Home game alert! D-W-L-W-D-L. The last home game was a disappointing defeat to Arsenal. Now we have chance to get back to winning ways against out-of-form West Ham. We’ve got a fit squad that can beat any team, obviously, West Ham included. I’ll go mad if we drop points against West Ham at the Bridge after all the recent fiascos.
This weekend is also very crucial because Chelsea’s three points are much more achievable than that of our rivals. Man Utd and Arsenal travel to play Middlesbrough and Tottenham respectively. Liverpool hosts Hull City. I think, surely some of our rivals would drop points this weekend.
Before I proceed further, quick words on two fantastic matches this weekend in Europe. Don’t miss the el clasico tonight. Barcelona vs Real Madrid at 9 pm UK. I hope for a draw. I don’t want Barca to win. They need to be brought down to earth. I don’t want Madrid to win for their backstabbing on the Robinho deal. I’m rooting for Valencia to win this la liga. Or even Sevilla. Or Atletico. Or Getafe. Anyone but Barca/Madrid. But there’s no denying that the el clasico would be a great treat for a neutral. There’s no better rivalry in Europe than this one. I’m very excited about this match! 2-2 with a couple of red cards. Also this Sunday night 7:30 pm UK, Juventus plays AC Milan. Hoping for a draw here too. 2-2 again with half a dozen red cards.
Back to England. Big debate of the week has been Scolari’s comments on Drogba and Anelka. I thought Scolari’s comments were unwarranted. When asked about Drogba, he need not have spoken about Anelka. See, Drogba scored a fantastic goal the other day and he scored the winner that confirmed our progress in champions league. That was Drogba’s day and he stole the show with his 30 minutes. I don’t know why was it so difficult for Scolari give Drogba the credit that he deserved, without talking about Anelka. May be his intention was noble. May be he wanted to comfort Anelka but given his command of the English language, he should refrain from making such comments which can be understood in many ways.
My verdict is clear and you know it already. In my eyes, Drogba is in a different planet than Anelka. When both are available and if I have to choose only one, I would grab Drogba in the blink of an eye. Anelka has been scoring the goals and a few of them have been really sublime. Even with the benefit of this hindsight, if Drogba and Anelka were available for all the matches, I’d have taken Drogba. I have full confidence that Drogba would have also scored all the goals that Anelka scored and probably would have scored even more. Nevertheless, Anelka is the Barclays Player of the Month and I think he thoroughly deserved it. His interview in the club website is very impressive.
Of course, when you play you try to do your best on the pitch and I am playing in a good team, and I think that it is working for me. It’s important because you need to be happy in your football and your life so I’m glad. We have a lot of big players and they know me better than last year, how to give me the ball and how I play and that’s why I’m in good form. I hope I will score more goals than now, but this is not the most important thing for me. That is Chelsea, to win something in the end of the season and I will try to do the same and hope I will win something.
I’m impressed Nic. The next thing I expect from you is to forge a great partnership with Chelsea’s No.1 striker Didier Drogba. After Drogba scored against Cluj, the PA said ‘welcome back Didier Drogba, we’ve been missing you’. May be it might have irked Anelka but let’s cut the crap. It’s like comparing Adebayor and Henry at Arsenal. Add to that, Drogba is still very effective.
And now, Scolari need not have a dilemma because we can play 4-4-2. In fact, a 4-4-2 is not a compromise, this would be the most optimum formation to use now. If we have both Drogba and Anelka upfront, we will have a very potent attack which is what we have been missing all along this season. Drogba can be both a striker and a centre forward, and can complement with any striker. It’s quite difficult to contain a player like Drogba, especially in his current form. He also has a very good partnership with players like Lampard, Ballack and Joe Cole.
After a long time, we have a selection headache in the midfield. We have got Lampard, Mikel, Ballack, Joe Cole, Deco and Belletti all fit and available. I would pick Lampard and Mikel no matter what. Only the other two places are for contention, with Ballack, Deco and Joe Cole vying for them. I’d start Ballack and Joe Cole and then bring on Deco for Ballack or Joe Cole in the second half. In defence, we should bring in Ivanovic alongside Terry.
So, this is my team for the West Ham match:
Petr Cech
Bosingwa Terry Ivanovic Ashley Cole
Mikel
Joe Cole Ballack Lampard
Anelka Drogba
We’ve been struggling at home for three months and we have done nothing to improve. Scolari’s claim that he does not have those kind players is a weak argument. When JM said that the omlette would depend on the quality of eggs, there was a big roar on that comment. Some even said that it was the last straw. What Scolari says now is pretty much the same. If he was interviewed in Portuguese, he might have given you a similar expression.
On June 30, when Deco was signed, Scolari had Lampard, Ballack, Essien, Mikel and Makelele. It was his choice to further strengthen the already strong midfield contingent instead of buying a winger or a striker. Well, you can say that he was hoping to get Robinho and the club failed to land him. If he was such a dearth of talent, he could have given more chances for Franco di Santo or Scott Sinclair. Scolari seems to be risk-averse. I’m not saying we need to start these players every match. When you see that some players are unbelievably poor and we are suffering because of their performances, there’s no harm in trying out a di Santo or Sinclair or even a Stoch.
I can accept no reason or excuse not to take three points with this team against an out-of-form West Ham at Stamford Bridge. BBC notes that West Ham have not taken a point off Chelsea since 2002-03. Man Utd, Liverpool and Arsenal would be losing points today while Chelsea would beat West Ham only tomorrow. We should beat them 3-0. Lampard is due a goal. It’d be great to see a Lampard brace against West Ham! Hope this weekend belongs to us!
57 Responses - Add your comment!
. Petr Cech
.Bosingwa Terry Ivanovic Ashley Cole
. Mikel
. Joe Cole Deco Lampard
. Anelka Drogba
SUB: Ballack,Kalou,Malouda,Alex,Cudicini,Ferreiera
Chelsea 2-0 West Ham
good work
why do chelsea wants to sell ivanovic and try to force Alex to stay?
Because if they sell Alex, Scolari will have only 7 Portuguese speaking players(if we do not count Mineiro) to talk to.You will agree with me that it would be a huge handicap.Also it is almost certain that Ivanovic will leave in January.Juventus,Milan and Inter are interested.
If you understand Italian:
LONDRA (Gb), 9 dicembre 2008 – José Mourinho all’attacco del Chelsea. O meglio, dei suoi giocatori. Ma questa volta l’obiettivo del tecnico che meglio di ogni altro fece a Stamford Bridge non è il pupillo Didier Drogba, bensì il difensore Branislav Ivanovic, arrivato a Londra giusto un anno fa di questi tempi dalla Lokomotiv Mosca per 9 milioni di sterline (10,3 milioni di euro) ma mai davvero inseritosi in Premier League, visto che in dodici mesi è partito titolare appena 4 volte. A detta del “Daily Star”, il 24enne capitano della Serbia interesserebbe molto anche Milan e Juventus, ma l’Inter potrebbe contare su una corsia preferenziale grazie a Dejan Stankovic, connazionale di Ivanovic nonché suo compagno in Nazionale.
To set this clear. I like Chelsea but i like our extra talented player more.
we definately should beat west ham no questions asked and hope our other rivals drop some major points…lets see what happens…1
nobodys going anywhere….people who beleive gossip , in whatever language they find it are silly and should be ignored
Wow, i wonder why they didnt choose you blue champion as coach of chelsea instead….since you have an opinion on just about everything
ivanovic probably wont go anywhere because he is performing well. I cant see chelsea selling any first teamer’s because they will be important near the end of the season.
how is scolari saying he doesnt yet have the players he wants or needs a weak arguement? since your throwing around exspressions , ever heard of this one? “you cant make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear”? In other words you cant make quality products using bad quality materials….. and just because something is expensive doesnt neccessarily make it GOOD…( FOR EG> AMERICAN AUTOMAKERS!)
Tim….. I would bet my house that Ivanovic is going to leave Chelsea in January, As for you calling me silly only because i quoted Gazzetta dello Sport (the most respected Italina sport newspapers)article…. Well it speaks volumes about you, not about me.
My team:
Petr Cech
Bosingwa Ivanovic Terry Ashley Cole
Joe Cole Mikel Lampard Malouda/Kalou
Drogba Anelka
This straightforward 4-4-2 keeps our opportunities for Drogba and Anelka to play together whilst maintaining width with Kalou and Joe Cole, as I thought BC’s diamond formation was too narrow. When teams are parking the bus, like West Ham almost certainly will this weekend (if we get 3-0, I will be extremely happy), it’s much more difficult to get through the centre than down the sides. A balance is necessary, and Bosingwa particularly can’t do everything down that side by himself.
Before anyone asks, Mikel will be staying back automatically. He is not playing any more forward than usual in this formation.
bro 1 arsenal 1 at fulltime=)
pool 0 hull 1 ten min into the game, come on hull….
liverpool 0 hull 2 (21 min into the first half)….come on hull hehe
Third london derby of the season for us at home. We have drawn the first against a team , which even the relegation designates defeated.. Against the second, we played hopeless football..
lets see how we perform in the third one ..
it is the return of two Chelsea legends – Zola and Steve Clarke . Having worked with LFS, Steve Clarke may know training methods etc .and lets see the Chelsea response.
With Most of the players back except Essien and I hope LFS would execute his Plan B and Essien should be part of his Plan C..
WE HAVE TO BEAT WEST HAM 3:0 TO GET BACK TO THE TOP.
HATS OF FOR THE HULL CITY . I LIKE THEIR TEAM A LOT THEY GOT 4 POINTS AT EMIRATES AND ANFIELD.
ft-hull 2-2 liv
Serbin, I stand by my comment…you are silly because Gazzeto dello sport is a load of trash. And people who read that are…well…you seem a smart boy, ill leave you to figure it out.
Serbin, get ready to lose yer farm then matey!!!
gazetto dello sport is a rag, best left to wiping ones bottom with….
LOL Liverpool & Arsenal dropping it like is hot (the points). So on resume, tomorrow its our chance. Lets set some distance between. A draw its not acceptable. the other don’t even think about it.
MUST WIN. Manu Draw Go Spurs. Keep dropping it like its HOT.
Scolari must go and FUCK him self if he can not beat westham tomorrow,
BECAUSE ARSENAL/LIVERPOOL/MAN UT DRAW AND WE HAVE TO WIN.
What a weekend it’s been. ManU, Liverpool and Arsenal all dropping points.
Just watched a Spurs vs United game. Terrific performance by Spurs. H.Gomes has been underperforming since his move from PSV. Today he had an outstanding game. Zokora and Dawson were great.
So, there we have a chance to top the table.
About hour left to see the biggest football game in the world.
LFS – This is the best chance to go back to the top and more importantly take an important lead over Man U going to the busy christmas period.. Man U don’t play next week and you will not get a more better chance that this..
Firstly, it will be great that Zola and Clarke are coming to Stamford Bridge. They should be honored and welcomed as the former heroes they are. I became a Blue (and real football fan) the season after he left. But, I’m aware of his impact. Clarke was a fine coach and ought to be a manager somewhere in the near future.
Secondly, I doubt if any Chelsea player is going anywhere in January. Both Ivonich and Alex have seen a good deal of playing time since Riccy got injured. I’m not believing the hype one way or the other.
For Scolari not to play a 4-4-2 is sheer madness! Drogs has a power and presence that we have been missing up front. Anelka has proven his worth more than expected. There is no reason why they can’t be on the pitch at the same time.
CHELSEA 3 WEST HAM 0
I think complacency is going to be the biggest enemy tomorrow. We already knew that the liverpool and manu drew ( … i dont bother about arselol now a days, they are gone, kicked out of top 4), so its a huge chance for us to go on to the top of the table again only if we dont get complacent and punish west ham. Anelka to score a brace.
today been a good day bein a chelskifan hehe
I was really impressed wit the way boro played in the first half agains arsenal. that nationalteam player for boro is nice.
Tigers are badboys damn, they play wit a swagger its is really awesome to witness. and that on the road agains lpool. But liverpool have this waves it keeps sending at you like everytime they get the ball, atleast that was the case in the first half.
Man u vs spurs, well it was an uptempo game, but am amazed that they actually struggle to score goals. they have been really poor lately.
I expect to be really glad by this time tomorrow evening!
@25. johnarejr
I agree wit you, I dont think they will be much action when the transfer window opens, and as our ass-coach said, if anyone wanna buy some of our players since they are worldclass it will cost them lots and lots of money. thats a way to scare everyone away lol
aite blue mates lets do wat we do best, top the table tomorrow!
http://www.veetle.com/viewChannel.php?cid=481e97808da07
el classico…
Drogba was to win back the EPL and win the CL and he is extremely committed to the cause!!! I think that will be the difference in our team!! also if Drogba lease Orlando Sa will most likly be his replacement
Quoting T€ðð΀
Thanks for the link.. What a finish by Messi, the best footballer on the planet
My team:
————–Cech————-
Bosingwa-Alex-Terry-A.Cole
———–Mikel————–
—-Lampard-Ballack———
J.Cole—————Deco/Kalou
——–Anelka/Drogba—–
Strikers change at halftime.
messi is a midget ,,,,c.ron is better and kaka is STILL the finest soccer star on the planet
I second that….KAKA is head and shoulders above the rest
Quoting pat
Lol!! Thats the worst judgement i have seen for years, Messi[dona] is far ahead in skill or character than the diver ‘Ronaldo’ and Kaka. Kaka is good, but Messi is just awesome. Most of the teams fear Messi and end up empolying negative tactics and inure him. thats why he gets inured . did you see real today? i have seen atleast four or more attempts to injure him [ read deliberate tackles...] . This is the fact, C ronaldo might have been doing well only bcos he plays in EPL, which on many accounts delivers more fair play than la liga or serie a. I challenge cr7 to go to serie a and win ballon d’or like kaka did. i dont say that he does not play well. he plays well, may be i have to admit better than all the individual chelsea players, but when compared to messi, he is nowhere. He already got owned in the CL semifinal last year, so what is left to prove. he has just gone worse this year , thanks to his arrogance. I bet if SAf is not gonna sell him next year, i will not blog here.
@ BC and your post,
I dont know what you think of saying Barca not to win, they have to win la liga and it will only help chelsea. I a’int a fortune teller but look at the statistics of the last seven seasons or so…
1. Real wins La liga, Manu wins premier league
2. Barca wins la liga, Chelsea wins premier league
3. Valencia wins la liga, Arsenal wins premier league
2000-01 Real Madrid Manchester United
2001-02 Valencia CF Arsenal
2002-03 Real Madrid Manchester United
2003-04 Valencia CF Arsenal
2004-05 FC Barcelona Chelsea
2005-06 FC Barcelona Chelsea
2006-07 Real Madrid Manchester United
2007–08 Real Madrid Manchester United
do you think its just a coincidence? A coincidence that happens eight times or surely is it some script written by the unseen.
Ok, forget the statistics, forget EPL, let the the scouse scum win EPL, let the pattern be broken, but theres no denying of the ‘fact’ that barca will win la liga this year. I stand by this.
Barca and chelsea are enemies on the pitch but have same fortunes off the pitch. Thats why i dont want barca to face chelsea next round. i dont fear barca, but i respect them and i hail messi.
and to add,
i dont believe and i dont care in the number of goals cr7 scored, the number of matches he got awarded man of the match, the number of times he wins balon d’or or the number of times he dives. i say bro,
just watch ten minutes messi and cr7, i will say messi owns cr7 straight from the heart with no second thoughts. for gods sake, dont compare messi with cr7. thats an insult.
testing the new Gravtar, with my photo. sorry, Terry, bye bye
kaka owns messi just like pele owns maradona…easy
Hahahahah. If Gazzetta dello Sport is rag, then what should we say about Sun which you have quoted on multiple occassions here? I mean… Abramovich offers Mourinho Ferrari to return to Chelsea….Hahaha.
By the way Tim, i am sure you can not read Gazzetta dello Sport even if you wanted to.
Quoting johnarejr
Well the best indication of how many matches Ivanovic has played is the fact that you can not even spell his name but you write Ivonich instead of Ivanovic.
I meant no disrespect Serbin. I just don’t see Ivanovic leaving the team this January.
I do like I vaovi but for all the money we paid for him, he isn’t quite up to scratch
ivanovic himself said he is going to take time to adapt but with limited appearances, it will take a while to achieve.
man utd, arsenal and liverpool all dopped points this weekend, we should look to take full advantage of this, i’d say 4-0 to chelsea with drogba, anelka, and lampard to score
I do like Ivaonvic but for all the money we paid for him, he isn’t quite up to scratch
ivanovic himself said he is going to take time to adapt but with limited appearances, it will take a while to achieve.
man utd, arsenal and liverpool all dopped points this weekend, we should look to take full advantage of this, i’d say 4-0 to chelsea with drogba, anelka, and lampard to score
We will see that. He is one of the best players in our NT,and is not getting a chance at Chelsea.It is logical that a player like him attracts interest from the greatest European teams. Also he said: I am satisfied at Chelsea as long as I play. He is not playing now,so…. You have Alcides, Alex, Carvalho, Terry….. You do not need Ivanovic. He will be better off at Inter or Juventus.
Poor Rajkovic also made a mistake when he signed for Chelsea. He will be moving from club to club for the rest of his career.
villa is now 4th!! and chelsea may go on top tdy
can i have link plzzzzzzzzz
Quoting tim`
you make me laugh dude!
Quoting brian
well said mate.. he is now going behind orlando sa ( 21 year old).. when press asked him if he will play franco di santos (19 years) , he said he is too young.. god knows if he even if he buys orlando sa , whether will he play next season. chelsea should sell scott sinclair, stoch , mancienne and kakuta .. probably top that with some millions and buy villa or some striker that lfs needs. these youngsters are wasting their future.
it was a sad sight on cl day 6, every big team played with youngsters – barca, arsenal etc .. but Scholari thinks our youngster can’t even start a Carling cup game .. It should be depressing for our reserve and youth players.
Again no Drogba starting today ????????
————————————————————————————————-
Cech, Bosingwa, Alex, Terry, Ashley Cole, Mikel, Deco, Ballack, Lampard, Joe Cole, Anelka.
Subs: Hilario, Ivanovic, Drogba, Bridge, Ferreira, Kalou, Belletti
———————————————————————————————–
BUYING ORLANDO SA HAD BEEN CANCELED . THEY ASK MORE MONEY,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
AND THIS IS WHY WE HAVE TO DEPEND ON OUR YOUNG PLAYERS . YOUNG PLAYERS BRING SPEED AND SPIRIT IN THE GAME , SINCLAIR/STOCH….. THESE ARE GREAT PLAYERS THAT CAN CHANGE THE GAME , WHY WE SHOULD BEG OTHER TEAMS TO GIVE US THEIR PLAYERS WHEN WE HAVE GREAT YOUNG PLAYERS . IT IS DEPEND ON SCOLARI TO BRING ON YOUNG GUNS .
HE PLAYED STOCH AND SINCLAIR VS ARSENAL AND LIVERPOOL WHEN WE WERE LOSSING AND HE DIDNT BRING THEM WHEN WE WERE 5:0 UP VS SUNDERLAND
http://www.veetle.com/viewChannel.php?cid=48cb03bd8ab18
come on blue
Drogba should have started today. This 4-1-4-1 with Anelka is nonsense. Why can’t Scolari play both in 4-4-2? To have a fit Drogba in the bench is such a criminal waste. No other team/manager will do this!
Scholari probably knows no other formation than 4-1-4-1.. He had drogba for more than a month now..
with the way , West Ham is negating Anelka, clearly we need a power full striker..
I think we need a good manager ….
ok we have 1-1 draw between westham…after drogba has come, game has changed…To quote someone, “Didier means goal and drogba means victory”
70 mins done.. Bring on Salomon Kaluo .. What is he waiting for . Deco is awefull today..