[HR][/HR]Chelsea vs. Corinthians16th December 2012 After Thursday's attacking display against Monterrey, Chelsea now have the chance to earn their first silverware of the season in Japan, on Sunday morning. They face the Brazilian 'giants' Corinthians after winning their semi final against Egypt's Al-Ahly. In the last month of what has been a truly fantastic year to be a Chelsea fan, the Blues can cap off the season with a moral boosting lift in form. Divisive manager Benitez can win over some critics with what could be his second victory in this competition after winning with Inter in 2010. After all, who wouldnât want to be crowned 'World Champions'. November and December have always been a tricky time in our clubs recent history, this year proving to be no exception with a disappointing drop in form, resulting in the expulsion from the Champion's League in the group stages. However, a recent run of three victories in succession has seemingly boosted the team, despite there being fairly weak opposition. The Club World Cup then can hopefully push the boys onto further things in the New Year with the final stages of the League Cup, the Prem League and our stalwart the F.A. Cup. Probable line-ups: CORINTHIANS Cassio Alessandro, Chicao, P Andre, F Santos Paulinho, Ralf Danilo, Douglas, Emerson Guerrero CHELSEA Cech Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Cahill, Cole Mikel, Luiz Mata, Oscar, Hazard Torres Corinthians are bringing 20,000 fans, but on paper Chelsea should have the class to out-perform on the day. Torres's five goals in three games, Luiz's new found position and the trio of Mata, Oscar and Hazard should see a victory Sunday morning. Here's to Chelsea, World Champions 2012-2013!
There is strong opinion in the papers today that Ramires will be back to partner Mikel and David Luiz will drop to the back 4! Barmy I know but thats what those in the know are saying!
I'm good with that. Luiz can have another run out in midfield at Leeds maybe. It's a long hard trip and maybe he wants to rest Ivan or Cahill.
I would like to see Luiz stay in midfield, however if he goes back 4 that's fine by me. Think Ramires will have a big part to play against his countrymen. Good luck to Chelsea, I'll be glued from the off.
Total utter lunacy from Coco. Lampard and Ramires in midfield, Obi Mikel dropped, Oscar dropped, Luiz back to defence. Lampard will NEVER run our midfield, too old, too slow, no vision. We will be over run in midfield. Jesus wept!!!!
How did the first half go? Corinthians hit the woodwork.........normal Chelsea luck especially as also an own goal in the semi.
everything's been too slow. And now that we go 1 down on comes Oscar. If this is to be won we've got to gamble and first get lampard off. Move Luiz up he looks like this matters to him
wrong set up from the start. CP got it right. with Lamps on too slow. Moses was poor too and Torres was sh1t
So, whatever we said about a two game rejuvenation, that's yet another game that Torres has cost us. No support left anywhere. I know it's just the CWC but seriously, it's still a trophy. Are we going to have to use the Super Cup excuse that it meant more to the other team?
Christ - that was frigging toothless. We really really really need 2 or 3 strikers in January. Torres - absolute donkey. Hopefully that was Frank's last match for us; forgot he was playing most of the second half. Great player for us but he has done his time. Moses; just not up to top flight football. Benitez - first sub' way too late; we were crap first half and came out and played exactly the same game in the second until their goal prompted the substitution. Thought this guy was supposed to be a tactical genius? Ramires/Luiz/Hazard were best for us today.
