I know Chelsea are in good form, but today's victory against Wigan was anything but routine. If we have a go at them like we did at Bolton today then we can win this, no doubt about that. Not sure about starting Kaka against them though, he seemed a little quiet today. Let's hope the Pog is fighting fit.
By the way, I'll make a match thread on our board at some point tonight or tomorrow morning so feel free to join in
Cheers Drogs. I also think this is winnable, but as per usual I'll be happy with a draw and a good performance. No predictions from me!
My initial feeling is 2- 1 to us. Yes they are a much better outfit under Di Matteo, who I have to say is the first good choice of manager they have chosen since Mourhinho, but they do look shaky defensively. We seem to have found dome solidity at the back again. Murph's must have been rested for this game and so will be back fit and rested and hopefully Pog will fighting fit. I really look forward to these games, anyone know if it is being televised ?
We've won 8 of our last 10 games in a fixture congested run. So yes, I'd personally say we are in good form despite not playing well in most of those games.
Think Murphy will be back as he only missed out on the Bolton game with the flu. That could be vital in determining whether we get anything from the game. If we play like we know we can and attack them like we did in the two games we have played against them already this season I think we will win it. Pog is still out I think, so Dempsey up top with Duff Frei and Kaca behind or else Trotta up top with Dempsey Duff and probably Trotta in the 3. I'm hopeful of a 2-1 win.
If Pog is out I can see Dempsey up top with Kaka, Duff and Dembele behind him, with Diarra and Murphy in central midfield.
I think we've got a chance against them, but I wouldn't go so far as to tip us to win (realistic enough for you, Bandy?) As ever in games against the biggest clubs, we're expected to lose these games so anything we get is a bonus. That said, we've got a real chance, especially if the Pog is fit to play. I'd keep Kacaniklic in the side to run at their full-backs.
Okay, everyone needs to get rid of this 'Bandit is pessimistic' nonsense. I'm a realist. If Ruiz doesn't play well I see it as 'he needs to get his arse into gear' not a 'give it time' scenario. When I think we can win, I will say so. I predicted us a win yesterday away from home and we did, what's pessimistic about that? Duff, Hughes, Kelly and Dempsey were outstanding. The rest were rock solid, apart from Ruiz who was not at his best. I really struggle to see where people get this pessimistic nonsense from.
I also think we will get something from the Chelsea game, I'd like to predict a win but we never do against Chelsea. I'll say 1-1 with Clint atoning for his late penalty miss against them.
