So this is a game against a better opponent where there is really something on the line. Getting a result agains a very poor Sheffield wont convince anyone of anything. 

Beating Newcastle would be something to carry into the new year. Newcastle have only won one away game all season scoring 14 and conceding 17 that is conceding two goals an away game. 

On the other hand we have only won 3 games at home.

I guess we start a bit even but possibly even favourites. We will get opportunities. 

Petrovic

Gusto Disasi Badiashile Colwill

Caicedo Enzo 

Palmer Gallagher Sterling
Jackson

Eddie Howe expects Joelinton, Schar, Botman and Isak to all be ready for this game.

No changes for us from Sheff United. No new injuries, no players back that we not available on Saturday.

16 minutes ago, axman2526 said:

Eddie Howe expects Joelinton, Schar, Botman and Isak to all be ready for this game.

Where do you see JoeLinton and Schar are back? They both pulled muscles on Saturday. Seems highly unlikely. According to Howe, Botman is back, but Isak is less certain and may not be ready for this game.

1 minute ago, forbzy said:

Where do you see JoeLinton and Schar are back? They both pulled muscles on Saturday. Seems highly unlikely. According to Howe, Botman is back, but Isak is less certain and may not be ready for this game.

 

52 minutes ago, forbzy said:

Where do you see JoeLinton and Schar are back? They both pulled muscles on Saturday. Seems highly unlikely. According to Howe, Botman is back, but Isak is less certain and may not be ready for this game.

A write up ahead of the game quote how as saying their injuries were being assessed ahead of the game, but had not ruled them out. Usually a muscle injury means boom, out for sure, but he did not put it across that way.

51 minutes ago, Sconnie Blue said:

 

Botman is a class defender.

Is this on tv or do I need to find a another sleep aid?

1 hour ago, Munkunku said:

Is this on tv or do I need to find a another sleep aid?

Live on Sky!

Petrovic

Gusto  Badiasielle   Colwill    Maatsen

Ugochukwu

Gallagher   Enzo

Palmer   Broja   Mudryk

1 hour ago, Modueke said:

Live on Sky!

23 hours ago, axman2526 said:

 

Think you both are underestimating how much Newcastle want this cup, especially after losing last years final.

Not underestimating them, god sake they are above us and just beat us 4:1 🫢 Point was we should be more hungry than them in this competition, given the circumstances. I did read Poch said 'he doesn't have to win the cup to prove something' , so anything could happen indeed

1 hour ago, icecoolguy22 said:

Not underestimating them, god sake they are above us and just beat us 4:1 🫢 Point was we should be more hungry than them in this competition, given the circumstances. I did read Poch said 'he doesn't have to win the cup to prove something' , so anything could happen indeed

Nah I don't see us being hungrier for this than them.

Match Day!

Come on Chelsea!!

Bookies have Chelsea as favorites due to barcodes poor away form and injury crisis and travails of late in the CL

Could go either way, both clubs could do with a massive semi in the new year, as could a lot of us on here no doubt ! ☺️

GAMEDAY!! COME ON CHELS!

Now that Newcastle are out of the CL, they have more impetus than us to go out there and win this. I don't think we have enough drive and hunger to take the game to them. But considering the rollercoaster season that we're having, anything's possible I guess.

On 17/12/2023 at 01:55, axman2526 said:

Now they are out of Europe they do not. Also been a long, long time since they won something and they need a cup to kick start that winning feeling.

A Gordon goal and Miley to star.

I've decided to give up on the "glass half-full" positivity perspective and embrace the "we're all doomed" negativity gang you captain so well. So,

6-0 to Newcastle. 

N'kunku to be cleaned out by a tackle from Trippier and be out injured for another 6 months.

Lukaku to return in January.

Cucurella to be named club Captain and signs a new 8 year contract.

Colwill and Palmer to be flogged to Tottenham and the ground sold off to pay for FFP irregularities.

There. That feels much better. Next I'm going to buy a monkey today and teach it how to surrender.

 

 

I thought Gallagher and Caicedo dovetailed pretty well in midfield at the weekend, I'm hoping Enzo benefitted from the rest, the midfield battle could well decide things tonight.

I don't think we'll see any changes to the backline from Saturday, even though personally I'd like to see Colwill partner Badiashile in the middle and Maatsen get a chance at left back.

My prediction is one change to the lineup: Enzo in for Mudryk
Score prediction: Chelsea win 3-1

2 hours ago, Girish said:

Now that Newcastle are out of the CL, they have more impetus than us to go out there and win this. I don't think we have enough drive and hunger to take the game to them. But considering the rollercoaster season that we're having, anything's possible I guess.

The evidence is that Newcastle go all out in every game regardless.

Think it’s a mistake to bring Enzo in for mudryck. Do that and we don’t have enough attackers I could accept nkunku for mudryck. 

1 hour ago, ozboy said:

Think it’s a mistake to bring Enzo in for mudryck. Do that and we don’t have enough attackers I could accept nkunku for mudryck. 

I dont think Nkunku is likely to get more than 20/30 minutes.

I see your point though. My worry is that without the 3rd midfielder we get overrun.

1 hour ago, cfr95 said:

I dont think Nkunku is likely to get more than 20/30 minutes.

I see your point though. My worry is that without the 3rd midfielder we get overrun.

I believe Pochettino stated Nkunku would likely get only around 20 minutes.

5 hours ago, just said:

I've decided to give up on the "glass half-full" positivity perspective and embrace the "we're all doomed" negativity gang you captain so well. So,

6-0 to Newcastle. 

N'kunku to be cleaned out by a tackle from Trippier and be out injured for another 6 months.

Lukaku to return in January.

Cucurella to be named club Captain and signs a new 8 year contract.

Colwill and Palmer to be flogged to Tottenham and the ground sold off to pay for FFP irregularities.

There. That feels much better. Next I'm going to buy a monkey today and teach it how to surrender.