Thfc, why did you post these stats? I know your the stat king yet no need to show off buddy LOL If its to highlight holtby and Defoe, then ive commented that they have been great against weak opposition, yet the quality of the opposition will determine how much space they get and no offence to villa reserves but Chelsea are in a different class.
The chelsea vs spurs midfield at the end of last season was so one-sided in chelsea's favour. We were lucky to get a 2-2. If we can turn that around a bit so its at least a contest then we have a chance. Still calling a draw though, which i would take.
You've got a different and more powerful midfield. Also Chelsea have a new manager and a new system they are trying to adjust to. I think this time it'll be different. A draw is a fair result, but Chelsea are definately beatable. Their defence particularly isn't quite up there yet.
I'm looking at form and you are one of the most inform teams in the league, and you'll be home. Chelsea look a bit vulnerable at the moment and Mourinho hasn't got the team the way he wants it to play. As a team unit you are looking like a solid unit. Only main issue for you is the creativity and attacking force coming together as one unit, at the moment it's looking a little disjointed. This is to be expected for the time being. So for me, a draw is a fair result for you, as far as the season stands.
I can't be sure whether he will start a PL game for us or not, but based on last night's performance I would suggest that if he did, he would not let us down.
Personally I think Chelsea are there for the taking. I know they can be dangerous with Mata (if played), Hazard, lamps and ramires. But they have not looked cohesive going forwards (much like us) but they have also no controlled games in the way we have. In the last few years we have actually had alot of possesion vs them, though this was largely down to us hogging the wings. For me Townsend is a must, as his pace and ability to break at speed should cause Chelsea to defend slightly deeper and not get on top of us. That should mean Torres/Etoo are isolated as they were vs Everton. Don't forget they also played quite a strong team last night, so both teams should be as fresh as each other. Having read peoples views on here I think I would go with: ------------Lloris (obvs)---------- walker---Daws---Kaboul---Verts ----------Dembele---Paulinho---- ----------------Eriksen---------- Townsend----Bobby---Gylfi------ I think this team with the chance for either Sandro, Defoe, Holtby, Lamela and Chadli to come on and change the game depending on if we are winning or losing is good. Bobby should get a chance, as every team so far (bar Arsenal but we were all over the place then) has just been set up to defenc. If he has more space and still doesn't impress, then Defoe can come on and start the next game (not sure whom that is against though). Townsend should cause Cole more problems, because cole is still great positionaly, but his speed is not what it was. Gylfi left wing as he is more of a goal threat than Holtby or Chadli atm. I have 100% faith in all positions bar Gylfi and Andros as they are inconsistant. Essay over!
If Chadli can be as direct and Creative as he has been vs Villa and Tbilisi then yeh I agree. I've not seen the guy that has been doing to many flicks and tricks, but I believe he must be there if you guys say it. I really want AVB to have a word with our wingers though to tell them not to cut in every single time, as it becomes very easy to read and defend. If they go round even just a hand full of times it will change the way teams have to defend and have them on the back foot occasionally as they were for Gylfi's goal vs Norwich and Paulinho's vs Cardiff. They are the goals Bobby should be gobbling up...nom nom nom
I don't think Lamela and Chadli need words, but Gylfi and Townsend do. Gylfi has a great strike on him so understandably tries to utilise it as much as possible. That is ok with Rose, but with right-footed Naughton is a mess. Townsend should be going outside sometimes, and not shooting quite so much because as dangerous as Walker seems he is not that great at crossing. Chadli before injury put in a lot of crosses and was creating chances for others. Lamela has shown he is willing to try and get in behind and wide (like Cardiff) and also put in croses.
Could give him the benefit of the doubt and say by "fair" he means "expected". On the other hand he's a Gooner, so let's not give it to him.
Yeh yeh whatever, you know what I mean. A draw would be the most probable result, but pushing for a win is very possible.
Lloris Walker Dawson Kaboul Vertonghen Sandro Paulinho Lamela Eriksen Holtby Soldado Rose in for Kaboul if fit, Sandro out for Moussa if not fit.
We could well see that sort of team performing by Christmas. What a side. Chadli for width as well and so many to come off the bench. Exciting times
