Still got the Derby game before this one but thought I'd get the thread in early. Will be tough - as all away PL games are - but if we do win in the Carling Cup it'll be very important in maintaining our winning streak heading into the new year. Hopefully we'll have all our players fit as we've seen how much of an impact the absence of Fabregas and Matic can have. Thoughts on the lineup?

 

'Our flair players won't be able to handle the cold, rainy night in Stoke' cliche in 5, 4, 3...

Hopefully Courtois is back for this.

Stoke haven't been playing well at home this season.

So fully expect them to pull their best performance of the season from their arse for this one.

God I hope we thrash them!  My boss's boss is a Stokie and is already getting fired up.  And he's going to the match.  He will be unbearable if they win!

Already put it in the ticket thread but I'm after a spare for this game if anybody can help??? Cheers

Edited December 15, 201411 yr by Cfcstevens

Hopefully Courtois is back for this.

Yeah you're right, our second choice keeper is questionable at best...

Yeah you're right, our second choice keeper is questionable at best...

 

He's not questionable, I just think we stand a better chance of winning with Courtois.

Couple of my mates were keeping me going at the start of the season about Costa "yeah, but can he do it on a wet and cold night in Stoke?"

It just so happens this game is Monday night, where it will no doubt be wet and its a cert to be cold.

COSTA MUST SCORE!

We can't afford a slip up here, this is a must win.

Anyone heading up to stoke? 

We can't afford a slip up here, this is a must win.

 

With Manchester City hosting 16th placed Crystal Palace who have one win from their last 10 games I don't think we can afford not to win this one otherwise we'll be left with no breathing space. 

Couple of my mates were keeping me going at the start of the season about Costa "yeah, but can he do it on a wet and cold night in Stoke?"

It just so happens this game is Monday night, where it will no doubt be wet and its a cert to be cold.

COSTA MUST SCORE!

 

 

'Our flair players won't be able to handle the cold, rainy night in Stoke' cliche in 5, 4, 3...

 

2, 1... we have a winner!

 

But yes, for your sake at least he has to score.

I think winning this game would really make up for not overcoming our bogeyground Newcastle.

 

Stoke is a difficult place for any side to go to, we had a shocking loss there last season. They completely battered Arsenal too, they look like a team that can really take advantage. Lets hope we are prepared and strong for this one, 3 points is a must, have to win this game.

 

I also say put Drogba on as early as we can in the 2nd half, him and Costa have got to be a good match for Stoke.

Edited December 15, 201411 yr by Slawth

Need Courtois for his aerial presence and the way he commands his box. Stoke will be launching long throw ins and high crosses as they have a very physical squad. The likes of Crouch and Diouf will be a threat from set pieces.

Man City will likely be level on points going into this game.

Edited December 15, 201411 yr by John_Galt

Anyone heading up to stoke? 

i'm going up on the train.

Was at the game last year and it was a tough day where they just out worked us. Can't see it happening again this year though!

Last year they weren't playing well at all under Hughes then they beat us, form really doesn't seem to matter when it comes to teams playing Chelsea. We need to win this because City will be level on points by the time we play.

You are laughing but Thibaut is very, very important. Petr has always had problems with this kind of teams with this kind of styles. 

 

One of the toughest visits. I will be pleased with a point. 

Courtois

Brano - Cahill - JT - Felipe Luis

Fabregas - Matic

Schurrle - Oscar - Hazard

Diego Costa

 

I think we'll win convincingly... 2-0.

You are laughing but Thibaut is very, very important. Petr has always had problems with this kind of teams with this kind of styles. 

 

One of the toughest visits. I will be pleased with a point. 

 

Behave

City will win there game to put pressure on us, no one can honestly be happy with a point here.

 

You got to win these difficult games if you want the title, I was very impressed that we managed to overcome our bogey ground at Everton, however we failed to do it at Newcastle, now we have to do it at Stoke.

Hopefully our good friend Walters is playing.

Courtois

 

Ivanovic

Terry

Cahill

Azpi

 

Matic

Fabregas

 

Schurrle

Oscar

Hazard

 

Costa

 

Same football, same motivation and same support will give us a positive result. 3-1 would be perfect.

Hopefully our good friend Walters is playing.

That was one of the weirdest performances I've ever seen

Actually felt for the guy ... for a few seconds