So, we were lucky to hang on at Sunderland, then we got beat at Newcastle (admittedly without Matic) and it seems Jose has decided to change it.

 

Derby, Stoke and Southampton he's gone with the extra DM and forsaken Oscar, pushing Fabregas further forward. It's a more defensive, or solid ploy.

 

We were doing very well prior to Sunderland, I think we had only dropped points away to City and Utd.

 

Not sure what Oscar will make of this, starting at home but not away, although I saw somebody say he was ill yesterday.

 

We know Oscar's a grafter but does Jose feel he's a little lightweight for away games, or a little attacking. It reminds me of the Mata situation although it's different of course.

 

Anyway Tottenham coming up, what would you do, play Oscar (twist) or go with the extra solidity (stick) .. ?

 

It's up to you. I'll pass on your messages to Jose.

Tell me old mate to go with Oscar. He only looks light weight, don't often see him bullied.

I've texted him. It's a big game and I didn't want to upset his preparation.

As ever I will back Jose with whoever he decides to pick and leave out.

Personally I would prefer Oscar in the side. Without him our likely goal scoring threat is reduced to Hazard and Costa. Great as they are they do need some help in sharing the load.

So, we were lucky to hang on at Sunderland, then we got beat at Newcastle (admittedly without Matic) and it seems Jose has decided to change it.

 

Derby, Stoke and Southampton he's gone with the extra DM and forsaken Oscar, pushing Fabregas further forward. It's a more defensive, or solid ploy.

 

We were doing very well prior to Sunderland, I think we had only dropped points away to City and Utd.

 

Not sure what Oscar will make of this, starting at home but not away, although I saw somebody say he was ill yesterday.

 

We know Oscar's a grafter but does Jose feel he's a little lightweight for away games, or a little attacking. It reminds me of the Mata situation although it's different of course.

 

Anyway Tottenham coming up, what would you do, play Oscar (twist) or go with the extra solidity (stick) .. ?

 

It's up to you. I'll pass on your messages to Jose.

 

He's no more lightweight or attack-oriented than Fabregas though.

As ever I will back Jose with whoever he decides to pick and leave out.

 

He specifically asked me to seek your opinion, axman.

 

He's a bit flummoxed.

Oscar, mainly because I think Fabregas is so much more effective in midfield.

 

Not sure Oscar is the long term answer anymore.

 

He had an amazing start to his Chelsea career, but seems to have faded a little in the last season & half.

He's no more lightweight or attack-oriented than Fabregas though.

 

That's true but lately Jose hasn't put them both in the side away from home, and he's plumped for Fabregas.

Yep although that's likely because Fabregas is arguably more important to our build up and overall gameplan. I wouldn't take it as a sure-fire indicator that he doesn't trust Oscar to effectively contribute defensively in away games, but I definitely understand where you're coming from (surprise!).

Edited December 29, 201411 yr by Teritus

Oscar, mainly because I think Fabregas is so much more effective in midfield.

 

Not sure Oscar is the long term answer anymore.

 

He had an amazing start to his Chelsea career, but seems to have faded a little in the last season & half.

 

You don't think he's had quite a good start to this season?

Oscars too good not to play. I think he would do a better job alongside Matic than Mikel would anyway so I'd play him, regardless of where in midfield. Arguably works harder than anyone else too.

For Tottenham I'd go with Oscar and Willian instead of Schurrle on the wing. Mikel isn't giving anything against Spuds. They have been pretty solid lately defensively but are still Tottenham.

Oscar to start whenever available

David, interesting question so I Skyped our old friend and uber Chelsea  / Liverpool / AC Milan / Athletico Madrid fan Bluehatter to ask his opinion.

 

Bluehatter says to tell you, (you'll be devastated to hear he still wont talk to you after you called him Bluenutter), it doesn't matter who Jose picks; Oscar, Mikel, Forssell or Mata, without Torres up front it will never work.

I've missed you just.

He's got to be posting on some Atletico board somewhere.

 

Shall we go and troll him?

You don't think he's had quite a good start to this season?

 

Compared to the start of his Chelsea career, not really.

 

The way he started with us I thought he could become 1 of if not the best in the world in that position.

I said it in a different thread, my personal opinion is that we are a much better team when Oscar plays, I feel that our best football is when he is in the team and I'd always have him there behind the striker.

David, interesting question so I Skyped our old friend and uber Chelsea / Liverpool / AC Milan / Athletico Madrid fan Bluehatter to ask his opinion.

Bluehatter says to tell you, (you'll be devastated to hear he still wont talk to you after you called him Bluenutter), it doesn't matter who Jose picks; Oscar, Mikel, Forssell or Mata, without Torres up front it will never work.

I said it in a different thread, my personal opinion is that we are a much better team when Oscar plays, I feel that our best football is when he is in the team and I'd always have him there behind the striker.

Agreed. Against Derby Jose tried the setup, he then implemented it to good effect against Stoke, and lastly Oscar was ill for the Southampton game.

It is pretty obvious that what we gain by playing Mikel, is not comparable to what we lose by not having Oscar's superb pressing and Fabregas on the ball in deeper areas. We lose more going forward than we gain at the back. Where height and strength play a bigger role (Stoke) then it evens out a bit.

That trio of Matic, Oscar and Fabregas is superb in every aspect of the game from attacking (obviously) to pressing (fairly obviously) and also defending. Mikel may well have his place when we're closing out games and possibly even against teams who are better than us in the CL, but if we actually want to win games then I'd go with Oscar every time. We're so much more balanced with him in the side.

We're definitely struggling away from home.

Be interesting to see what Jose does to tackle it.

It's becoming an issue.

2 defeats and 2 draws out of our last 5.

Magic, Ramires

Fabregas

Should be it away from home..

Magic, Ramires

Fabregas

Should be it away from home..

This.

Ramires give us pace on the counter.