They can be.

But we've seen with both Jose and Guus that match day form doesn't count for much and Baba will probably be benched.

 

Then again, Baba never turned in the level of performance before like he did against PSG.

Look like a draw written all over it, a 1:1 most likely. I hope Hiddink has a go in this game, we looked far more comfortable when we actually try to keep the ball and attack. We are safe from the relegation battle, should be playing with more freedom now. I think I will switch to another channel if Matic/Mikel start in the midfield.

A victory could see us to 9th.

Guus' record  6 wins, 1 loss, 6 draws

 

got draw written all over it this one

 

33 points accrued, 12 games left, 40 pts is the traditional safety mark

 

think Chelsea need to start going for wins to try and get in a European spot, we complain about Thurs night footy but its better than none at all imo

think Chelsea need to start going for wins to try and get in a European spot, we complain about Thurs night footy but its better than none at all imo

The only way to get a European spot is through the FA Cup (we're not going to win the Champions League), so Guus has been clear that his priorities lie there.

The only way to get a European spot is through the FA Cup (we're not going to win the Champions League), so Guus has been clear that his priorities lie there.

An europa league spot is for sure achiveable without FA-cup.

Edited February 25, 201610 yr by Nevamind

With the seemingly more difficult task of attaining CL football through the league due to the increasing competitiveness of the other teams, it stands to reason that trying to get into the Europa next season by winning the FA Cup would be a good shout, as winning it would ensure our qualification for season after were we not to land ourselves in the top 4.

 

Anyhow, on to this weekend's game. 

 

I don't know how Guus is going to operate for this one, but I sense caution. 

 

Those predicting a 0-0 may not be that far off, and it may even work in our favour to concede early in the game to push us on for a result.

 

Dream pairing would be RLC and Fabregas, but it'll be Mikel and Matic.

 

Southampton 3-1 Chelsea.

We havent managed 2 PL wins in a row all season! i cant say i am confident we will finally break that run here.

---------------Thibaus-----------

 

-Azpi-------Ivan---Terry------Rahman

 

-------------Mikel---Matic----------------

 

--Willian---------Hazard----------Pedro

 

-----------------Costa-

---------------Thibaus-----------

-Azpi-------Ivan---Terry------Rahman

-------------Mikel---Matic----------------

--Willian---------Hazard----------Pedro

-----------------Costa-

Where is Fabregas?!

We are playing well recently have some faith, 2-1 to the Chels COYB

What is this day & time KO? Unheard of.

I don't think we are that bad to lose 1:3 to that bunch, just play the best team and we will get a result.  We will win 2 in a row at least once this season, maybe as well be this game. 

They have been playing more of a 352 in their recent run, which has resulted in them looking a lot more solid. I think someone earlier said Wanyama being out is a boost, I wish it was but they have looked far better with Clasie and Romeu in the middle and I would rather one of them was out for this game. 

 

If they do go with the 352 then we could exploit the wings as Ward-Prowse doesn't look fully comfortable out on the right and Targett should have a hard time against Willian in his current form. 

 

It'll be a tough game, have a feeling it'll be a goalless draw.

They have been playing more of a 352 in their recent run

 

They played their 'standard' 4-2-3-1 against Arsenal and Man Utd. I suppose it depends on how they regard us - as the top side we're supposed to be or as the mid-table side we currently are. Either way, with Wanyama suspended, we can probably count on a reunion with Romeu on Saturday.

They played their 'standard' 4-2-3-1 against Arsenal and Man Utd. I suppose it depends on how they regard us - as the top side we're supposed to be or as the mid-table side we currently are. Either way, with Wanyama suspended, we can probably count on a reunion with Romeu on Saturday.

Yeah, it seems to be their go to formation against the bigger teams. Also don't think they will risk playing Ward-Prowse as he won't have to workrate to keep up with Pedro and Willian so it'll probably be 4231 with Cedric replacing Ward-Prowse in the line up.

 

I saw that Arsenal game actually, looked less solid and didn't play as well as they do with the 352 but I suppose they got the job done in the end.

Another game that if we will we will climb at the table. Southampton in a good form at the moment, so we are. Wanyama is suspended, +1 for us, we have more quality and better football, so I expect us to win this.

 

I'd like to see this starting line:

 

----------------------- Courtois -----------------------

 

Azpi ---------- Cahill ---- Ivanovic ----- Baba Rahman

 

----------------- Matic ------- Fabregas ----------------

 

Pedro -----------------Willian ------------------ Hazard

 

------------------- Diego Costa ----------------------------

 

 

COME ON CHELS!!!

This is definitely the type of game where we need to start fast and score first, because if we go 1-0 down its very difficult to see us winning as they defend so well at home, if we score first they will have to come out and go for it which will leave us more space and i could see us picking them off and scoring 2 or 3, so the first goal is very important in this one imo.

We don't do consecutive wins in the league this season, so going to predict Southampton edge it.

Don't see how this doesn't end in a draw.

 

taken from WAGNH

No Terry confirmed, looks like it'll be the same defense again. I'm loving this Azpi/Baba as full backs and Ivanovic back in the middle.

Don't see how this doesn't end in a draw.

One team scores more goals than the other?

Don't see how this doesn't end in a draw.

 

taken from WAGNH

 

That looks like a Rob Brown teamsheet to me - don't trust him!

One team scores more goals than the other?

If Chelsea can score more goals than Southampton, they will win

Michael Owen