Yet another "backs against the wall" performance in the first leg has given us a chance to finish this champions league SF at the bridge. With three stalwarts missing the game (terry, lamps, cech) will require tremendous focus to stay in the game and finish it when opportunities present themselves. Looking forward to the other senior pros like Cole, Cahill & Luiz to take the mantle and steer chelsea home. So what do you think mourinho would/ should start with? My opinion

 

              schwarzer

 

azpi      iva        cah       cole

 

              will           luiz

                       

torres/Ba     oscar      schurrle

 

             etoo (if fit)/torres

 

Subs

 

Kalas

ginkel

Ba

Hazard

ake

GK

 

 

 

 

 

 

No Ramires?  Not even on the bench?  I think it's more likely to be him in midfield and Willian behind Eto'o.  I can't see Jose starting two of the three strikers from the start.  Although he may well bring another on if it's still 0-0 in the latter stages.

I felt more confident of the second leg against PSG after we lost 3-1 than I do now after the first leg in Madrid. The result, coupled with our injuries and suspensions, leaves me in no doubt it favours Atletico.

 

But we do have a tendency for great performances at the Bridge. I am hoping this one goes a lot better than the last time we hosted a Spanish side in the second leg of a CL semi final.

Big question is who will be the captain?

No Terry, Lampard, Cech or even Mikel.

Perhaps Ashley Cole or Ivanovic, or is it Gary Cahill's night to step up as a true Chelsea great?

My vote would be for either Cahill or Ivan, both will know how to rally the troops!

 

Don't want to sound pedantic, but I think the timing on the title should be changed to 19:45 BST as its being played in the UK. Some people could also get confused with ET and what not....

Schwarzer

 

Cole  Cahill  Azpi  Ivanovic

 

Luiz  Ramires

 

Hazard  Oscar  Willian 

 

Eto'o

 

We'd have to improvise the back line a bit and pray that Hazard is back in time for this.

Feeling that we're going to see another incredible night at Stamford Bridge as we book our place in the final.

 

Chelsea vs Real Madrid in Lisbon, in the Champion's League Final.

It's just meant to be.

Big question is who will be the captain?

No Terry, Lampard, Cech or even Mikel.

Perhaps Ashley Cole or Ivanovic, or is it Gary Cahill's night to step up as a true Chelsea great?

I would give it to Cole personally.

Big question is who will be the captain?

No Terry, Lampard, Cech or even Mikel.

Perhaps Ashley Cole or Ivanovic, or is it Gary Cahill's night to step up as a true Chelsea great?

 

What does Mikel have to do with the captaincy?

 

Will be Ivanovic most likely I think.

 

 

-----------Schwarzer

---Dave - Iva - Cahill - Ash

--------Ramires - Luiz

Schurrle - Willian - Hazard

----------Eto'o

Edited April 23, 201412 yr by Jonty

What does Mikel have to do with the captaincy?

 

 

Chelsea have never lost or even conceded a goal under Mikel's leadership. In fact he has a 100% win ratio and a goal-per-game scoring record as club captain.

 

 

Chelsea have never lost or even conceded a goal under Mikel's leadership. In fact he has a 100% win ratio and a goal-per-game scoring record as club captain.

 

But by the same token Chelsea have never lost when i have been captain, they have conceded no goals and are 100% undefeated.

 

Captain will be Ashely Cole, surely ? Do hope the lack of experienced leaders doesnt cost us.

 

Atletico have their captain missing too i think ?

For sentimentality sake I'd say give it to Ash as its more than likely his last European game for the club.

 

However, I would rather it went to Cahill or Ivan. Great leaders on the pitch

But by the same token Chelsea have never lost when i have been captain, they have conceded no goals and are 100% undefeated.

 

But did you do all of that while countering the attacking presence of Will Hughes?

Schwarzer,Azpi,Ivan(Capt)Cahill,Cole,Luiz,Ramirez,Willian,Oscar,Hazard,Eto,o.I am hopeful that Hazard and Eto,o will be fit for this one.Mikel played very well in the first leg but we need to be more positive.Ba to come on first as Torres really doesnt look like scoring.Lets get right behind the team from the off COME ON YOU BLUES!

I'm rather puzzled by the kickoff time in the title of this thread: 2.45 ET. Are we on New York time nowadays?

No Ramires?  Not even on the bench?  I think it's more likely to be him in midfield and Willian behind Eto'o.  I can't see Jose starting two of the three strikers from the start.  Although he may well bring another on if it's still 0-0 in the latter stages.

 

Sorry forgot about rami ... but frankly would be on the bench.. dont think he should start - his form of late has been ridiculous ( misplaced crosses, passes and bad fouls) willian would be an upgrade over him. The two strikers give different things to the side so should be Ok plus

a) etoo at the bridge = good chance of goal

b) Obviously a fit hazard is the first name on the teamsheet, but given his match fitness & possibility of Extra time (coz of 0-0) hazard from the bench for second half would not be bad. 

Losing Cech and Terry are very unfortunate, but if we get Hazard and Eto'o back I think it'll balance everything out.

GK: Schwarzer

LB: Cole ©
CB: Ivanovic
CB: Cahill
RB: Azpi

DM: Luiz
DM: Ramires

LAM: Schurrle
CAM: Willian / Hazard
RAM: Hazard / Willian

ST: Eto'o

Bench: Hilario / Blackman (pick your poison), Kalas, Van Ginkle, Oscar, Ba, Torres
 

Sorry forgot about rami ... but frankly would be on the bench.. dont think he should start - his form of late has been ridiculous ( misplaced crosses, passes and bad fouls) willian would be an upgrade over him. The two strikers give different things to the side so should be Ok plus

a) etoo at the bridge = good chance of goal

b) Obviously a fit hazard is the first name on the teamsheet, but given his match fitness & possibility of Extra time (coz of 0-0) hazard from the bench for second half would not be bad. 

I guess it depends if the team you put is the one you want or the one you think will start.  If it's the former, fair enough but I was saying that I didn't think there was any chance of Jose choosing that team.  I agree Rami hasn't been great recently - except last night when I thought he had a good game.  Obviously agree about Hazard but he may be risked from the start if he is fit enough.

Big question is who will be the captain?

No Terry, Lampard, Cech or even Mikel.

Perhaps Ashley Cole or Ivanovic, or is it Gary Cahill's night to step up as a true Chelsea great?

 

Has to be Ivan.

 

Hell, I would give the captaincy to Mikel for that game if need be. Perhaps it will inspire him.

Edited April 23, 201412 yr by JoeyN

Does anyone know who is on a last yellow this game? It must be horrible for any player that is.

I'm desperate for the headline: "Hazard Trains with the First Team." Has anyone seen any news?

Still, I think Schurrle, Willian and Oscar can get the job done in his absence.

Does anyone know who is on a last yellow this game? It must be horrible for any player that is.

 

Ramires and Luiz are, I remember thinking "god if they get yellow's we'll have 0 midfielders for the 2nd leg".

 

Unfortunately if we do make it through i'll be extremely surprised if at least one of them doesn't get a booking, if not both.

 

Not sure if anyone else is.

Edited April 23, 201412 yr by Jonty

Can we get at least get an edit on OP's post title? Atletico spelt incorrectly and using US time... I won't stand for it.

Can we get at least get an edit on OP's post title? Atletico spelt incorrectly and using US time... I won't stand for it.

Seconded!

Thirded!

Dont start Oscar please :) Play Schurrle!

Edited April 23, 201412 yr by AsianBoy