Community Shield, Pre-season - Written by BlueChampion on Saturday, August 4, 2007 4:31 | 9,168 Views | 94 Comments | Add Comment
Chelsea vs Man Utd: FA Community Shield 07-08
Some sweet records to start with. Jose’s Chelsea has played Fergie’s Man Utd 9 times so far. Jose has won 5 times and drawn 3 times which leaves just 1 win for Fergie. Even better, in all these 9 matches, Chelsea scored 11 goals in all and Man Utd scored only 3 goals, which includes Fletcher’s misplaced header. Not bad for a team that plays ‘boring defensive football’ against a team that supposedly plays ‘beautiful football’!
In this backdrop, Chelsea face Man Utd for the FA Community Shield on Sunday at 15:00 UK. The match would be played at Wembley where Chelsea had won the FA Cup knocking off Man Utd. If it’s strange to see a trophy presented for winning one game, it’s even more strange to find the players of the winning team, celebrate like they were working hard for months, only to win this trophy.
In team news, Ballack is resting after his surgery and is still not available. Birthday boys Bridge and Kalou, will not be able to play for Chelsea on their birthday due to injuries. The official Chelsea website keeps saying that Lampard’s injury is only minor and he would play on Sunday. Robben is very much available but I doubt if he would play a part given his possible distractions which would cause a lapse of concentration. Ashley Cole is back and after his few minutes in the friendlies, he looks fit and fine to play Man Utd on Sunday.
I have no doubt in my mind that we should play orthodox 4-4-2. This may sound cocky but I’d like to see Pizarro pairing with Drogba. Sheva is available allright, but if we need to pick the team on form and other things, Pizarro should get the nod. Only thing that could get Sheva ahead of Pizarro, is that we are playing a big opposition. Personally, in whatever case, I’d pick Pizarro for Sunday.
In the midfield, Lampard and Essien should be in the centre, while Malouda and Joe Cole should be the left and right midfielder respectively. I’ve already explained why I’d not choose Robben, but he can still be tried out for a short period of time in the second half. You’ve heard it here in bluchampions, loud and clear, that Malouda is brilliant. he has the pace, power and muscle to make an impact. Premiership should suit him very well. Playing in front of the one of the best left backs in Premiership, should be comforting Malouda.
Joe Cole should get picked ahead of SWP (well that’s anyday) for this match, Joe Cole could be the man that makes the difference. Remember how he fooled around with the Man Utd back three in 2 seconds and blasted the goal in 2005-06 title winning match. Also, he is the guy that gets us free kicks from the defenders who can stand or understand his intriguing dribbles.
Mikel is reportedly in another discipline row with Jose. This time, it is on the pitch. Last year Jose publicly blasted Mikel for his indisciplined and even fined him for that. Then we saw a completely transformed player who in my books, was the man of the match in almost half of those matches he played. If he was ever over-shadowed it was only by Drogba and Essien, which is no shame at all. Now, having played very poorly in the last friendly he was subbed after 28 mins and Jose did not give him a warm welcome to bench. All this points to Mikel not starting on Sunday, knowing Jose, Mikel won’t even be on the bench.
In defence, it’s Terry and Carvalho in front of Cech. Ashley Cole would be the natural choice for left back. The right back role should go to Paulo instead of Glen Johnson, despite his better form because of Paulo’s richer experience of big matches. Paulo simply owned Ronaldo in the FA Cup final that he had to change his side in the second half. Well, I dont expect that every match from him. On Sunday, Ronaldo is going to be more fresher, fitter and faster.
With Cech in goal and Essien in central midfield, the fullbacks should unleash their attacking prowess. But I doubt if this would be the idea. Man Utd are very strong in the flanks and if we provide them space and time on the wings, that’d end up as anything. I don’t see Man Utd scoring from a centre attack. By all probabilities, their goal, if any, would be created on the flanks. That’s where Paulo and Ashley should have a good game to keep the red wingers at bay.
Now that Ashley is back, I want him to provide long balls to Drogba. The Ashley-Drogba partnership has some kind of chemistry that works at a high success ratio. I’m able to visualise this: Ashley gives a long ball to Drogba, he chests and controls and volley to Malouda on his right, who lobs it back to Drogba for a thundering header!
Sheva and Robben should be in the bench and can be called upon if Joe Cole runs out of gas in the second half. Malouda looks much more stronger and seems like a player that can play 120 minutes, just like Drogba and Essien. Also we should have Mikel, Glen Johnson and Cudicini on the bench but I doubt if they can be used.
After 90 minutes, community shield matches are decided by penalties and there won’t be any extra time. Won’t quite help Chelsea as we are the physically stronger team with more endurance and with every passing quarter, we get stronger than the opponent. Anyway, I want us to settle the game in 90 minutes.
On their side, they’ve got Tevez finally. But many reports say that none of the new signings - Tevez, Nani, Anderson, Hargreaves - are all expected to be let out for this match. That’s mean Rooney and Giggs upfront, with Ronaldo, Carrick and Fletcher in the midfield possibly joined by may be, Eagles. Their back four would be the same except Heinze, who could be replaced by Evra.
I expect to see goal(s) only in the second half. Fergie knows that Jose had Man Utd play our game in FA Cup finals. The Reds could not really play the way they wanted to. We controlled the game and we called the shots. This time, if Fergie wants them to play their game, we can be very dangerous on the break, with Malouda, Joe Cole, Drogba and Pizarro. It would be a very physically contested match.
A small recap of what happened when we met last:
Anyway, how much is this going to really matter to us? In the opinion poll inside a previous post, two-thirds of you had said that a win is nice, but you won’t be worried even if we lose. My feeling is that, we should win this match, in order boost our own confidence and start the season on a very strong note. On the other hand, if we lose I won’t suggest capital punishment for Jose Mourinho.
In Giorgio Armani suits, our guys might look like noble gentlemen but the reds will get no favours from us on Sunday. You know what, generally the team that wins the community shield does not go on to win the title (we won both in 2004-05). If that’s the bargain, I dont mind us losing the community shield, every year. On Sunday our squad will be better thn theirs on paper. But, if you ask me who are the favourites for this match, well the clue is, they won’t be wearing blue this Sunday. I’m falling asleep! Bye!
[tags]Chelsea, Manchester United, Man Utd, Community Shield, Charity Shield, Giorgio Armani, Malouda, Joe Cole, Pizarro, Chelsea vs Man Utd[/tags]
94 Comments
1. legushka
2. Cashif
What r u on? BC, appreciate all your doing here with this fantastic blog but get your head sorted, mate!
You think you’re Andy Grey, Hanson and Mystic friggin meg and all rolled into one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3. Cashif
Interesting breakdown of the Hd2hD though. We do have a bloody good record against the Mancs under Special J
4. bluewinner
Thank you for that. I hate all the bloody “beautiful football” rubbish some people spew. The only “beautiful football” to me is a Chelsea win. Very well said BC.
5. Adonis
Guys, I’ve been gone for a while, missed the discussions. Boy I can’t wait till tomorrow.
I’d like to see a second half where we maybe switch Joe Cole for Mikel and Malouda for Robben and play a 4-3-3. Maybe if we need a goal. But I’m loving our starting line-up.
6. Adonis
Chelseafc.com says:
“Frank Lampard had a further conclusive scan today on his injured toe.
It has now been confirmed that he has broken a toe and ruptured a tendon but this will not prevent him playing on Sunday.”
I’m pretty sure he’ll play.
7. Adonis
bluewinner, one thing’s for sure, our football has been more beautiful than theirs when we’ve played them 
Remember that 3-0 drubbing from two seasons ago that clinched our title? One of my favorite football memories 
But don’t expect a 3-0 victory tomorrow, it’s going to be more reminiscent of the last game we played–which wouldn’t be bad, except like BC said there’s no extra time. Straight to PK’s. Ouch, I can already see Manish and Joeblue’s comments… “Jose picks the worst penalty kickers on earth!!” And they’ll come up with some scientific formula to justify their reasoning of picking different players to shoot or a different order. Haha, no offense guys. It’s all in good fun.
8. joeblue
As i maintain and always will , my faith is with the church not the pope!!!
legushka/cashif - i dont mind that you disagree, but what is that you agree? which line-up in your opinion can win the match for us?
joeblue - same question to you. what are your views on tomorrow’s match. what’s your preferred lin-up and strategy for tomorrow. Let’s bring a discussion to the table.
10. CHELSEA 0708
I personally think we should play Robben rather than Malouda Much quicker player in a system when playing wingers. Alves would really add another dimention to this Chelsea side. Brasilian flair is essential to succeed in europe. Allthough it sad i really liked to see what glen johnson has to offer. I think we should play the 4 4 2 system with Sheva and Drogba upfront. Sheva has at least 2-3 seasons at a high level left in his legs. I truly believe after his operation over the summer he will really improve….
Enjoy the season ahaed everyone!!!
11. trublu
i too think malouda should play instead of robben. why to bother him when he’s considering his chanes with real. he wont give his 100% and he would be more concerned about not getting injured than playing well. it makes sense to keep him out. but it should be glen johnson at the right back he is a lot better than shaky paulo. 4-4-2 suits fine against a team of man utd’s calibre. if we want them to play to tunes, we should play 4-4-2 and if we want to take the game to them and beat them in their own game, we should play 4-3-3. mostly 4-4-2 for this game i believe. i remember jose’s speech to the players ahead of the FA cup final: “guys! you want enjoy playing the match or enjoy after the match?”. pure genius.
12. Mourofsame
4-4-2 for me guys. I will by and large stick with BC’s line up with a slight modification. I will take advantage of Lamps’ toe problems to rest him. Instead i will start essien and Joe Cole in midfield. anyday, i will start robben unless he is not fit but from Clark said, the guy trained great and he is a professional wiling to to let Chelsea improve his contract. Malouda on othe other flank, no question. i will start Sheva and Drogs and bring Piz later for a shock effect.
13. Mourofsame
When we need to all attack, Jose does it in a brilliant way. He takes off the two full backs, withdraws essien to the right, Terry in the middle, Riccy on the left and throws everyone into attack. That is the best attack when need be- this 3-2-5 with options for essien and riccy to join the attack is much more deadly than the any 4-3-3. but we do that only when we really need to go all out.
14. chelseaoncrack
apparently, schuster wants robben and ballck in a 34 million euro deal, personally i think we should take the money and get alaves. bc, great blog and i agree with your starting line up. Starting with Pizarro is better and also pizarro doesnt have the tag of “the great finisher” like schevas, he is much less selfish and will lay on some opportunities for the DROG.
15. joeblue
if we dont win this match then i doubt we can win anythin’ , Manure r without Scholes , Nani , Anderson , Neveille , Tevez , Smith-left , Heinze , wat more can we ask for????
Evra vs Joey
O’shea vs Malouda
Drog/Shev vs Vidic/Rio
Lampard vs Carrick
Essien vs Fletcher
This shld be a piece of cake , 2-0 to Chelsea!!!
16. Adonis
It’s obvious Johnson had a better preseason than Ferreira, but I agree with BC… based on the FA cup final, Ferreira gets the start ahead of Johnson because he shut C. Ronaldo down. And why not substitute him if he’s ineffective?? It’s not like we need to make any crucial substitutions… Maybe Robben for Joe Cole, and Mikel for Lamps (injury rest) so really we don’t have to make too many strategic changes, we can take the gamble with Ferreira and try him out for a bit then if he’s off, go with Johnson.
I missed the Pizzaro game but I could see from the highlights that his form is good… He deserves a start ahead of a hard working but unfruitful Sheva (sadly… I love the Ukrainian!)
I think you’ve hit it right on the head with this one, BC… Great formation
17. Adonis
Wow… Joeblue OPTIMISTIC?! Good to see,mate!
2-0 would suit me just fine
18. Mourofsame
What if Jose starts with Piz and sheva upfront and brings along the terror later to come and cause his usual dread- drogs I mean. That would give us an indication of what happens from January when Drogba leaves.
19. Adonis
WHOA… The Guardian reporting a 23.6 mil pound bid for Robben by Real. With Clarke saying he doesn’t expect “significant changes” in our squad, you never know whether one player moving is a “significant change…” Which reminds me… what’s up with Diarra??
20. Adonis
No, Mour… that would be a chance wasted… When Sheva comes in (hopefully) for Pizzaro, all the defenders are going to be exhausted from the two powerful forwards they’ve had the displeasure of defending for around 60 minutes… Sheva is better used as the sub than Drogba. Besides, why would you want to play the best player (form) of both teams for a third of the match??
21. Mourofsame
Just watching on ESPN Press pass talking with Le Boeuf. Le Boeuf said it is strange that Mour is loved by both players who play and those do not. He says that is strange cos in his days, those who do not play do not like the coach. The secret, he asks- “am honest with all of them.”
By the way, controversial Tommy Smith just said that Malouda is going to be a real bomb for Chelsea. He says the guy is incredible.
22. Mourofsame
Diarra is staying Clark said. He said we are not selling to our rivals. gallas, he says, went only cos of ashley’s coming.
23. Adonis
There were quite a few doubters man, but Malouda has proved he can play. Let’s now see if he can string it for a whole season. Don’t get me wrong, I love the guy, and backed him to shine… but I also love Sheva and thought he’d score 30 goals. Let’s just hope he keeps his form.
24. Mourofsame
I agree Adonis. I was being controversial.
25. Adonis
Good, I’m glad about Diarra… I like him, he’s got a future. There’s this priceless video of the guys messing with him on youtube, you guys should see it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tjgqZHAPno
It goes to show… he really is just a kid! I mean, Geremi really could be his father
26. Adonis
I’m excited to see Tevez in red, too bad he’s not available… he’s going to be dangerous, and I would have loved him to come to Chelsea before we bought Pizarro (one z, two r’s–I just got it right)… Anyways, it’s always fun to see JT and Carvalho have a good striker on their hands. Then you can truly appreciate their art. And who doesn’t like a little better competition??
27. ashton
i like joeblue’s optimism at 2-0 but i agree more with BC’s assessment that man utd are the favourites, more based on the current form than on the team composition.
joeblue - what’s your formation and team for this match?
28. Mourofsame
Ballack, I believe will be shocking lots of doubters this season. That guy will show his true class when he has room in that central midfield to do what he knows to do best. last year, he found it too crowded. This year with two central mids, Ballack will prove himself.
By the way, this noise bout nani, anderson and tevez is starting to bore me. Nani? What is so special about him? He is no where near the class of young mikel. as for anderson, i will not even comment. No wonder he rotted on the bench throughout the copa after that one match when he started. after that batista, the arsenal reject benched him completely. Tevez? Give him alex and he will be asleep alnight. By the way, crespo had Tevez on the bench till Crespo went out of the tourney injured.
29. RomanHoliday
hey how abt some Manure bashing ? Poetic , hard-hitting ,funky,cheeky cheesy whatever type o’ bashing ,a general debasing and character assisinaton
30. Midfield_Decider
I’m expecting very interesting game on Sunday,
We lost last year to Liverpool and then we went to lose the title to Mancs.
In my opinion this is a must win for us.
Blue is a colour,
Football is a game,
Chelsea is my name
31. Midfield_Decider
I agree with BC’s formation and think that’ll be Jose’s starting 11 if Lamps is available.
I don’t say it is a bad formation, on the contrary, it is the one which comes first to mind ahead of this match, but if I were in jose’s shoes I would prefer this one:
……………………Cech………………..
Ferreira…..Carvalho…..Terry…..A.Cole…
…………………..Essien……………….
Robben…………………………..Malouda
………………….J.Cole………………..
…………..Drogba………Sheva………..
Now, me thinks Joe Cole is a type of player who can do the work in the central midfield better than Lamps if he plays there regularly. If Lamps is slightly injured we can experiment this.
As for Sheva, he plays much better and gets much more balls when he is supported with the likes of Robben and Joe Cole, not shooting Lamps.
If Sheva plays bad he can be susbtituted for Pizarro.
If Robben underperforms he should be substituted for SWP.
32. trublu
M_D this is the same diamond formation that did not give us enough width last season. there would be huge space across the pitch between robben and malouda, which could be exploited by manutd for counterattacks. they can easily get around essien with a couple of side changing accurate passes/lobs. and i think joe cole is not ideal for the tip role, as he nees time and space to make runs and thats his usp, thats where he excels. he’d be wasted if he is behind the strikers. robben on the right is only 3/4 of robben on the left. i’m sure he’s not in the right frame of mind to concentrate.
33. Midfield_Decider
trublu, last year we didn’t have width because we didn’t have our wingers. Instead we had two static heavy-weights Lamps and Ballack.
Ok, then:
………………………….Cech……………………
Ferreira…..Carvalho…..Terry…..A.Cole…
………………….…………Essien……………
……………J.Cole …………………………
Robben………………………..Malouda
………………………..Sheva……………….
…………Drogba……………………….
Now, as you can see, Joe Cole has a space in front of him untill he gives ball to Drogba ahead of him, to Sheva on the left ot to Robben on the right. Sheva too likes to keep the ball, so he has enough space in front of him too. I know this formation is too attacking but it can give flair, creativity and entertainment to our game.
I think, this selection and formation is worth trying, if not tomorrow then maybe against some easy opposition.
34. Midfield_Decider
Robben and Malouda can change places.
35. SH.IBRAHIMI
…. Cech …..
.. Ferreira… …. Terry …. …. Carvalho ….. A.Cole
….. Essien ……
…J.Cole….. …..Lampard
…Robben/SWP…. …. Malouda …..
…. Drogba …..
36. Midfield_Decider
………………………………….Cech…………………………..
Ferreira……..Carvalho………..Terry……..A.Cole…
………………….………………Essien……………………..
…………………..J.Cole ……………………………………
Malouda………………………………..Robben..
……………………………………..Sheva………………….
………………….Drogba…………………………………..
Now, as you can see, Joe Cole has
37. Midfield_Decider
…………………………………Cech…………………………..
Ferreira…….Carvalho………..Terry……..A.Cole…
………………….……………Essien……………………….
…………………..J.Cole ……………………………………….
Malouda………………………………………..Robben..
……………………………………..Sheva………………….
………………….Drogba……………………………………..
38. joeblue
hell i aint a pessimist , bringer of death waitin for apocalypse , infact i live life to the full , i can make fun of anythin’ lol!!!
enough idle gossip!!!!Time for buisness!!!
Initial 11(solid and steady , dont go gung-ho)
—————–Cech—————-
Ferreira——-JT—–RC———-Cole
—————-Essien—————–
——Lampard————Joey——–
———–Drogba—–Sheva——-
Defensive 11 if we score 2 0r more(great for counters)
———————Cech——————
Ferreira————JT——RC———A.Cole
————Essien———–Mikel——–
——————Lampard/Sidwell———–
——————-Joey C———————
————Drogba——–Pizarro————
Flair 11(either to bury them or if need be score goals)
——————-Cech—————–
Ferreira———-JT——Carvy——Cole
——————Essien—————–
—–Lampard————–Mikel———
——-Joey—————–Malouda——
—————-Drogba——————–
39. Mourofsame
Midfield_Decider:
That exactly the formation i mentioned earlier in my post. I honestly Jose should take advantage of lamp not being in peak condition to try this. This is the perfect opportunity to signal to lamps that every position must be fought for. In pre season, lamps has been one of those who were below par. Jose hopefully will do that. Sheva ahead of Piz purely because its important for him not to feel he has already dropped into third position in teerms of the pecking order.
40. ashton
joeblue i’m surprised that you’ve put Lampard in all your formations. strange for someone who hates lampard, or that’s the impression i got.
and you know what, the game is not as easy as 2-0 like you say. it would be a lot tougher. only rooney and ronaldo matter, others just have find them.
41. Anonymous
ashton dude we hav no other option , no Robben for me , no Ballack either so who do we put in???
and football is a team game , u need 11 top class players to win a match , Manure hav O’shea at RB , who is not , nor is Evra very good at defending at left , wat abt Fletcher and Carrick???? nope , if we kno how to get to their weakness dude they hav no chance , 3 players cant win a match all by themselves , since i hav heard the team news , nah no chance , but i still wont underestimate them , so that solid line-up , to clean them off completely!!
42. Anonymous
the above comment was by me………….joeblue
43. bigbadblue
44. bigbadblue
JUST HOW MANY OF THESE PLAYERS ARE INJURED???
45. bigbadblue
JB, YOUR INITIAL 11 HAS ONLY 10 PLAYERS…IS ANYONE STARTING WITH RED CARD OR ARE WE THAT HARD HIT BY INJURIES?
46. ashton
mate bigbadblue
for global peace, don’t use all capitals in your comments.
chelsea 2-1 tomorrow!!
47. Peter jones
Manure have too many injuries especially scholes and hargreaves plus saha who scored against us so we are the favourites with no injury problems go blues!
48. SH.IBRAHIMI
2-0 ( Essien,J.Cole)
49. Anonymous
for a change, someone other than drogba should score. like ibrahimi said it could be essien, joe cole or malouda or even terry. pizarro can also open his account for chelsea.
50. troy
cool it guys! it’s just the community shield . . .
51. Adonis
It IS just the community shield, but it’s also a match of bragging rights, a match to see which team had the better preseason, and the first meeting of at least three between the two best teams in the league. It’s important because of the psychological edge it’ll give us, and in the same way not too important if we lose. It’s a win-win… We can say it’s meaningless if we lost and wouldn’t be lying, and it’d be (in our minds, anyways) the first of five trophies if we do win.
52. Peter jones
Adonis ‘first of 5 tropies’?
53. Adonis
1. Community Shield
2. Carling Cup
3. FA Cup
4. Barclay’s Premier League
5. Champions League.
As I said, in our minds it would be the first of (up to) five trophies. And why not believe in your team enough to think they can win them all?
54. Adonis
Joeblue… for your formations, you CAN replace Lampard with Mikel, if you don’t want to start him. But I haven’t seen too much of Mikel, I don’t know how his form is.
55. Maysam
Midfield_Decider : that’s the strangest formation that i have ever seen , Chelsea without a play maker while two of the best
with that predicted line up we will loose
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