I think somehow we have to find a spot for Cesc in the team, maybe a 352 with Cesc sit deep and threading the long balls to Hazard and Pedro. He's the only one that's capable of threading a pass through their high line of pressing.  I honestly don't think we will beat Spurs if both sides play the usual 11, their pressing will break our rhythm of playing, and we got a striker who's not playing football. Unless Costa has made a dramatic improvement in training this week, he should not be starting on Saturday. He got enough chances to redeem himself lately, and got worse with each game.

Even it's a semi final, I wonder if both teams will have the mid week league games in mind and rotate the team. I'm going to be optimistic on this game, simply because Spurs has a tendency to slip in the final stage of the season.

Well, here we are on the doorstep of this one. Some reports out there we had many suffering from illness Sunday and some continuing - such as Cahill a likely doubt. Papers are speculating JT gets the start. Though I would love to see him start should we win, but I do not think we can chance it against Spurs high flying circus.

With the crosses they whipped in against Dave for goals in January, you have to be prepared for a repeat strategy whether they do it or not, thus we need Zouma in the XI.

Feel we need Cesc for this one too, but not sure we can stay exposed at DM with only Kante back there.

Do you dare go Zouma - Luiz - JT across the back with Cahill out?

I agree with others, if you drop Costa for this one, you might as well drop him the rest of the season mentally. I know, what is the difference in post January Diego and no Diego on the pitch? I am 99% certain he leaves this summer.

I would not mind Willian getting the start for this instead of Pedro. Just a change of pace.

Wish we could work RLC and Chalobah in as well, but not the time I guess.

For all the scoring Spurs do, they are best in PL at goals allowed. The are pretty tight back there.

So, I would go with this:

 - - - - - Courtois - - - - -

- Zouma - - Luiz - - JT -

Moses - Kante - Cesc - Alonso

Willian - - Diego - - Hazard

Come on you Chelsea!!

So Cahill is sick now. Who is next? Even at full health this is a hard game. Without it will be worse than United as Spurs are way better than them. 

Pretty sure we will see the usual starting line up, just got to hope they have a good performance.

Surely after the past few weeks we're due a convincing performance?!

Give John Terry a start, they don't have any fast strikers so he will be able to handle them.

I'd be worried if Terry was playing against Rashford, Abuemyang, etc but not Harry Kane or Jansson.

remember too...once we get the RENT BOY jibes... Stick the spurs cock up their @aaa

Think Ake could be the better option against their WBs...

For some reason I am optimistic about this one, probably due to fact I don't think Spurs are as dangerous away from home.

Cahill in doubt then. I really dont want Zouma starting.

Spuds are going to score goals. If Costa plays, forget it.

13 hours ago, Beerqueen said:

How do I find out what pubs we've been allocated?  Need to know where to meet @yorkleyblue and @liamseden!

http://www.fsf.org.uk/latest-news/view/wembley-pub-split-2017-fa-cup-semi-finals

@BeerqueenPick one :) (or two or three :) )

 

http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10844711/ugo-ehiogu-dies-aged-44-after-collapsing-at-tottenhams-training-ground

Very sad news. I hope our lot don't disgrace the club during the minutes silence/applause that will probably take place at Wembley.

 

2 minutes ago, Fansince65 said:

http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10844711/ugo-ehiogu-dies-aged-44-after-collapsing-at-tottenhams-training-ground

Very sad news. I hope our lot don't disgrace the club during the minutes silence/applause that will probably take place at Wembley.

 

Yes, tragic news. Like you, I hope our fans are totally respectful.

8 minutes ago, Fansince65 said:

http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10844711/ugo-ehiogu-dies-aged-44-after-collapsing-at-tottenhams-training-ground

Very sad news. I hope our lot don't disgrace the club during the minutes silence/applause that will probably take place at Wembley.

 

He died?! I read he had collapsed, but not that he died. Oh my, that is awful.

12 minutes ago, Fansince65 said:

http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10844711/ugo-ehiogu-dies-aged-44-after-collapsing-at-tottenhams-training-ground

Very sad news. I hope our lot don't disgrace the club during the minutes silence/applause that will probably take place at Wembley.

 

Stupid comment.

2 minutes ago, coco said:

Stupid comment.

Why? It won't be the first time a set of supporters (not necessarily ours) behave like buffoons during a tribute.

3 hours ago, Kev56 said:

Spuds are going to score goals. If Costa plays, forget it.

If costa starts, my expectations of getting a win from this game drop to 10%

Just now, Valerie said:

Why? It won't be the first time a set of supporters (not necessarily ours) behave like buffoons during a tribute.

Booing at a minutes silence for a passed player ? NEVER happens. To suggest that our fans would do so is pathetic.

2 minutes ago, coco said:

Booing at a minutes silence for a passed player ? NEVER happens. To suggest that our fans would do so is pathetic.

Never say never. And if somebody expresses his concern, that is not stupid.

Just now, Valerie said:

Never say never. And if somebody expresses his concern, that is not stupid.

Ok maybe not, not had my coffee yet. 

But please show more faith in our support, we may have some 'buffoons', but we have many more decent fans who would lambaste any supporter who was booing a passed players minutes silence.

7 minutes ago, didierforever said:

If costa starts, my expectations of getting a win from this game drop to 10%

Would you go with the three of Hazard, William and Pedro or start Michy?

3 minutes ago, coco said:

Ok maybe not, not had my coffee yet. 

But please show more faith in our support, we may have some 'buffoons', but we have many more decent fans who would lambaste any supporter who was booing a passed players minutes silence.

Get that coffee, why delay the essential!

Edited April 21, 20179 yr by Valerie

JT can't start. He doesn't have the legs for a back 3. If Cahill is out, i'd rather see Ake come in. Although Zouma might also be a good idea and move Dave to LCB if they try the whipped crosses again.

What. Jt over zouma any day of the week. After all these years people seem to forget jt,s  passing ability. Their press will have no effect over a jt azpi and luiz back 3. Besides Kane isnt the fastest on the block and terry can help organize the defence. I love Zouma but i dont want to see him in our back 3 this season

 

oh boy, hazard with bandages around his knee

hopefully its nothing just for recovery or somehing

With Cahill a doubt, I would certainly play Ake in front of Terry and Zouma. Even though he does not have the experience of the other two options, I feel he has the mobility and ball playing skills that will suit our game and defence against Spurs. With them being the form side, I would certainly start Matic and Kante instead of Fabregas.