Kante will have to cover Fab while helping Alonso with the pace of Nevas Pep knows Alonso isn't quick i can see Nevas having a field day with Alonso

Got a feeling this could be an absolutely bonkers attacking game with both sides scoring a few. Question is will we have enough to out score city? 

I wouldn't be surprised if Conte toyed with picking Chalobah in place of Matic.

Fabregas hasn't played a lot of football this season and this is obviously a very challenging game for him to come into.

That said, there might be some opportunities for us to hit City quickly on the counter and Cesc is very quick thinking in those situations so here's hoping he gets chances to play to his strengths today... Let's not forget what an immensely talented player he is.

attack vs attack, should be a great game to watch

Surely Chalobah would've been a better replacement for Matic? I'm sure conte will assess it at half time and perhaps bring him on then.

Muscular injury for matic Conte has just said.

Just now, Surf said:

Muscular injury for matic Conte has just said.

Is that a long term injury?

Very Optimistic as Matic is ruled out..was worried about his midfield performance :

Pep is doing 3-2-4-1 with Navas & Sane to force Moses & Alonso to stop supporting Hazard & Pedro.

But cunning Conte played Fabregas to play long assist balls to Hazard<Costa & Pedro.

Edited December 3, 20169 yr by ChelsaePirate

Is that a long term injury?

I doubt it but he hasn't said much tbh

Buzzing. City....Our achilles heel for a while since their money. Any feeling close to what I felt in 0-1 win during Jose's first season back will be great.

I think Fabregas played for tactical reasons.

Just now, ChelsaePirate said:

I think Fabregas played for tactical reasons.

It's certainly possible, but the fact that Matic hasn't made the bench makes it unlikely in my eyes.

I was confident we could win this, but now I'm not, I hope I'm wrong.

If anyone can't be bothered w**king about with streams shutting off on a big match day like this and do not have sky sports I found a place you can but daily access for £6.99 it's called now tv, not sure if that's international or U.K. Only 

Would have picked Chalobah or Oscar sat there than Cesc as they have a higher work rate.......even the legendary Mikel not even being considered as a replacement.   Optimistic for a win.....slightly afraid we might fall apart and get embarrassed.

Disappointing that Matic is out, but this Fabregas' chance to step up and prove his worth to the manager.

Yes City are ultra attacking we just have to keep our shape and hopefully hit them on the break

Come on Chelsea.

19 minutes ago, Ivanov87 said:

Surely Chalobah would've been a better replacement for Matic? I'm sure conte will assess it at half time and perhaps bring him on then.

But Fabregas is a much better player than Chalobah.

We've still got six other outfield players who are strong defensively, I really don't see Fabregas as a liability when it comes to defending.

Pedro and Costa's movement and runs behind the City defence can be used effectively with Fabregas' quality of passing. 

19 minutes ago, Ivanov87 said:

Is that a long term injury?

Not likely, but not sure of the details of his injury.

I'm guessing he strained it in training if anything and wasn't fit enough to play today.

nervous!

Nervous

Just now, AlexTommo said:

Nervous

 

Bricking it.

Am literally bricking it as we speak literally
[emoji23]

Loud and Proud - Come on Chelsea! Here we go guys, looking forward to a cracker.