Loftus-cheek should start in my opinion. Regardless of whether Drinkwater is fitter, he's probably off in the transfer window the next few days so don't really want him starting. 

I can't see us selling Drinkwater unless we bring in another midfielder. RLC seems like he still needs to show what he's made of to Sarri, though I'd love to see him play a big part in today's game.

 

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Edited August 5, 20187 yr by RIP Mourinho
double post

9 minutes ago, Malcolm9 said:

Azpi should be RB, Rudiger instead of Ampadu (who can come on later). Emerson / Alonso in the LB position to give us balance.

The rest are fine.

Absolutely, hate people trying to shoehorn Rudiger at RB because he played there a few times for Roma. 

Same with Azpi, arguably the best defensive RB in the world and we have 2 LB's available so why play him out of position. 

9 minutes ago, RIP Mourinho said:

Absolutely, hate people trying to shoehorn Rudiger at RB because he played there a few times for Roma. 

Same with Azpi, arguably the best defensive RB in the world and we have 2 LB's available so why play him out of position. 

I don't know, I'd have more faith in that back four keeping a cleansheet than with Alonso/Zappacosta. I don't agree that Rudi/Azpi should play at RB/LB today but maybe in the big matches.

Edited August 5, 20187 yr by the special one

4 minutes ago, the special one said:

I don't know, I'd have more faith in that back four keeping a cleansheet than with Alonso/Zappacosta. I don't agree that Rudi/Azpi should play at RB/LB today but maybe in the big matches.

Azpi / Emerson should be our starting 11.

As I’m a) not going with my old man, b) using public transport for the whole journey and c) have tomorrow off work I have two questions; which pubs are the Chelsea ones and where are they?!?!? 

Already on my way 

Only downside is being up tomorrow morning for The Dreaded Virtual Waiting Room. 

Excited to watch two teams, this time including us, who play football the right way. 

This could be a long season. We have failed to strengthen our squad, we have Moratta as main striker LOL, we have Caballero who could be NO 1 Keeper LOL, we have Bakayoko in midfield LOL. Man City are streaks ahead of us and I can only see one outcome today. This is all down to the board and Abramovic. They should all hang their heads in shame. COME ON YOU BLUES !!!

Reckon we'll see:

Cabellero

Alonso
Rudiger
Luiz
Azpilicueta

Jorginho
Fabregas
Barkley

Hudson-Odoi
Morata
Pedro

City's team is practically full strength

You were spot on Zeta!!

 

Bakayoko not even on the bench. 

Optimistic we can get a result with Foden in midfield, Mahrez may take time to settle

No Loftus-Cheek on the bench.

City team looks very strong

Without a defensive midfielder, it would be very difficult.

Good to see CHO starting. Let's see how we will deal with the city's defence today.

No RLC, Emerson and Bakayoko. 

Unfortunately going to miss the game, let's hope we will perform well. Good luck CHELS!

Alonso must be a beast in training lol. 

Surprised City are starting both Walker and Stones given how little pre-season they’ve had, when you think Courtois, Michy and Hazard haven’t even reported back for us yet.

RLC not making the bench surprises me, maybe he’s not up to match fitness yet?

Cant say I’m surprised to see Bakayoko miss out, surely it’s best for all involved that he leaves, even if only on loan, for this season? 

Morata needs to step up today.

Strong line up for City, defensively we need to be switched on because that attacking quartet for them is one of the best in Europe.

RLC fits into the category of 'World Cup players' surely? If Hazard and Kante are out so should RLC, otherwise it would be a bit odd.

Barkley will smash today. 

First big test for Jorginho in a Chelsea shirt today. Good luck fella.

Surprised Ruben isn't in the squad, glad bakayoko is not starting or even on the bench, hopefully CHO can replicate his Arsenal performance, and how hopeful willy doesn't make an error

Let's hope our "new 29" can grab a couple today... KTBFFH!!!