This idea of resting players in an FA Cup semi against one of our biggest rivals (if not the biggest) is preposterous. Just because the FA don't hold the FA Cup in high regard doesn't mean we shouldn't, we always have respected the traditions of the competition and long may that continue. If we're 100% focused beating Spurs is easily doable.
Have to disagree with you there D.L. We have been forced into a corner by the FA and I can't see some of our players being able to play 2 high paced games in 3 days of such importance. Yes it's Spurs and we hate them like a fat man hates salad but the Barca game is much more important to us. We've won 3 F.A cups in the last 6 years, we've never won the C.L. It's not about disrespecting the FA cup, it's about priorities. Luckily we can still put out a good team whilst resting most of those who will start v Barca as I put up in another thread.
I think there are selection changes to be made between the two games anyway. I'd argue that Drogba would be better against Barca because he can unsettle their defence and is better at making the ball stick up top which will help relieve the pressure on your defence and Torres would do better against Spurs, drifting wide and allowing Sturridge space to run into. I also think you're better going for Ferreira over Ivanovic against Spurs, he's already done a good job on Bale this season. In my opinion that only leaves Terry and Essien that probably won't be able to play both games so play Cahill and Mikel against Tottenham, not a huge sacrifice is it?
You have to weigh up your options. Which are we more likely to win? The FA Cup by a mile. Don't lay all your eggs in one basket. Nothing is lost in the 1st leg, if we lose to Spurs that's it, we are out and then Spurs have a 50/50 chance of winning silverware and consolidating their position in the league.
Another reason why Spurs is more important is because we need a win to keep spirits high and players focused. If we lose to Spurs moral is down and the fans are instantly on a downer, which means the atmosphere will be more nervous and anxious when we play Barca. We need the Bridge rocking and every advantage possible. I'd much rather have fans in high spirits going to the Barca game knowing we could still win something, rather than have dejected fans with nothing to look forward to if we lose to Barca
we are not good enough to rest key players and beat spurs, chelsea will rest players and have one eye on the barca game and spurs will put in a big performance and i think that they will win it. We will then get beat by barca. so i think that maybe district line is right and we should forget about the barca game and go hammer and tongs on spurs and then worry about barca. tricky one for sure !!
You can't afford to go into this game with any other intention but to win it - and I think Chelsea will. So will Spurs of course so you have to be on your game. The CL semi is a distraction of course, but I don't think the players will carry that beyond kick off. Should be a belter
I'd look at it from the POV of 'which are Chelsea more likely to win' and that's the FA Cup. Problem is, going all out against us and then getting tonked by Barcelona won't do team morale much good...
Under Robbie we are in the mindset "one game at a time". Its working and Spurs and Barca will be fed into the system in that way! Strange , isn't it ? Spuds and Barca in the same frame!
No matter what any of us thinks we should do, we all know Robbie has got to go for the CL, it'll be Roman's request now we've come this far and that the FA have stuck two fingers up at us. If we play our cards right now and rotate in the correct way we could still field a team strong enough to play both Barca and Spurs. Keeping Mata, Ramires and JT fresh for those games would be the main objective for me. Maybe try bedding Romeu back into the line up ready for Barca as DL has pointed out.
I am with you here. We have enough good and motivated players to fight for wins in both games. Romeu ,as you say, Paulo Ferriera, Bertrand, Drogba, Sturridge, Kalou, al have stood up under RDM. Go out and win both I say. Win or lose, it's how hard we try that's important.
Regarding fixture congestion, it sucks but we all get it. I don't understand why the Easter fixtures are so congested to be honest. Playing on a Saturday and then the Monday seems dumb.
You're right about the money side, but not right about players not joining. Why ??????? MONEY !!!!!!!! They always take the money. Just as they did at Man City. We might drop out for 1 year, but will be back , tanned, rested and ready for the next one.
