3 minutes ago, comtrend said:

I can understand using a strong lineup to get us going, but I don't really understand what there is to be gained by choosing Moses over CHO as our substitute winger/attacker. 

Moses is more experienced and maybe Sarri feels he can offer more. Hudson-Odoi and Ampadu are both still young and aren't going to be displacing the more experienced players yet. They need games which are easier for them to be bed in, the PAOK atmosphere is going to be very hostile and from Sarri's POV he maybe feels this kind of environment is too much at their age, which could lead to mistakes. 

2 hours ago, Nick4 said:

They have more titles yes but as of now PAOK is a better team.

What aek does the last two years is trying to steal games with their good defense. 

Do you know how they call their president? Mr. Krabs

How do you expect them to win Ajax?

Do we have a scouser greek style on our hands here 

As far as youth are concerned it seems to be different manager, same sh*t. Ampadu has to be given his chance to integrate into the first team, he’s good enough. Should have been at least included on the bench if he’s not injured.

13 minutes ago, comtrend said:

I can understand using a strong lineup to get us going, but I don't really understand what there is to be gained by choosing Moses over CHO as our substitute winger/attacker. 

same can be said for Cahill and Ampadu... if they're not playing they're blocking their development. I am not surprised by the squad selection, but it is disappointing 

I forgot Zappacosta even still played for us tbh...

Strong team. Good sarri takes this seriously. Though like most of you not having ampadu or CHO on the bench is disappointing.

At first glance disappointing line up as would have liked to see some of the young ones as well.

However, with our winning streak at the moment any negative result could affect momentum due to psyche of players and team in general. 

With some tough games on the horizon especially pool, it's not something you'd want to mess with too much at this point.

I'm a bit disappointed to see none of the youngsters on the bench at least. Ampadu and Hudson-Odoi look like the best young players we have had since John Terry. We have to find a way to include them, it's a total waste if we don't.

Also, what has happened to Emerson Palmieri? He hasn't featured at all for us so far this season, not even from the bench and he isn't included again tonight.

9 minutes ago, enigma said:

Moses is more experienced and maybe Sarri feels he can offer more. Hudson-Odoi and Ampadu are both still young and aren't going to be displacing the more experienced players yet. They need games which are easier for them to be bed in, the PAOK atmosphere is going to be very hostile and from Sarri's POV he maybe feels this kind of environment is too much at their age, which could lead to mistakes. 

With this way of thinking, they will never get a game. Age is a weak excuse, plenty of young players have played in games a lot tougher than this. Look at Rashford for United, he got a game in the last 32 of this competition and got himself two goals, now he is part of United's main squad. I personally think Ampadu and Hudson Odoi are further along in their development than Rashford was at their age.

Playing the odd league cup or F.A cup game here and there really isn't going to do much for them if their target is to play at the very top. Ampadu is probably already good enough to be starting for half of the teams in the Premier League.

Listen things are going for great for us at the moment, so i dont want to take the shine off, but im extremely disappointed. Im over the moon christensen is playing, and in a strong defence too, so he can prove himself. 

However i feel we had to be playing Ampadu or atleast putting him on the bench for today. The kid looks like he is knocking on the door for the premier league, and we dont even trust him as a sub for the europa league.

Not to mention but we play a london derby AWAY in less than 3 days time, which most of these players will be selected for. I just dont see the logic. I really hope its just this game because it is away and the strongest team other than us in the group.

Edited September 20, 20187 yr by Oli

I agree, its a sad state of affairs for any youngster at Chelsea. Age like many have said is an excuse. If you are good enough you play, or atleast get given a chance every once in a while. What incentive is there for any youngster to join us when we have such a bad record at integrating them into the first team. 

Look at Mason Mount going on loan, hes really making a name for himself. If we werent going to play Ampadu and even Hudson Odoi, we should of sent them on loan to a bottom premier league club and watch them absolute flourish. Instead we are essentially stunting their development.

Not too upset with the squad selection, still able to rest some key players while putting out a somewhat strong selection. Sounding like a broken record but I would have liked to see CHO over Pedro, at least have him on the bench. Perfect opportunity for him to get some PT, but assuming he might get more chances in the Caraboa Cup. Interesting to see how Morata fairs, in this somewhat "weaker" squad. I hope gets the provided the service he needs and bags a goal or two to get his confidence back, really pulling for the guy because the skill is there. We know what he can do after the start he had to the season. Just needs a little pick me up. Glad Hazard is getting a rest despite being in fire form.

This is one change from how we opened the season, right? Christensen in for Luiz. 

I wonder what Sunday looks like 

Have to admit I'm disappointed with this lineup. One of the main reasons I was looking forward to Europa was to see players play that we normally don't see. Maybe next game.. Maybe at home. Maybe if we wrap up qualification quickly. 

Maybe...

 

Edited September 20, 20187 yr by Skinnedy

Or it could be that Sarro knows at the end of the day its his ass on the line.......its not a coincidence every manager we have had since RA arrived who has not used our youngsters. Maybe they dont rate them.....maybe not ready yet......or it could be pressure........or a combo. But yeah odoi should have been there with Ampadu, where the f**k is Emerson?

Stream but don't enlarge it. Leaveit as it is.

http://cndf86.blogspot.com/p/v-3-3.html##wpro

Cahill and Moses on the bench instead of Ampadu and Hudson-Odoi is disappointing. Hopefully Sarri just wants to ensure he gets off to a winning start, and its not a sign of things to come.

here is US stream. It is just over $3 for just the match, but you can purchase other packages if you desire as well

https://live.bleacherreport.com/soccer/soccer-tournament/events/chelsea-fc-paok-fc/52561

willian captain

funny scenes from Toumba Stadium

 

20 minutes ago, Scott Harris said:

I'm a bit disappointed to see none of the youngsters on the bench at least. Ampadu and Hudson-Odoi look like the best young players we have had since John Terry. We have to find a way to include them, it's a total waste if we don't.

Also, what has happened to Emerson Palmieri? He hasn't featured at all for us so far this season, not even from the bench and he isn't included again tonight.

With this way of thinking, they will never get a game. Age is a weak excuse, plenty of young players have played in games a lot tougher than this. Look at Rashford for United, he got a game in the last 32 of this competition and got himself two goals, now he is part of United's main squad. I personally think Ampadu and Hudson Odoi are further along in their development than Rashford was at their age.

Playing the odd league cup or F.A cup game here and there really isn't going to do much for them if their target is to play at the very top. Ampadu is probably already good enough to be starting for half of the teams in the Premier League.

I don't know if that's anything to do with it. Personally, it's probably more simple like wanting the first team and bench players to get familiar with his style. 

Just now, robdog said:

funny scenes from Toumba Stadium

 

Good of him, at least its' something. You never seen that before from a chairman haha

2 hours ago, Nick4 said:

They have more titles yes but as of now PAOK is a better team.

What aek does the last two years is trying to steal games with their good defense. 

Do you know how they call their president? Mr. Krabs

How do you expect them to win Ajax?

 

40 minutes ago, Valerie said:

Do we have a scouser greek style on our hands here 

Is the game on tv ?

11 minutes ago, Skinnedy said:

 

This is one change from how we opened the season, right???

 

2 changes. Zappacosta in for Dave. 

10 minutes ago, TheBluesBrother said:

Stream but don't enlarge it. Leaveit as it is.

http://cndf86.blogspot.com/p/v-3-3.html##wpro

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