Match Day Thread Brighton at the Bridge

[StanDMan]

CP, Sandro is 3rd choice left back for Brazil and plays regularly as a LWB for Juve.
He may not replace Cahill but other poor player in our team Alonso.

That is why Conte was so desperate in the summer. Cos we didn't have any replacement for LB / LWB.

 

[The Ginger Marks]

CP, Sandro is 3rd choice left back for Brazil and plays regularly as a LWB for Juve.
He may not replace Cahill but other poor player in our team Alonso.

That is why Conte was so desperate in the summer. Cos we didn't have any replacement for LB / LWB.

How the **** is Alonso a poor player! With 5 goals and one assist And a 66% tackle success rate so far? In fact he has been one of our pivotal players. If he has any faults it’s his crossing could be better.

But we all get he is one of three players on your hate list along with Fabregas and Cahil and the constant slagging off of these players has become your sorry trademark. In fact one wonders if indeed you’re a Chelsea fan?

 

[Chelsea Pensioner]

CP, Sandro is 3rd choice left back for Brazil and plays regularly as a LWB for Juve.
He may not replace Cahill but other poor player in our team Alonso.

That is why Conte was so desperate in the summer. Cos we didn't have any replacement for LB / LWB.

I am aware of Sandros' situation, but Conte has been after him big time and looks as if it might happen. He is firstly a left back and I am in no doubt that's where Conte will use him. Personally I'd have kept Ryan Bertrand.
Alonso, far from being a poor player is now a regular among our top 3 or 4, with Hazard, Morata and Dave. He has been outstanding most of he year, his attack is excellent ,especially with Rudiger behind him and he scores. I am simply amazed that you consider him a "poor" player, when he is so obviously a big reason for our run of success.
He might have had a couple of poor runs in the past, but who doesn't? On a regular week to week basis this season, he has been outstanding.
Both he and Fabregas have turned around their poor form this year, seems you are alone in not being able to see that. Cahill on the other hand is not the player he was and needs moving on.So I agree with you 1/3 !!

 

[BobbyD]

Not sure about "surplus" but from where I sit Alex Sandro will hopefully replace Cahill, and Kenedy who should be Alonso rotation player right now, will soon be gone. Looks as if Luiz and Kenedy are 2 more Conte outcasts, and not for football reasons, so I think they might go, as will Willian who is too polite to say so, but seems to have had a bellyfull of Conte as well. Fabregas has another year in him, but is not a week to week proposition, so a reinforcement is needed there. Seems likely Bakayoko will remain, but he needs to come good by Xmas next year or out he goes. Wave goodbye to Michy for sure.
So by end of year I think we will lose, Luiz, Michy and Willian and possibly Cahill and Kenedy. There is always a chance that Courtois and Hazard will leave for Real/ PSG, but put that aside. Kenedy might be loaned out, but I think is likely to leave of his own accord.
Zouma can return to help out Christensen, and IF Sandro comes, we still look OK at the back with Rudiger in there with Dave.
Alonso needs a back up, midfield is desperate for a goer who can score, and we need a serious striker. That Roma midfielder with the tats and weird hair looks the type, just can't get the name, or Vidal.
January will be very interesting, but seasons' end looks fascinating with Conte in the mix to go as well.
Never dull at Chelsea.

Not a fan of Zoumas. Defensively he's solid but for me he is another Gary Cahill (well zouma maybe better) but he's too poor on the ball for a team that wants to be a ball playing side.

As for everyones synopsis about Alonso, he's a solid 8/10 performer. He's the sort of player you need to win championships, so consistent, good aerial presence and has a great free kick. His problem is his lack of pace and him being completely shut down by a physical winger who isn't afraid to get tight on him. I love the man as he's got a great work ethic, doesn't moan and is a selfless player. However, up against the best sides, he is the weak link yet at the same time against the smaller sides, he's an invaluable asset so really, not sure how i feel with him as a LWB long term as he's brilliant for what he is but lacks imo at the top level.

As for Fabregas vs Willian, i think everyone knows i think you can't play fab in a midfield 2 and i would personally try willian in the 2. However, that's never going to happen so Fabregas stays for the time being as our CM creative maestro should we need him (although i am currently very happy to have a midfield 2 of Danny/Baka and Kante)