Well, this is a tough one, away to the team at the top of the league, some of whose fans are griping that Lukaku isn't scoring enough goals (first-world problems). This is definitely the kind of game which Hughton would have aimed to lose 2-0. I'd definitely expect the same formation and an unchanged team, injuries permitting. This is a much greater challenge than Burnley or Brighton, though, and should be a good test of whether our defensive improvement is real or just the result of playing two teams who don't score many goals. If I'm still around to create the next match day thread, I might even begin to get hopeful. P.S. I'd like to invite any passing Chelsea fans to join in this thread, although I suspect this site already has plenty of pensioners).
I wonder if we might drop a striker in favour of a number 10, most likely Sargent, not completely due to his misses against Brighton, but in favour of a bit more creativity and link between midfield and attack. A number 10 with a bit more license to stay forward, playing more like a shadow striker could be beneficial. Dowell/Cantwell could both suit this in my opinion, both can press the defence in partnership with Pukki but in possession play slightly deeper than Sargent to help receive and carry the ball forward or play balls through for Pukki.
Good idea Suffolk I don’t see Farke moving away from the team that has kept us from conceding for 180 minutes though
I think he'll stick too, both our strikers work their socks off defensively, Dowell or Cantwell would appear more of a luxury. Maybe not the game to go with either. Though I think it could improve us going forward. Bah!
Live on BT Sport. Usually a good stream on Mygoaltv when BT shows the game. I will post a link, when I have one.
Great thread GozoCanary, I'm fully expecting a massive pumping and the German coach to come out afterwards praising Farke for his achievements in getting us promoted style of play , plucky little Norj etc. We have halted the record breaking run of losses mainly due to our change of formation and the inclusion of Kabak and Norman . Sargent looks like the most likely to score despite his howler last week with an open goal. A 0-0 would be amazing anything more than that and I will be tipping us to survive. In quality terms we are looking at a top of the range Audi supercar vs an Aldi employees second hand VW Passat but those football Gods surely have to help us out eventually. We may have only scored 1 goal in open play and sitting on a miserable 2 points but at least we proved in the last 2 games that we don't look out of place at this level .
Chelsea have lost both Lukaku and Werner tonight to injury before half time against Malmo in the Champions League. Still appear well in control though without them with nearly 75% possession and 11 shots, 4 on target. No indication of seriousness of injuries and whether it will benefit us in any way at all on Saturday!
Update on Chelsea injuries: https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/lukaku-werner-pulisic-chelsea-injury-21923159 Looks like both Lukaku and Werner could be out.
On the one hand, it’s not nice for players to get injured, but on the other hand we need every little bit of luck we can get (not that I really believe it will make much difference…)
We are not very good on early Saturday KOs (that's not an excuse we are just crap at them), but on the other hand IMO we are much more fluid up top with Havertz and CHO playing together. I like our chances on Saturday but I've no doubt Norwich will cause us problems.
Personal problems? We aren't allowed to speculate but, I'm guessing he's pissed off Farke about a contract extension and pushing for a January move. Farke said Dowell was chosen over him because he works hard in training. If Tod isn't even training he may have been given the Oliviera, Drmic Leitner treatment.
https://www.pinkun.com/sport/norwic...niel-farke-todd-cantwell-chelsea-snub-8433712 Sounds like we won’t be seeing Todd on the pitch for at least 2 weeks. Farke questioning his work ethic in training by the sounds of this.
Yep, pretty damning. Barely even subtle. The report about Dowell training harder was also pretty clear too.
