45 minutes ago, nonotnowjim said:

Because the Liverpool machine, and I include their fans in this, are much better than we are at vocalising the issues.

We had the petition against Oliver, but Liverpool fans would be out on the streets, protesting and demonstrating if a ref did to them what Oliver has done to us over the years.

I hate liverpool, and their self entitled fans - but we need to give them all some credit in how they protect their own interests, in a much better way than any other club.

You were going soo well till giving them credit part. Ugh, Liverpool! Skipped over that bit but yeah true.

The other thing is the media...most powerful weapon in the world. They'll turn it against us, unlike supporting shiny teeth like some did.

Watched the Charity shield and City didn't look that good, due a lot to 10 Hag's tactics again same as used in FA cup final - sit deep, counter attack and it almost paid off again. Chelsea's new eyetie coach does not play that way, he likely intends to go head to head with his chum Pep and play possession football, build up every time out from the back with a higher line pressing the opposition to regain possession and feed the forwards. If he does not employ that strategy and sets the team up in a more pragmatic fashion I'll be very surprised. Last season we had 2 surprise draws in the EPL with the Champions of England, could lightning strike thrice ?

2 hours ago, General said:

Watched the Charity shield and City didn't look that good, due a lot to 10 Hag's tactics again same as used in FA cup final - sit deep, counter attack and it almost paid off again. Chelsea's new eyetie coach does not play that way, he likely intends to go head to head with his chum Pep and play possession football, build up every time out from the back with a higher line pressing the opposition to regain possession and feed the forwards. If he does not employ that strategy and sets the team up in a more pragmatic fashion I'll be very surprised. Last season we had 2 surprise draws in the EPL with the Champions of England, could lightning strike thrice ?

Oh for the days of tuchel and how he had pep doubting himself and beaten.

Speaking of Tuchel, the current squad looks very well set up for his 3-4-3: 

 

     Fofana, Disasi, Colwill, 

Gusto, Enzo, Lavia, Chilwell

   Palmer, Jackson, Nkunku 

 

As for Sunday -- I expect we'll stick to the 4-3-3 with Gusto inverting. I think we'll look promising in attack, but ultimately fail to control midfield and most likely lose. Then again, we played 2 chaotic matches with City last season and managed a point in each, so here's hoping. I think we'll see:

                Sanchez

Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucu

                   Lavia

             Enzo, Nkunku 

    Palmer, Jackson, Sterling

(Although I think there's a good chance Madueke will start, with Palmer and Neto coming on 2nd half)

 

Oscar Bobb out. Broken leg. 

I may have to change my prediction now that as it turns out Anthony Taylor is the ref. They will get a pen and we won't get anything.

10 hours ago, Hessleboink said:

 

As for Sunday -- I expect we'll stick to the 4-3-3 with Gusto inverting.  I think we'll see:

                Sanchez

Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucu

                   Lavia

             Enzo, Nkunku 

    Palmer, Jackson, Sterling

(Although I think there's a good chance Madueke will start, with Palmer and Neto coming on 2nd half)

 

I like this but I think cucu will invert and Gusto will hug the touchline at times on the counter. Similar to the inter match. At times only fofana and colwill were sitting back. I can also see that being the reason we concede a few goals too. Lol. Very risky leaving just 2 back against City but Gusto's speed will be heavily relied on, on those odd occasions he runs forward past palmer/noni.

1 hour ago, Sconnie Blue said:

Oscar Bobb out. Broken leg. 

Gotta feel sorry for the guy as he has looked great in pre-season. He destroyed Colwill though so works out well for us on Sunday. 

Will be the usual ritual on Sunday. Meet up in the pub for a few beers with the people I go to the games with; then to the match; and back to the pub to discuss the game and life in general. As mentioned before match day is the only time we meet up as a group as we live in different parts of the country. i.e. London, Kent and Essex. Always great banter between us. 

Will put in my prediction about half and hour before kick-off. My prediction could be affected by how much I've drunk!

The BBC pundits, Nevin included, seem to be more optimistic than Chelsea supporters with 7 out of 30 predicting us getting 3rd or 4th place. Are they right or are they just weather forecasters, paid to be wrong most of the time? 

14 hours ago, Sconnie Blue said:

Oscar Bobb out. Broken leg. 

That is terrible. Really rate this kid and have done well before this preseason.

Best wishes for a full recovery.

On the optimistic side, we could be one step closer to the sacking of Siegfried & Roy.

 

Routine 1-0 win to Chelsea. 

Got absolutely no hope with Taylor refereeing this one, we’d be better forfeiting and taking the 3-0.

However if we do have to play it.

 

Jorgensen

Gusto Fofana Colwill Cucu

Lavia Caiceido

Enzo

Palmer Nkunku Neto

5 hours ago, just said:

That is terrible. Really rate this kid and have done well before this preseason.

Best wishes for a full recovery.

Agreed. Just as he was looking like he would get more playing team in the first team. I think we were linked with him in the summer too.

We haven't lost to City by more than 1 goal in the league in about 4 years so I don't know why people expect us to get thrashed. 

I'm not expecting a win either mind you but it'll be closer than people think. 

Well boys and girls, it's the hope that kills ya.

7 hours ago, Liam said:

Well boys and girls, it's the hope that kills ya.

We're all in our umpteenth reincarnation 

19 hours ago, The Boehly Babes said:

Got absolutely no hope with Taylor refereeing this one, we’d be better forfeiting and taking the 3-0.

However if we do have to play it.

 

Jorgensen

Gusto Fofana Colwill Cucu

Lavia Caiceido

Enzo

Palmer Nkunku Neto

Not to be that guy, but what is the average height here? We're going to get reamed on set pieces. 

9 hours ago, Liam said:

Well boys and girls, it's the hope that kills ya.

I start every season full of hope Liam...... this season I hope we got enough players   

They better bring the Vaseline Sunday!!

10 hours ago, Liam said:

Well boys and girls, it's the hope that kills ya.

Too right Liam.

I don't think anyone can predict with any confidence how we will do this season. Yet another new coach with new ideas and tactics, plus a whole load of new players. It could be a very good season but just as easily a disaster, especially looking at the defence.

Hope we get off to a good start against City with Palmer netting the winner......................

 

36 minutes ago, Nibs said:

Too right Liam.

I don't think anyone can predict with any confidence how we will do this season. Yet another new coach with new ideas and tactics, plus a whole load of new players. It could be a very good season but just as easily a disaster, especially looking at the defence.

Hope we get off to a good start against City with Palmer netting the winner......................

 

Look at all the predictions by pundits and current players, etc...nobody has a clue about Chelsea, lol.

Yesterday it sort of dawned on me that I like that...madness! Lol

- Rodri and Bobb out. 

- Foden, Walker, & Stones zero preseason minutes. 

- Silva and KDB likely aren't 100%. 

- We have no injuries bar James. 

 

Is it too much to ask to win here?

1 minute ago, Sconnie Blue said:

- Rodri and Bobb out. 

- Foden, Walker, & Stones zero preseason minutes. 

- Silva and KDB likely aren't 100%. 

- We have no injuries bar James. 

 

Is it too much to ask to win here?

Yes 🤣🤣. 
 

Whenever teams have their best players out or not fully fit that’s when I worry.

Edited August 16, 20241 yr by El regreso