I will be amazed if we win this. This is likely to be where Roman realises it wasn't José's fault.

What are you talking about?

Edited December 31, 201510 yr by lesblues

Will probably be seeing Mikel alongside Matic and a return for Fabregas, but this is what I'd love to see.

LINEUP111451416844341.png

Mikel alongside Matic might not be all bad, though. Would probably mean both fullback bombing forward.

Exactly what I would like to see (on the graphic not Mikel and Matic). Expect the usual though, Ivan at rb, fab and Oscar in middle etc etc.

Edited December 31, 201510 yr by mickydroysleftpeg

Mastic won't have the chance to screw us for the third successive game. Guss will go for Mikel and Ramires

Three points please.....UP THE CHELS!

Costa had a nice break, should be continuing his form revival. 

 

He only wants to work part time, so engineers yet more bookings. Can't say I blame him, or Hazard, or any player who can't cope with the pace, the fixture congestion, and the endless kickings (and blind referees) they have to put up with 

What are you talking about?

Palace are unbeaten in their last 6. We've not won any of our last 6 away games. They concede few goals while we have real problems scoring or even making clear cut chances. My comment re Jose is simply what a lot of us feel. This group of players are not able to get a grip of matches in the Premier League and tbh I don't think all the blame for where we are can be laid at Mourinho s door.

Palace are unbeaten in their last 6. We've not won any of our last 6 away games. They concede few goals while we have real problems scoring or even making clear cut chances. My comment re Jose is simply what a lot of us feel. This group of players are not able to get a grip of matches in the Premier League and tbh I don't think all the blame for where we are can be laid at Mourinho s door.

This group of players also won the title some months back. Morale and Confidence is at all time low doesn't mean they are not better than most in the EPL. The game could swing either ways or a stalemate, despite Palace's form its not a given win (just like most games in the EPL). Most don't seem don't understand Jose wasn't sacked based on results only, his behavior off the pitch was a damning factor against him. Most of us suspected/believed there was unrest in the dressing room already, he didn't help it with his post-match re the Leicester game. He put the board in a tight spot where they were to make a choice, him or the players. The rest is history.

This group of players also won the title some months back. Morale and Confidence is at all time low doesn't mean they are not better than most in the EPL.

 

It was nothing to do with 'morale and confidence' at the beginning of the season when this all started.

 

It's got everything to do with hunger, they came back from their holidays and rested on their laurels.

 

The low morale and lack of confidence came about later on, and now it's snowballed into where we are today.

Glad Costa is available again, we look so toothless in attack without a recognised striker and often had no one in the box against United.

It was nothing to do with 'morale and confidence' at the beginning of the season when this all started.

It's got everything to do with hunger, they came back from their holidays and rested on their laurels.

The low morale and lack of confidence came about later on, and now it's snowballed into where we are today.

Making same point as me mate. The problems seem mental not technical. The squad is talented enough to get out of this mess.

Making same point as me mate. The problems seem mental not technical. The squad is talented enough to get out of this mess.

 

They came back mostly unfit, and clearly not hungry for another fight. So yes the mentality was wrong, but that doesn't mean we can correct it, it just means even if we do correct it, it could still happen again. So instead of correcting it, could we not just change things around ? Get rid of those who were not mentally prepared to defend the title like Champions.

This group of players also won the title some months back. Morale and Confidence is at all time low doesn't mean they are not better than most in the EPL. The game could swing either ways or a stalemate, despite Palace's form its not a given win (just like most games in the EPL). Most don't seem don't understand Jose wasn't sacked based on results only, his behavior off the pitch was a damning factor against him. Most of us suspected/believed there was unrest in the dressing room already, he didn't help it with his post-match re the Leicester game. He put the board in a tight spot where they were to make a choice, him or the players. The rest is history.

I don't disagree with that lesblues. If we do win at Palace I'll be delighted but my expectations are at an all time low. Happy New Year!

80% of the 1st team so far have let their egos overide their commitment to CFC. Call them underperforming , bottlers or just plain uncaring, doesn't matter they've been awful.

The sacked manager (who did f up pre season , act like a petulant twit, and fall out with a bunch of them ) was sacrificed as the board needed a scapegoat.

In 3 matches we've seen not much improvement. The only plus not losing.

I don't know what to expect vs Palace apart from more of the same.

Think relegation is a real worry now so would like these players who earn obscene wages to wake the f up and start playing for the badge and not themselves.

Can't predict a score but seen Palace play a lot this season. They had a few not so good results lately but if they show up at home and Chelsea's form / performance does not improve think this will be another festive turkey.

I don't disagree with that lesblues. If we do win at Palace I'll be delighted but my expectations are at an all time low. Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to you too mate. Hope we get a win against Palace. KTBFFH

They came back mostly unfit, and clearly not hungry for another fight. So yes the mentality was wrong, but that doesn't mean we can correct it, it just means even if we do correct it, it could still happen again. So instead of correcting it, could we not just change things around ? Get rid of those who were not mentally prepared to defend the title like Champions.

Truth is these days there are hardly loyal, strong-willed players. They all want to make money, drive fancy cars, party et al.

Edited December 31, 201510 yr by lesblues

Palace have quite a few players missing on Sunday: No Bolasie, Wickham, Gayle, Sako and Yohan Cabaye is suspended.

Depends if any of our players turn up...

Palace have quite a few players missing on Sunday: No Bolasie, Wickham, Gayle, Sako and Yohan Cabaye is suspended.

Depends if any of our players turn up...

 

It's a London Derby - Believe you me - they will make a miraculous recovery - Palace are like any other London Club - they want to beat CFC at all costs

Another hard game.

Hope we can win it.

Happy New Year everyone!

 

I really hope we start off the new year on a winning streak. 
 

Palace not as good at home than away. I hope this is a good omen.

just see on sky that the bookies have chelsea down as favourites for this ??? and only 12-1 to get top 4 !!

Just realised this is a Sunday game, f**k.

Just realised this is a Sunday game, f**k.

 

I literally just came on here to post that!  I had no idea it was tomorrow.  I blame bank holidays etc for screwing with my mind.

Just realised this is a Sunday game, f**k.

 

I'm grateful - I'm working the Leicester-Bournemouth game (3pm today)!

Palace have quite a few players missing on Sunday: No Bolasie, Wickham, Gayle, Sako and Yohan Cabaye is suspended.

Depends if any of our players turn up...

If we can't beat Palace reserves, we really are in trouble

If we can't beat Palace reserves, we really are in trouble

 

I think it is the other way around really. We are in trouble; let's hope we can beat Palace reserves ;). But as another one noted above. They will be up for it. How many times do they get the opportunity to do a double on us in the league? 

 

Another very difficult game, where we will get no favours whatsoever. Hoping for the best, and at least a little more positivity compared to the Utd game.