Well, the CL is one we really want to do well in, Jose has a "special" need as he did not win it with us when he probably should have. Certainly the team he had then was miles better than this one. We had defenders who were rock solid, a midfield with class and experience and we had Drogba. RDM managed a win with half that team past it, and the rest crocked or suspended. The team were prepared to die for RDM, they beat all the odds, not once, not twice but three times, so the pressure is really on Jose to get the team performing. RDM showed courage, playing Bertrand in midfield, while Luiz and Cahill, both injured, really stood up. This will be an interesting game in which Jose must reveal his hand, Safety first, or go for it ??? My bet is safety first, and I hope I'm wrong. I expect no flair, no risks, all the old guard starting, and a dull, workmanlike game we don't lose. So far Jose seems to be more concerned about not losing than he is about winning. Hazard is not playing his natural game and is spending his life on the sidelines surrounded by 3 defenders, while Mata watches from the bench. This will win us nothing so I seriously hope this can be printed as toilet paper, and we go all out for a big win.
This is good news! I cannot go to this one for family reasons (we're hosting a party for my 2 grandchildren ) . By the time its over there wouldn't have been enough time to travel up to the Bridge! So its the telly for me I'm afraid!
Hope to see Willian tonight, ideal chance for him to make his debut. At home, in a competiion he knows and against good but unspectacular opponents. Mata, Oscar, Willian front 3 please.
Ramires is suspended tonight isn't he? If so, i'd like to see Oscar a bit deeper alongside Mikel i guess. Willian, Mata & Hazard as the front 3.
We certainly need only one 'holding' midfielder tonight, probably Mikel. Lampard and Oscar are both due to start. I think Willian, Torres and Mata may be the others - but Jose has been springing some suprises lately. Maybe he'll stick Luiz up front or something?!!?
