Chelsea Vs Burnley (PL) Sat 12 Aug 2017 KO 15:00 GMT

No Hazard, Bakayako or Moses for this one...

Edited August 5, 20178 yr by doctorblue

Ah... I missed to these threads!

Can't wait for our opening match, we all have been waiting a lot for this. We're not coming with our strongest lineup, but we still have to put a good performance to show and give a hope that we can defend the title.

We still have a game before, performance against Arsenal must be good enough, would be our last test before the season. We have Hazard, Bakayoko and Moses missing, let's hope it will end with those 3 and we won't add players to this list. We still have quality players that will do the job. Burnley will come motivated, they will try to surprise us, not going to be easy!

Anyone know when was the last time the defending champions were not chosen as a (UK) televised match on the opening weekend?

1 minute ago, startedwithglenn said:

Anyone know when was the last time the defending champions were not chosen as a (UK) televised match on the opening weekend?

ID say never tbh, ridiculous 

Awesome. First game of the season!! Arsenal-game and our transfer-dealings so far have let us down but I feel positive. Conte will get us fired up and functioning as points are in line.

 

 

3 minutes ago, evissy said:

Awesome. First game of the season!! Arsenal-game and our transfer-dealings so far have let us down but I feel positive. Conte will get us fired up and functioning as points are in line.

 

 

This had better be a spirited, encouraging performance, as I'm going to be in the Shed Upper. Haven't been to a match in ages, I won't accept anything below par 

2-1 Chelsea, all goals scored at my end 

2 hours ago, startedwithglenn said:

Anyone know when was the last time the defending champions were not chosen as a (UK) televised match on the opening weekend?

No I can't. Suppose it's like going back to the traditional Saturday opening fixture of the season at The Bridge. A 3pm kick off.

 

And settle for a 1-0 Blues win. Would prefer a 3 or 4-0 though!

Come on Chelsea!

And settle for a 1-0 Blues win. Would prefer a 3 or 4-0 though!
Come on Chelsea!

I would also prefer a 3 or 4-0 scoreline because that means Morata or Mitchy getting a brace or a hat trick

4 minutes ago, wallosh said:

I would also prefer a 3 or 4-0 scoreline because that means Morata or Mitchy getting a brace or a hat trick

Agreed.

Tibo

Rudi Andreas GC

Azpi Luiz Kante Alonso

Cesc Morata Willian

Subs: Willy JCS Tomori Pedro Boga Musonda Michy

Hopefully we dont see Cesc as a CM. God Bless us if he starts as a CM

Interesting they haven't replaced Keane yet.

Despite what some people say, unless FA has changed the rules since CS 2012 when Ivanovic got a straight red against City and played the PL opener, Pedro can start this match. 

I would love Conte to pull a little trick here. Burnley have been preparing for this match for 7-10 days. Expecting the usual 3-4-3 formation. Their two CBs will have prepared to meet either one of Morata or Batshuayi, and are getting ready to pack him in tight and use whatever little dirty trick available to them. But what if they met both?

Since Moses is missing this game as well, 4-2-4 is what makes perfect sense as well:

Courtois

Azpi - Luiz - Cahill - Alonso

Willian - Kante - Fabregas - Pedro

Batshuayi - Morata

(Could also change to 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 with Pedro at RWB during the game if things don't work)

This formational change would also help us weaken the preparation for our next game away to Spurs. Tactical variation is a great weapon. Use it, Conte!

Bench: Caballero (GK) + Christensen, Rudiger, Musonda (very inexperienced first team players) + three youngsters. Thin.

nothing like a good ole home game. i believe we'll be strong at home and beat them 2-0. 

Tibo

Andreas, Luiz, cahill

Azpi, Kante , cesc,  Alonso 

Willian, batman, pedro/Charly boy

Have to admit the central midfield bothers me but if they cannot do it at home to Burnley we should have sold cesc. If Pedro is banned start Charly boy in his place. 

Lets start the season with a home win, I think the team pretty much picks itself.

 

TIBO

Rudiger,Luiz,Cahill

Azbi Kante Cesc Alonso 

Willian Batman Pedro 

 

Subs, Willy, Christensen, Boga, Morata, Musonda, Tomri, Baker  

 

Hope we start with a high tempo and go for them as soon as the first whistle is blown.

Lets start our season with a benchmark performance.

This place will be a much happier place to be if we do so.

First proper game of the season and i cant wait.We have a title to defend,lets get going.UP THE CHELS !

Team will be.... 2-0 Chels - Alonso & Michy with the goals.

GK: Courtois

CB: Cahill

CB: Luiz

CB: Christensen

RWB: Azip

LWB: Alonso

CM: Kante

CM: Fabregas

RF: Willian

LF: Pedro

CF: Michy

 

Bench: Willy / Rudiger / Morata / Musonda / Boga / Scott / Tomori

              Tbo

   Rudiger  Luiz  Cahill

Azpi  Kante  Cesc  Alonso

    Pedro          Boga/CMJr

            Morata

 

As much as i love Bats he did very little against Arsenal so time to give Morata a chance from the start.

 

Ideally i'd like to see us change formation and use a 3-5-2 or 4-2-4 but with us not using them in pre-season it seems unrealistic.

 

Willian doesn't do enough for me in an attacking sense so would rather see Boga or Charly used, however i know how unlikely that is to happen. 

On 8/7/2017 at 13:43, startedwithglenn said:

Anyone know when was the last time the defending champions were not chosen as a (UK) televised match on the opening weekend?

United 03/04, Ronaldo's debut vs Bolton.

Cannot believe it is not on the telly. All the negativity re our Club that has been going around will all be stopped by 5pm on Saturday. We will start off with a fairly comfortable win. 

On 07/08/2017 at 15:56, erskblue said:

No I can't. Suppose it's like going back to the traditional Saturday opening fixture of the season at The Bridge. A 3pm kick off.

 

Proper old skool this one, should be more Saturday 3pm ko, fed up with silly ko times to please TV companies, more the merrier