These games we should be wining if we are to keep our top 4 hunt. 

I expect Palace to be up for this and Zaha will be the danger man for them down the left. I hope Hazard is fit for this game but i don't know if he will be starting as he has been out injured and it might be best to ease him back in.

 

I would go with 

 

Kepa

Azbi Ruidger Luiz Alonso 

Kante Jorginho Barkley 

Pedro Morata Willian 

 

Subs Caba, Cahill, Kovacic, Loftus Cheek, Hazard, Zappacosta, Giroud

 

 

Kepa

Azbi Ruidger Luiz Alonso 

Kante Jorginho Barkley 

RLC Morata Hazard

 

Wouldn't mind seeing something like that. 

I think Willian would benefit from a rest, he's played a lot of football recently. RLC has been playing quite well and I'd be interested to see how he would get on against the team he was playing for last season. 

I think Hazard will be fit for this one, the club probably just didn't want to risk him against Derby. 

Score one goal. Don’t give away any penalties. Game is won. 

Another London Derby & another test for Don Maurizio - many gaffers don't understand the intensity of these matches - IMHO this was one error that Don Antonio had a hard dealing with - I recalled on a couple of occasions that Don Antonio underestimated the opposition in these matches & Chelsea came out of them 2nd Best

Against anything but a couple of teams I feel the way we control games now they just cannot handle us..
3-1

Hope hazard is back. Willian needs a break but probably  wants to play. Rest of the team picks itself, I can’t see Giroud starting in front of Morata. 

they've been a very difficult opponent for us lately, haven't they? 

Every tendency comes to an end sooner or later, so it's about time to beat them easily. I'm giving 4-0/1

 

They have a pretty good record against us in recent years, took points off us every season. We definitely need Hazard for this game, think Willian is tiring, Pedro not fit, RLC is out of position playing as a wide attacker.

Kepa
Azpi - Rudiger - Luiz - Alonso
Kovacic - Jorginho - Barkley
Pedro - Morata - Hazard

Subs: Willy, Cahill, Kante, Loftus-Cheek, Willian, Giroud, Zappacosta

Edited November 2, 20187 yr by the special one

From what Sarri said about Hazard, I wouldn't expect him to start this one. I would think he will bring him on around 55-60 minutes and allow him to finish the match and run at some tired defenders. Hopefully we will already have a 1-2 goal lead at the time.

Gaffer's Pre-match Press Conference

 

RLC coming off early against Derby gave an indication that's he's playing in this game...Willian looks tired, Hazard is fit so I'd go...

Kepa

Dave SSB Rudiger Alonso

Kante Jorginho Barkley 

RLC Giroud Hazard 

 

A must win of course.......a good chance 1 or 2 rivals dropping pts, so we must make it count.

After the dippers draw atvtge emirates a win here puts us back into second, and is that another international break coming up, what a pain in the arse 

49 minutes ago, WalterWhiteCFC said:

After the dippers draw atvtge emirates a win here puts us back into second, and is that another international break coming up, what a pain in the arse 

For real? Another break already? How in the f**k the Clubs or players refuse to take part in this redundant tounament is beyond me........its so hard and tasking to beging with but no, they thought it a good idea to up the risk for injuries and tiredness with their utter BS.

The way the results are going and went today, gotta get 3 points just to keep us in touch and keep teams below us at bay. Looks like any of the top 6 teams are all in form and even Utd are now only 4 points away..

29 minutes ago, atomis said:

For real? Another break already? How in the f**k the Clubs or players refuse to take part in this redundant tounament is beyond me........its so hard and tasking to beging with but no, they thought it a good idea to up the risk for injuries and tiredness with their utter BS.

Yep, we got one more GW next weekend then following weekend it is the internationals and that will be that until March, thanks God. Does my bloody head in and can't look forward to the weekend once I see there is internationals on.

17 minutes ago, STATS said:

Yep, we got one more GW next weekend then following weekend it is the internationals and that will be that until March, thanks God. Does my bloody head in and can't look forward to the weekend once I see there is internationals on.

Most def.......such a horrible touney.

On ?01?/?11?/?2018 at 10:26, robdog said:

Another London Derby & another test for Don Maurizio - many gaffers don't understand the intensity of these matches - IMHO this was one error that Don Antonio had a hard dealing with - I recalled on a couple of occasions that Don Antonio underestimated the opposition in these matches & Chelsea came out of them 2nd Best

You are spot on. I was at the Bridge for the April 2017 loss 1-2 to Palace. Fortunately, we rebounded a few days later to take City 2-1 and on our way to the title. Got to see both matches that trip over from the States. But the Palace loss should not have happened.

So, hopefully Maurizio continues to keep the lads focused and we take care of business later today.

Come on you Chelsea!!

Hello Chelsea mates! I have been watching every match, but have not had an opportunity to jump on here.

Many have already commented on Palace's effectiveness against us in recent years. We need to take all 6 points from these guys this year, and it starts today.

Starting to see a little depth developing as we begin the run into the festive season and all the matches to come the next 60 days. Barkley and RLC give us midfield options. It is interesting Maurizio has effectively ended the PL match starting days for Zappa, Cahill, Christensen, Moses and Bakayoko is gone. Those are five of our typical starting eleven last season under Conte. Throw in Courtois' exit and we only are playing five of last season's starting eleven. So, is it a change in coaching, players or a mix of players/coaching. Have to think both, but it is interesting how much has changed. Combine that with the continued lack of goals from our center forward and it is truly amazing we are still undefeated. Put Diego Costa on this squad and we might be perfect at this juncture. Not saying we want him back, just highlighting lack of goals from the position and yet we keep on winning. 

Barkley, Jorginho and RLC have been great surprises. Don't forget Kouvacic either. Barkley has impressed with his fitness and desire. Really thought he was a waste of cash last year, but is really impressing so far.

Let's take care of these guys at the Bridge today. For those going, be in full voice.

Come on you Chelsea!!

 

Game Day.

Come on Chelsea !

Take my usual 1-0 Chelsea win.

Palace will come to cause damage and upset us. Let's hope they don't succeed. COME ON YOU BLUES !!!

7 minutes ago, TheBluesBrother said:

Palace will come to cause damage and upset us. Let's hope they don't succeed. COME ON YOU BLUES !!!

Those little 10 year old palace ultras are proper nawty!!! 

1 minute ago, chi blue said:

Those little 10 year old palace ultras are proper nawty!!! 

I was thinking more on the field. Zaha worries me.