good time to be playing them, i think they have totally binned this season with the pepe announcement and mugged pellegrini right off but... i am still not confident, we seem to struggle against them

I would drop Hazard for this one, for whatever reason he just doesn't look fit enough, will be more effective against tired legs in the later stage of the game. Let's hope Hiddink really going for the win, even if they play their best 11 we should still be favourite, most likely they will rest 2-3. We don't want a replay a week later, seriously. 

I would drop Hazard for this one, for whatever reason he just doesn't look fit enough, will be more effective against tired legs in the later stage of the game. Let's hope Hiddink really going for the win, even if they play their best 11 we should still be favourite, most likely they will rest 2-3. We don't want a replay a week later, seriously.

Yes I agree. Hazard is not looking in the right frame of mind at all this season. It would be really great to win this one.

Don't see why as they are not playing a top side.

This article suggests that they will be resting some senior players due to the travel schedule. If this is true, then it's a fortunate break for Chelsea. On the other hand, our players are exhausted while the Manchester City players have been resting, and their young players will probably be super motivated.

http://www.espnfc.com/english-fa-cup/story/2808712/manchester-city-rest-youths-ahead-of-chelsea-clash-in-fa-cup

I think we will win this one.

 

Got the pre match nerves already...

This article suggests that they will be resting some senior players due to the travel schedule. If this is true, then it's a fortunate break for Chelsea. On the other hand, our players are exhausted while the Manchester City players have been resting, and their young players will probably be super motivated.

http://www.espnfc.com/english-fa-cup/story/2808712/manchester-city-rest-youths-ahead-of-chelsea-clash-in-fa-cup

ESPN?

I doubt they have any reasonable sources to say who City are going to play and rest.

It's complete guess work.

I expect Mikel Matic combo. Don't know why people think that Mikel won't play in this particular match.

Maybe they still think José in charge of the team.

Biiiiiiig Game

Maybe they still think José in charge of the team.

 

Or maybe they believe in squad rotation-Considering we only have 2 holding midfielders it is best to rotate them to prevent injury. Matic didn't play midweek due to suspension and should hopefully get the nod ahead of Mikel.

 

It has been evident that playing both in the middle of the park makes our team unbalanced with Fabregas becoming almost anonymous further up the pitch 

I have no idea how this game will go. Hopefully City have another off day.

We can certainly win this. I would start.

 

Courtois

Azpilicueta - Cahill - Ivanovic - Baba

Matic - Fabregas

Pedro - Willian - Pato

Costa

 

Chelsea 2 Man City 0

Costa

Pato 

I don't see Pato being part of the lineup.

 

I think it will be more of the same.  Possibly have Hazard on the bench, and push Cesc forward with Mikel and Matic in the DM roles.  I hope not, as I think if we really unleashed the front 4 it could be our best tactic against City 

Pato has next to no chance and that's just being on the bench never mind starting.

Or maybe they believe in squad rotation-Considering we only have 2 holding midfielders it is best to rotate them to prevent injury. Matic didn't play midweek due to suspension and should hopefully get the nod ahead of Mikel.

It has been evident that playing both in the middle of the park makes our team unbalanced with Fabregas becoming almost anonymous further up the pitch

True, but Mikel was rested against Newcastle und the 5 days between PSG and City should be enough for him.

ESPN?

I doubt they have any reasonable sources to say who City are going to play and rest.

It's complete guess work.

Yes it's all speculation, but I don't see why you discredit it because it's from ESPN. They reported that some youth players were not in the reserves game, and they have some quotes that were also reported elsewhere.

Which part of the article do you find not credible?

ESPN is a lot more credible than the source (Mirror?) that comes out with an article every day that [name that changes every time] has been hired as manager.

Or maybe they believe in squad rotation-Considering we only have 2 holding midfielders it is best to rotate them to prevent injury. Matic didn't play midweek due to suspension and should hopefully get the nod ahead of Mikel.

It has been evident that playing both in the middle of the park makes our team unbalanced with Fabregas becoming almost anonymous further up the pitch

I agree about rotating Matic and Mikel. But given how important this match is, Guss will rather play Mikel in this and then Matic for Southampton.

I have no idea how this game will go. Hopefully City have another off day.

 

I think they will and I'm massively confident we're going to walk this. Be interesting to see which team they pick though because they went with Caballero and Iheanacho headling a slightly weaker line-up in the last round away to Villa with Aguero and Silva on the bench alongside a group of youngsters.

 

Having a match in Kiev 3 days later before a league cup final next weekend isn't the easiest thing to prepare for either so there's plenty of scope for their eyes to be off the ball.

 

I think we score at least twice and progress comfortably which will inevitably be hailed as a 'turning point'.

I think they will have a strong starting line up for the first half at least in the hopes of grabbing a two goal lead. Can't see them starting a weak side, after two bad defeats they need to get back to winning ways. May well be a replay on the cards here.

Whoop! Just been offered a half price ticket to this and I'm down in London anyway so seems rude not to take it!

Apparently JT is not going to be ready for this match, so I guess the line up will be like the one in Paris, with the doubt of Hazard starting or not.

Apparently JT is not going to be ready for this match, so I guess the line up will be like the one in Paris, with the doubt of Hazard starting or not.

 

Love JT and I think we need him still, but this for me is good news as it gives Hiddink another chance to see how beneficial it is to have Azpi and ARB on the outsides.

 

When JT is healthy he should take his spot back at CB and have Cahill battle Ivan for the other central position.

preparation for Sunday's match

Edited February 19, 201610 yr by robdog

"I think unfortunately at this moment we have just 13 [senior outfield] players available to play. We have to play Champions League on Wednesday, so we’ll see what will be the best team we can put on the pitch for the FA Cup."

Pellegrino may be hinting at something

Apparently JT is not going to be ready for this match, so I guess the line up will be like the one in Paris, with the doubt of Hazard starting or not.

Thanks for the info. It sounds like the injury is more serious than originally thought when you consider his age. If there were any way he could play, JT would do it. He must be in a lot of pain.

Feel gutted for him that he'll miss what would likely have been his final Champions League game.