Loftus cheek could be in contention for the game.  If so I would hope he gets around 20-30mins.

17 hours ago, walkley_owl said:

Evening.

 

Been a while since we've visited, looking forward to it, last time I went to the bridge was 1999 so will have changed a fair bit.

 

maybe just a bit, mate!

Expecting a lot of rotation for this game, which could actually go against us.  I'm not sure we'll see Cahill feature as I think he's probably gone this window.  Fully expect Caba to start in goal, and rest Kepa.  I think CHO and Emerson have to be starters, and for Zapa to feature.

I'm undecided on Higuain, as I'd like to see him start and get some minutes under his belt, but I also feel (nothing more than a hunch) that Sarri may want him to start with more regulars in the team.  Therefore I think Giroud starts, and Higuain gets a 15 minute Cameo at the end.

I think we'll see a good bit of rotation. Here's what I expect

Caballero - A bit of rest for Kepa
Zappacosta
Christensen - if he's fit, he starts
Ampadu - I think he starts either next to Christensen or for Jorginho, so the #2 CB could be open
Alonso - Loved what Emerson did, but he's not playing another 90 with 2 days rest with Alonso available
Kante - Not a ton of other options here
Jorginho - See Kante
Kovacic - Barkley Started last game, It's Kovacic turn
Willian - See Alonso
Higuain - Good time to make his debut. He doesn't lack match fitness
Hudson-Odoi - didn't feature last game, ready to start this one.
 

I don't Giroud starting again this soon, Hazard could use a bit of rest, Pedro rotated, RLC not quite fit.

I think Sarri should field a strong 11 and just rip Sheffield apart. Might do good for the morale. 

Edited January 25, 20197 yr by evissy

1 hour ago, evissy said:

I think Sarri should field a strong 11 and just rip Sheffield apart. Might do good for the morale. 

Please don't call us "Sheffield"

9 hours ago, Munkworth said:

Just leave it to this experts next time 

:(

Would like to see how we look playing a false 9.

The #2 Man's Pre Match Press Conference

 

On 24/01/2019 at 17:31, walkley_owl said:

Evening.

 

Been a while since we've visited, looking forward to it, last time I went to the bridge was 1999 so will have changed a fair bit.

 

Has it been that long since we played you? I remember some great matches back in the 80's and 90's

11 hours ago, Skinnedy said:

I think we'll see a good bit of rotation. Here's what I expect

Caballero - A bit of rest for Kepa
Zappacosta
Christensen - if he's fit, he starts
Ampadu - I think he starts either next to Christensen or for Jorginho, so the #2 CB could be open
Alonso - Loved what Emerson did, but he's not playing another 90 with 2 days rest with Alonso available
Kante - Not a ton of other options here
Jorginho - See Kante
Kovacic - Barkley Started last game, It's Kovacic turn
Willian - See Alonso
Higuain - Good time to make his debut. He doesn't lack match fitness
Hudson-Odoi - didn't feature last game, ready to start this one.
 

I don't Giroud starting again this soon, Hazard could use a bit of rest, Pedro rotated, RLC not quite fit.

That is probably about right. Close to what I am expecting too. If Emerson starts he probably won't start against Bournemouth too. Higuain should be able to manage both games I think.

Kepa

Zappacosta Ampadu Christensen Alonso

RLC Drinkwater Kovacic

CHO Higuain Hazard

5 hours ago, forbzy said:

Has it been that long since we played you? I remember some great matches back in the 80's and 90's

Yep, December 99 at yours, April 2000 at ours.

As you say some big games over the years and it's nice to get reaquainted for a game. 

3 hours ago, walkley_owl said:

Yep, December 99 at yours, April 2000 at ours.

As you say some big games over the years and it's nice to get reaquainted for a game. 

Yes. Apart from the great cup matches in 84-85 season I remember (less happily for us) getting well beaten by you lot in the leage cup semi in 91. After hammering Spurs in the QF I was convinced we would make it to Wembley but Wednesday had a good young team and surprised us. Thankfully you went on to beat United in the final though. 

Is Sam Hutchinson still a regular starter? He should get a good reception tomorrow.

36 minutes ago, forbzy said:

Yes. Apart from the great cup matches in 84-85 season I remember (less happily for us) getting well beaten by you lot in the leage cup semi in 91. After hammering Spurs in the QF I was convinced we would make it to Wembley but Wednesday had a good young team and surprised us. Thankfully you went on to beat United in the final though. 

Is Sam Hutchinson still a regular starter? He should get a good reception tomorrow.

I went away to Hillsborough for that one and despite starting brightly got hammered 3-1 by the second division Owls. Interestingly they went up and finished third the next season.

Read an article today about Hutchison suffering injuries and depression after a break in the game, good to see he made it back at a decent level.

We're in the LC final vs Sihtty and have a chance to beat the reigning champions. As far as the FA cup is concerned, I'd hope we will take this seriously and try to keep the cup at SW6 and make it 9 wins in the Cup. However, a bit of rotation is nedded. Do you reckon Higuain to start this game ?

3 minutes ago, Londonisblue said:

We're in the LC final vs Sihtty and have a chance to beat the reigning champions. As far as the FA cup is concerned, I'd hope we will take this seriously and try to keep the cup at SW6 and make it 9 wins in the Cup. However, a bit of rotation is nedded. Do you reckon Higuain to start this game ?

I reckon he will. Though would hope to see Emmerson or CHO to give him service.

If Higuaín starts that will give the crowd a boost and the team a lift too to go on and get a result.

I wouldn't change too many as I think we need to build on the morale of a narrow win over a depleted Spurs.

Edited January 26, 20197 yr by Strider6003

45 minutes ago, forbzy said:

Yes. Apart from the great cup matches in 84-85 season I remember (less happily for us) getting well beaten by you lot in the leage cup semi in 91. After hammering Spurs in the QF I was convinced we would make it to Wembley but Wednesday had a good young team and surprised us. Thankfully you went on to beat United in the final though. 

Is Sam Hutchinson still a regular starter? He should get a good reception tomorrow.

The 3-3 in 92? when you came from 3 down and Stuart scored a belter.....

Hutch was frozen out by the previous manager despite being a fan favourite, thankfully he's back in now and is chomping at the bit for tomorrow. 

47 minutes ago, walkley_owl said:

The 3-3 in 92? when you came from 3 down and Stuart scored a belter.....

Hutch was frozen out by the previous manager despite being a fan favourite, thankfully he's back in now and is chomping at the bit for tomorrow. 

The 3-3 was a league game and another cracker. For a few seasons following your promotion, Wednesday generally had the upper hand in our fixtures from what I remember. We turned the tabled starting with another Cup win after a replay in 94. I think it was 1-1 at the bridge and then 3-1 to us after extra time at Hillsboro. Another cracking tie!

Good to hear abou Hutch. Before his injury he was considered the long term replacement for John Terry. After his injury issues it is amazing he managed to play again.

On 24/01/2019 at 23:31, walkley_owl said:

Evening.

 

Been a while since we've visited, looking forward to it, last time I went to the bridge was 1999 so will have changed a fair bit.

Mate of mine is  life long Rotherham United fan and for some reason he seems to think that your club are the Devil incarnate lol

Except Higuain to play half a game as a starter or from the bench. Europa league line up in most other areas of the pitch

Don't want Emerson to start as that means Alonso will start against Bournemouth.

I'm going for the following:

CABALLERO
ZAPPACOSTA
RUDIGER
CHRISTENSEN
ALONSO
AMPADU
RLC
KOVACIC
HUDSON ODOI
GIROUD
WILLIAN

4-1 Chelsea.

 

5 hours ago, forbzy said:

The 3-3 was a league game and another cracker. For a few seasons following your promotion, Wednesday generally had the upper hand in our fixtures from what I remember. We turned the tabled starting with another Cup win after a replay in 94. I think it was 1-1 at the bridge and then 3-1 to us after extra time at Hillsboro. Another cracking tie!

Good to hear abou Hutch. Before his injury he was considered the long term replacement for John Terry. After his injury issues it is amazing he managed to play again.

Mentioned elsewhere on here, you wore our old kit in that game, Jon Spencer scored?

3 hours ago, chelsea78 said:

Mate of mine is  life long Rotherham United fan and for some reason he seems to think that your club are the Devil incarnate lol

Same with all big clubs ;)

53 minutes ago, walkley_owl said:

Mentioned elsewhere on here, you wore our old kit in that game, Jon Spencer scored?

Yes. That was the one.