Must win for us surely. City have been unpredictable but we dont want to give them a chance to make up any points or us, also Arsenal have appeared on the horizon aswell, though I have to think we are too far ahead now for them to make a realistic challenge. That could all change if we keep dropping points though. Our away form has been better than our home form of late, so I would have to go for a 0-3 Chelsea win to make up for our mediocre results of late.
As Cahill said in the week, we really need a big performance and result to put us back on track. Far far too many tight games and dropped points of late, coupled with the European exit. Was hoping there would have been a reaction at the weekend but didn't really happen. Even had we nicked it, it would have been another very narrow win. We need not just a win, but a decent performance and ideally a 2 or 3 goal cushion. Last thing we want is going to Loftus with the team doubting themselves; as that will be a very tough game. 4 points minimum needed from these 2, but really 6 to put down a marker. Given how we're playing, I'm now glad our game in hand isn't until end of April. Gives us some time to sort ourselves out.
Agree with all of this. I want to see a performance, like the one we had at Swansea a few weeks back. Maybe a tad complacent in recent weeks, I expect a 2-3 goal win here.
My team would be Courtois Ivan - Zouma - Terry - Luis Ramires - Matic Cuadrado - Willian - Hazard Costa Fab, Oscar and Dave need a rest, whilst I'm always happier seeing Zouma at centre back with his pace to cover Ivan and Terry either side of him. Cahill was awful in the reverse fixture and lucky to stay on the pitch. Luis and Cuadrado, £42M they cost, they need to be getting some games. love to see Willian in his shakhtar role through the middle. Without the ball he will chase it down, with the ball his quick feet and burst of pace will get him away from the likes of Livermore and Meyler. This side would be built to counter very well with Ivan, Luis, Ramires, Willian, Hazard and Cuadrado offering pace on the break. I wouldn't mind seeing something from Cuadrado, he needs to prove his worth, poor Salah been magnificent for Fiorentina.
I'd play Ake instead of Ramires and also rest Ivan who's looking weary, and play Dave in his proper position for once. Dave's not been great but he's not as out of form as Oscar and Fab. Hazard can't keep playing every game and getting hammered either, Jose has some selection problems to ponder before he puts half our team in the knackers yard.
I'd play the same team as above. I've wanted to see willian behind the striker for a while, he's so quick and is always willing to defend too. They're on decent form but i reckon we will edge it.
I want to see Hazard play centrally but having let Schurrle go we don't have a natural replacement really. Perhaps Luis at left midfield? However I'd like to see Courtois Dave Zouma Terry Luis Ake Matic Cuadrado Hazard Willian Costa With a lot more rotation between the advanced midfield 3 then we are currently seeing. Hazard needs more space to run riot as he's constantly doubled up on out wide and not getting enough over lapping support from the full back (presumably because Jose is shackling Dave / he's on his weaker side). Maybe Fabregas in for Ake but he has been struggling recently. We certainly need to mix things up. Part of me thinks we should stick 2 up front and really have a go as well, but I know it wont happen!
I'd like to think so but on the other hand, the subs at the weekend hardly covered themselves in glory. It's maybe too late in the season to mix things up too much as a lot of these fringe players haven't played that much. Still needs a core of 7-8 players.
i sprained my ankle celebrating di matteo's fa cup goal, and i did my knee in proper legging it across the garden when we went two up against the spuds in the final the other week. When southampton equalised last weekend i actually had a mini asthma attack and had to use my inhaler for the first time in ages. hence i think i might just go fishing every match day between now and the end of the season, really am not enjoying it.
Poor finish from Hernandez helps, Good position from Thib!! 2 cracking goals - 0-2 come on. go for it - don't take foot off!! Need 3 or more to give Cahill cushion.
Matic is shattered with the load (JT & Cahill) he had to carry! Ivan is sleep walking - poor soul. Too late & too little!!
