Chelsea in Craven Cottage & other matches
Let’s get back to basics : 4-3-3
Crucial matches coming up this weekend that might change the order in the table (I think I’m saying this every week for all matches). No Ballack for the next three matches while Robben is available. I would love to see Chelsea play 4-3-3 now that the wingers are there. I think Sheva can be rested/dropped so that he can be in shape for the Champions League match in the midweek. The right wing can be Kalou or SWP. I feel that Kalou should be given more time than the 10 or 20 minutes he is asked to play now. And certainly, Bridge should play leaving Ashley Cole for the Champions League.
Also we should stick to 4-3-3 throughout the match irrespective of whether we are in the lead or not. Winning alone is not enough at the moment. Chelsea is still seen as a vulnerable side this season. The air of invincibility we had in the last season is slowly disappearing. We have won 4 out of 5 matches and led the lost till 10 minutes to end. Still we are yet to win with authority, we are not finishing off the opposition. These matches in Craven Cottage are never easy. In fact, we lost there last season. But this time, they miss certain key players like Boa Morte, Bullard and Bouba Diop. We have to make the best out of this.
Meanwhile, Sheff United travels to the Emigrants Stadium and Reading hosts Man Utd. Anything less than 3 points would be a suicide. Liverpool has a tougher home encounter against Tottenham. Having won Newcastle handsomely, Liverpool are now breathing easy. If they win this match, they’ll be in the race at touching distance. The league leader Portsmouth play on Monday when they are visited by Bolton, who are not in their best form.
Predictions:
Fulham 0 – 3 Chelsea
Arsenal 2 – 0 Sheff Utd
Reading 0 – 3 Man Utd
Liverpool 1 – 1 Tottenham
Portsmouth 1 – 1 Bolton
Let’s win it and let’s win it in style.
I think 3 – 0 is too much. May be 2 – 0 is ok for us. As Jose has said, Chelsea vs. Fulham is like WC final and they play better against us.
In Liv vs. Spurs, Berbatov is injured, so it will be massive loss for Spurs. Liv will win it.
Even I thought it would be a 0-2 result. But the absence of key players in Fulham has tempted me to say 0-3. Jose saying ‘playing Fulham is like the World Cup final’ is nothing but a typical Jose Mourinho mind game to take some pressure off by hinting that we are not clear favourites in this match.
visiting you site as promised. however i do not get your comment on wenger about foreign ownership. would you care to elaborate about english values and why only english people seemed to have them. the irony is that england colonized most of the world so wouldn’t its values be represented in those former colonies most of which is where the eboue,djourou comes from.
I only believe in values per se and not in English values, French values etc. But what I commented was on the hypocrisy in Monsieur Wenger’s statement. When he fielded a non-English Arsenal team, he said he didnt care about the passports. And now when his team’s position of No.4 or No.5 is threatened by the mid-table clubs becoming stronger, he becomes the messiah of English values. Otherwise, I’m fine with him.
Agreed that it is Jose’s tactics but where will these 3 goals come from.
Also, after departure of Gallas, we are more vulnerable to conceding goals, even though we didn’t concede goal against Liv. with 10 men. I don’t think RC or Boularouz is as strong as Gallas.
Your comments please.
Where will thse 3 goals come from ?
Who will score goals ?
Contiuned…
After departure of Gallas, I don’t think defensively we are the same team which we used to be.
I agree that we haven’t conceded too many goals. You made a point that we need convincing win & we are looking like a vulnerable team.
I think the reason is defensive play.
Spot on Mr.Anonymous! Gallas has certainly left a hole that might take a season to fill. I should say that Robben might score. He showed in the last match, that he is fit and raring to go. Moreover with the new signings and consistent use of 4-4-2 would require him to come out strongly and five more selection problems to Mourinho.
As you’re such a contributor, I suggest that you register yourself (it’s on the sidebar on top of the weblinks) so that your contributions get a name!
How do I register ? Please advise, I,m novice.
Hit ‘ctrl + f’ and search for the word “register”. It is on the sidebar under the heading “connect”. Once you see that click and go inside that link, rest is easy peasy japanesy!
Blue Champion you could be right about the score tomorrow. Remember Fulham will be without their playmaker Jimmy Bullard, out for the season with cruciate ligament damage. I admire your persistent with naming Bridge at left back and this time you could be right with Levski coming up next week. And I admire your cheek in naming Kalou to start. The thing about Gallas is JM got it wrong by not playing him at centre back with JT. The records show that WG/JT and the centre was the BEST partnership.
Thanks for your first assignment LOL!!
Thanks Blueblood58! Have not registered yet here? After you register, I would provide you author rights for this blog.
I agree with most of your predictions except Liverpool v Tottenham and Portsmouth v Bolton.
I predict a slim win for Spurs and another win for Pompey.
@Sid
3 goals – one from Lampard (more freedom as no Ballack), one from Robben/Drogba, one from a set piece. Let’s see!
well ex-legend Kerry Dixon has gone for 2-0 or 3-0 with Drogba scoring the first goal
COME ON CHELSEA!
And I am just about to register now BC
Registered.
@Blueblood58
You’re an author now. You can publish your posts. Welcome & all the best!
hey happy days LOL
and thank you
so do I have freedom or are you going to ‘edit ‘ me?
better still why dont u just email me, save public editorial discussions. You must have my details.
Sure. I’ll mail you.
first assignment completed boss. Don’t forget to post the ZERO Paycheck LOL
please feel free to edit as you will
2-0 with Super Frank scoring both goals. One from the penalty spot.
John Terry was ruled out with a back injury and he is a major doubt for Levski on Wednesday night. Also missing through illness was Kahlid, so Geremi played at right back and Paulo Ferreira played at centre-back next to Carvlaho. Jose praised Ferreira’s performance!!