it open for Romeu, Essien, Kalou, Malouda, Torres and Sturridge to obtain births. With that in mind I want to see Essien and Romeu start some games, maybe both against QPR.
April 25, 201212 yr Mata HAS to play when we are playing against a sh*tty team, HAS to. Without him there's not going to be any chances. Lampard is a freak of nature and plays himself in form, so let him play as well. Bertrand has deserved another shot if fully fit, and we need to get Romeu going. Torres has of course deserved a shot again (with Mata behind him this time, that's a must), and I think Drogba should rest (or that we play two strikers). I'm hoping for an asymmetric 4-4-2 like this: ---------------------Cech------------------------ ----Iva-------Stopper--Stopper--------------- --------------------------------------------Bertie- --Rami------Lamps-----Romeu--------------- ----------------------------------Mata------------ -------------Drugolyzer-----------Torres------ With Bertrand as a wingback providing width at the left hand side (when Mata's cutting in centrally) and Romeu closing down the space behind him. Lampsy is allowed forward runs. Rami providing width and good first defending. Torres cuts inside on goal (on his right foot) and Drogba just lays it down and smashes it on goal. I think two strikers is our best option now. I think it will be a 4-2-3-1 like this: Cech (duh) Bos Stopper Stopper Bertrand Romeu Essien Studge Mata Kalou Torres As you can see, stoppers are a huge problem. Luiz is fit I think (but perhaps too soon) and maybe Cahill can recover? Essien has played in the back before and I also think that Mikel and Romeu can do a very good job as CB.
April 25, 201212 yr Ivanovic is still suspended for this one. I noticed you left the CB's blank. I think JT needs to play this one and let Cahill/Luiz get healthier. We will probably have to risk one of the two, but maybe can put Paulo, Romeu, or someone else at CB if we're in a pinch. Cech, Bosingwa, Paulo, JT, Bertrand, Romeu, Essien, Mata, Malouda, Sturridge, Kalou. Weird lineup, but trying to rotate the squad. Tough game though, rival team, relegation threatened, and we need the 3 point as well. Hope the Bridge is up for it and ready to cheer for the side that beat the mighty Barcelona!
April 25, 201212 yr JT will play, of course. Forgot him after yesterday :/ I don't think we can play too many second options. Don't know if Sturridge is "up for it"? Seems as though RDM has a grudge against him for not making enough effort, but who am I to judge...
April 25, 201212 yr The boys will be buzzing after this morning so it'll be important for JT and RDM to keep everyone grounded. Due to injuries and suspensions, the team picks itself. Cech Paolo, Bos JT Ash Mikel Essien Lamps Mata Studge TOrres JT needs to play every remaining game, if fit. GIven the hodgepodge nature of the backline, so must Ash, at least until we get a confirmed diagnosis on Cahill. As a result of this reshuffle, having a more combative midfield looks to be a logical choice, so in come Essien. Another potentially hot-headed game, and I hope JT keeps his head. Chelsea to win 2-0.
April 25, 201212 yr It's only qpha, play Hutch or Chalobah there :) Anyway, Luiz was already running in yesterday's training so he might be available.
April 25, 201212 yr Cech Bosingwa-Essien-Terry-Bertrand Romeu Ramires-Mata Sturridge-Torres-Kalou Lets smash them!
April 25, 201212 yr Bring the little scrotes on. ---------------------------Cech ---Ferreria------Bosingwa----Terry-------Bertrand --------------------------Romeu ---------------Essien--------------Malouda Sturridge-----------------------------------------Kalou ---------------------------Torres
April 25, 201212 yr Not really bothered so long as we escape injury free, in truth I'm far more excited about our games in May and still over the moon after yesterday.
April 25, 201212 yr Not really bothered so long as we escape injury free, in truth I'm far more excited about our games in May and still over the moon after yesterday. No no no, we still have to attempt 4th spot... I've wanted revenge on these since we visited their trailer site in the league: ---------------------------Cech ---Ferreria------Luiz (if fit)----Terry-------Bertrand -----------------------Romeu----Bison--------- Sturridge------------------Mata ----------Kalou/Malouda ---------------------------Torres
April 25, 201212 yr If we win the CL AND finish 4th, does that mean 5th place GET a spot in the CL? I believe the answer is no. We would go to the CL along with the top three. Fifth place would go to Europa just as normal. Here's a question... Do we have to go to the CL qualification rounds if we win the CL but finish fourth or does third place go to the CL qualification round?
April 25, 201212 yr Does anyone think that Chalobah might get a chance in this at centre back? Our only other options seem to be playing people out of position. It'd be great to see.
April 25, 201212 yr Lets take this match seriously, we cannot forget about a top four finish despite FA cup and CL success. We must also appreciate their form although I still think we can play a weakened team and thump them! Cech Defense depends a lot on who is fit...... but JT and Bertrand are two who should definitely play. We must not risk DL or GC if not 100% is the main thing. Romeu, Ramires Mata Sturridge, Torres, Kalou
April 25, 201212 yr Author Interesting fact. We're the only London team this year not to have won a derby in a league game (Spurs game doesn't count).
April 25, 201212 yr Interesting fact. We're the only London team this year not to have won a derby in a league game (Spurs game doesn't count). Only Arsenal and Spurs are proper derbies though, West Ham too if they come up.
April 25, 201212 yr the little I saw of Chalobah I thought he was quite good. It depends on Cahill's fitness. Cech Bossy Cahill/Chalobah Terry Berty Essien Romeu/Mikel Mata Ramires Sturridge Torres
