Posted December 23, 200816 yr We are the early kick off game on Boxing Day meaning that we have the chance to go top of the table (again) and put a bit of pressure on Liverpool who kick off against Bolton at 3pn. Now I play semi pro football so I can tell you all that John Terry will not be available for this game and anyone who says otherwise us not getting picked in my netball team. Carvalho is due to be back so will probably start alongside Alex although he will be very short of match fitness so we could maybe see Alex alongside Ivanovic - anyone think Deco might be dropped? Nah didn't think so. I do think Malouda will start.
December 23, 200816 yr Well, this is it, Scolari's golden chance to try what we all want and actually play Nico and Didier together. I get the feeling that if he doesn't try it from the start for this game, then we might as well give up on this partnership being given any chance this season. It is an absolute guarantee that Brom will come for 1 point, and who can blame them, so we HAVE to take the sodding initiative for once and go 4-4-2. You could even argue Mikel should perhaps not start this game, but I am willing for him to be on of the two central midfielders if that means we go for both strikers on the pitch, as he has been playing very well of late and it would be harsh to leave him out. Edited December 23, 200816 yr by Tim
December 23, 200816 yr I do think Malouda will start. Am I the only one on The Shed End Forum happy with that.. ..thought so!
December 23, 200816 yr Author Based on what we have seen over the past few weeks I would have no problem with Malouda starting. His performances are, more often than not, sub standard but they are no worse than the likes of Deco, Ballack, Joe and Lampard have been churning out recently so he deserves an opportunity to replace one of them.
December 23, 200816 yr Am I the only one on The Shed End Forum happy with that....thought so! I'd be happy for him to start but only if he replaces Deco.
December 23, 200816 yr Deco needs a spell on the bench If by spell you mean the rest of the season, I totally agree.
December 23, 200816 yr Cech, Paulo, Ivanovic, Carvalho, Cole, Kalou, Cole, Mikel, Lampard, Malouda, Drogba. Please!!
December 24, 200816 yr On paper this is a game that we should win. However considering the dissapointing results that we have had and add to the fact that West Brom won last time out makes it an interesting match up at the Bridge. This game on boxing day is so crucial in that we have to win and win well. If we don't then it will not look too good for the rest of the Premiership campaign this season. Having said that though West Brom's record at the Bridge in the Premiership has not been good. In the two times that they have played at the Bridge (2002-2003, 2005-2006) they have lost both and have concededa combined six goals in the process. As for the side that should play against West Brom I would go along the same lines as blizeH. I am very nervous about the game as it is so important this game. COME ON THE CHELS! :)
December 24, 200816 yr Am I the only one on The Shed End Forum happy with that....thought so! I'm there with you, I still believe that FM can become a good player for us, although my prediction of Kalou as brreak through player of the year is still a very long shot!
December 24, 200816 yr Off topic, I know, but Loz, who is that bloke giving you a blow-job in your avatar? He has a smack of Robbie Williams about him Kev
December 24, 200816 yr Author Off topic, I know, but Loz, who is that bloke giving you a blow-job in your avatar? He has a smack of Robbie Williams about himKev Ian Curtis - one of the finest song writers of a generation Robbie Williams - a git I see no similarities
December 24, 200816 yr Off topic, I know, but Loz, who is that bloke giving you a blow-job in your avatar? He has a smack of Robbie Williams about himKev how dare you mention that fat dancer with regards to one of the greatest singer/songwriters ever. you bloody lucky its xmas and its time for goodwill to everyone and all that crap...... :D Now I play semi pro football so I can tell you all that John Terry will not be available for this game and anyone who says otherwise us not getting picked in my netball team ive also played semi pro netball and can tell you terry will be playing goal defence on monday ( got that position of google before anyone starts)
December 24, 200816 yr ....................Cech Bos....Ivanovich....Alex......A.Cole .................Mikel ...........Lampard....Ballack ....................Kalou ..............Anelka..Drogba
December 24, 200816 yr Ian Curtis - one of the finest song writers of a generation Robbie Williams - a git I see no similarities Ah sorry :) Now you mention it, it all becomes clear. I'm actually a HUGE fan of his. I loved Four Weddings and a Funeral, thought Notting Hill was excellent as well. I preferred the first Bridget Jones to the sequel, but thought he wasn't on top form with Love Actually. Any road up, it's very nice to see the great man himself honoured by a fake blow-job picture on a football forum! Have a great Christmas, one and all! kev
December 24, 200816 yr how dare you mention that fat dancer with regards to one of the greatest singer/songwriters ever. you bloody lucky its xmas and its time for goodwill to everyone and all that crap...... ;) :) ;)
December 25, 200816 yr I think this game gives Scolari a chance to try something different like dare I say Drogba and Anelka together, Deco on the bench and even give Ballack a rest will he do this I don't think so why Mr Scolari why ? :)
December 26, 200816 yr I'm reading a lot about how Drogba may start and that's typically interpreted as an indication that Scolari is ready to try 4-4-2. However, I wouldn't be surprised to simply see Scolari flip it and put Drogba on for Anelka. I think it would seem to him a "shake up" of sorts that would give the team a different dimension at home. Then, he would still have the option to throw on Anelka at half and go 4-4-2. I expect this starting lineup: Cech Bosingwa - Ivanovic - Alex - A Cole Mikel J Cole - Ballack - Lamps - Deco Drogba Nothing fancy. I'm reading that Carvalho isn't quite fit for this game, so I think Ivanovic gets the nod in place of Terry. I'm hoping/feeling that Malouda will be the first midfielder of the bench, just for the sake of variety. At this point, if Deco has another shocker, it can't hurt to try Malouda. In theory, if he were on form he would give a needed dimension to the squad. I hope I'm not jinxing things, but I have a good feeling about this one. West Brom is coming off a win, but realistically they don't have nearly the quality to do much. Unless something like last week's early red card happens (touch wood), Chelsea should have their way here.
December 26, 200816 yr So long as Cech's in goal and Drogba and Anelka are paired together up front from the start, (not with Nic stuck out on the wing like last year's Carling Cup final), I don't particularly care who else is in the team. I'm more convinced than ever that if we don't give Drogs and Anelka the chance to form a partnership on the pitch soon our hopes of winning anything this season are practically non-existent.
December 26, 200816 yr Looking at the makeup of the team though more likely that Anelka and Joe will be on the flanks
December 26, 200816 yr Wow, happy to see that I was wrong this time. You think Big Phil doesn't know that there's some scrutiny regarding his treatment of Deco? I think he's responding a bit here. Let's hope it works, most importantly.
December 26, 200816 yr Thanks ReMad Looked like it was off the back of his head - not that I'm complaining, they all count. Keeper didn't move. Come on Chelsea!
