Can't say I share the same optimism with the line up. That midfield without the ball looks worrying. The attack is hard to say, if Pulisic is moved out to the right, then he won't have any impact. 

Most of the issues come down to tactics though. If it's going to be more of the same like moving it out wide and getting our fullbacks in to just cross all day, then I don't see much improvement.

Edited January 19, 20215 yr by Scott Harris

Lamps never picks exactly the XI I would, but I think the basic idea is there. Abraham, Hudson-Odoi, Havertz all starting (all of whom I think we need) is good, and no sign of Werner/Jorginho, which I was terrified about. Gives us good options off the bench for changing the game too: Werner, Ziyech, etc.

On the other hand, Kovacic at the base of midfield is going to give me heart palpitations, as will every tackle on Reece James. Better top up my whisky prescription!

Leicester have picked their first team as well (I was half expecting a three-at-the-back cautious approach). This should be a really good game.

36 minutes ago, Osgoodwasgood said:

f**k me so much Negativity, anyone would think we're staring Relegation in the face. We're playing Leicester ffs

Yes, a team in form currently sitting third spot after 18 matches. 

18 minutes ago, sonic90 said:

‘Some of our results of late have been indifferent and that’s not a direct thing on Kurt, but I felt that there were some changes that could be made. Tony is a personality within the group, and it’s a moment where we need personalities to get a result.’

But now we're missing him as a goal scoring threat and I think Zouma is a better defender anyways. Another bizarre one from Lamps..

 

Agreed Zouma has been a real threat from corners and hasn’t played bad. I was wondering the same thing when I saw he was on the bench again today. 

Nice line up. I like the front three.

1 minute ago, DannyLB said:

Yes, a team in form currently sitting third spot after 18 matches. 

Spot on.

3 minutes ago, coco said:

i can see a fight for the ball if we get a penalty.

12 minutes ago, Scott Harris said:

Can't say I share the same optimism with the line up. That midfield without the ball looks worrying. The attack is hard to say, if Pulisic is moved out to the right, then he won't have any impact. 

Most of the issues come down to tactics though. If it's going to be more of the same like moving it out wide and getting our fullbacks in to just cross all day, then I don't see much improvement.

With no Kante we don't have a choice anyway, I can understand trying Kovacic in the middle. 

Decent starting XI in theory. Is Giroud injured ? Not on the bench .... ?

15 minutes ago, coco said:

i can see a fight for the ball if we get a penalty.

Tammy or Havertz, reckon Tammy is designated. Fat chance we do get one though lol.

Why is Mount starting???  

Lol, just looking to get quoted and abused.  Just messing!!  Glad we are all united and all pulling in one direction - please just give us a beautiful night of good football and 3 points!!!  3-1 Chelsea

For what it's worth we are now three points behind West Ham. We have to win just to maintain our dignity...

I wonder if Zooms is carrying a bit of an injury niggle? He has been one of the  plus points for me this season. I think he is better than Rudiger in practically every aspect.

Edited January 19, 20215 yr by just

We've scored 17 goals in the 5 games that Havertz and Abraham have both been in the starting XI ...  so we should be good for 3-4 goals tonight ?

10 minutes ago, Sexyfootball said:

Decent starting XI in theory. Is Giroud injured ? Not on the bench .... ?

Frank just said he picked up a knock on his ankle. Should be back for the weekend. 

Jaime Redknapp is sweating his bollocks off...

Iam pretty sure that is a 4-2-3-1 with Mount and Kova sitting in front of the defense. 

Side appears a little suspect to the counter as both Mount and Kova like venturing forward. 

25 minutes ago, dansubrosa said:

Nice line up. I like the front three.

Only if you can get the ball to them

Come on Chelsea!

Let's go!!!

COME ON CHELSEA!!!!!

4 minutes ago, Imran_CFC said:

Iam pretty sure that is a 4-2-3-1 with Mount and Kova sitting in front of the defense. 

Side appears a little suspect to the counter as both Mount and Kova like venturing forward. 

Its same old 4-3-3

4 minutes ago, Imran_CFC said:

Iam pretty sure that is a 4-2-3-1 with Mount and Kova sitting in front of the defense. 

Side appears a little suspect to the counter as both Mount and Kova like venturing forward. 

I Hope Lamps Has Said 1 Of You Has To Sit, Take It In Turns In Pressing But One Has To Sit Regardless

4 minutes ago, Imran_CFC said:

Iam pretty sure that is a 4-2-3-1 with Mount and Kova sitting in front of the defense. 

Side appears a little suspect to the counter as both Mount and Kova like venturing forward. 

Also both full backs like venturing forward. We’re essentially playing a back two. Rudiger likes to have wander forward too though...

Stream links please chaps !