JT is fit, as is Hazard and Eto'o, so Jose can play games now with his selections. Here's my guess for the team. Schwartzer Azpi Ivan Cahill Cole Luiz Oscar Rambo Schurrle Ba Hazard. Yep, I'm going 4 3 3 With JT and Eto'o on the bench.
C.P. I think he will go more obvious, now that he has those back. Schwartzer Ivan Cahill J.T. Azpi Rambo Luiz Willian Oscar Hazard Eto Personally hope he doesn't go too cautious tonight. A win gets us through so go for it. It's our patch now and i would hate if we didn't go for it and got hit with a late sucker punch.
I really have a feeling we'll *attempt* to blitz them, which im all for. A lot of players have been rested, and we seem to be on full throttle since sunderland will be interesting regardless though!
I think you'll play it cagey again. Atletico Madrid are a good counter attacking side, so I don't see Mourinho wanting to risk conceeding the away goal. Interestingly enough this will be Mourinho's 6th CL semi final match for Chelsea, and in the previous 5 you have never scored a goal. So I doubt he's gonna change the habit of a lifetime and really have a go. If you go behind he'll obviously be forced to take risks, like against PSG, but aslong as the games 0-0 I can't see Mourinho doing anything else other than playing defensive football
It would be just like Jose to confound everyone and go hell for leather.Thats why us Chelsea fans walk around with puzzled looks, we never know whats coming !!!
Almost certain this will be the team. I have a feeling we might go for it a little in the opening 20 minutes and then if we get ahead, revert to a more defensive approach.
I can never guess what Jose will do but I have great faith in him. I would prefer to see Oscar on the bench though, just think he's lost it lately. Would love to see Hazard back out there. Fingers crossed Schwartzer can keep up the good work. As for tactics, well if we play to attack I'll be crapping myself, if we park the bus I'll be crapping myself, anyone else feeling a wee bit panicky today
Bricking it!! Love and hate this time of year equally! Have a feeling we'll do it, Jose and our experience hopefully will be enough and there seems a bit of destiny about a Real/Chelsea final in Lisbon. Ronaldo and Jose back to Portugal, Jose and Carlo facing former clubs etc. Going for a nervy 2-1 in the 90. Last nights result shows you cant predict anything in knock out football though.
No bench warming for JT. He must be there to stir them up in his captains role, plus he's very important in the area when we have corners!
Think this is what we'll go with tonight. Luiz and Rami in midfield is our only real option as i can't see Van Ginkel starting. He might get some minutes off the bench though. Hoping Hazard has one of those games were he's untouchable. Can't see more than a goal in that, 1-0 either way for me i just hope it's us that scores it!
Maybe but doubt it. When available he's always gone with ivan, cahill, terry and dave so don't expect that to change. What Ivan gives you as well is he's very good in the air. This game could come down to set pieces and being able to have 4 centre backs going up for corners is a massive plus.
Can't see him leaving Ivanovic on the bench. How about a sneaky Azpi & Ram as def mid, just to mess with everyone's minds. Rami will play (as no more Prem games this season).
The only maybe for me is Oscar who has been in and out of the team. Otherwise Schwarzer, Ivan, Cahill, Terry, dave, Ramires, Luiz, Willian, Eto'o, Hazard surely all start if available. Oscar/Schurrle toss up for the last place with maybe Hazard coming inside if Schurrle starts. I think he'll start Oscar though.
I know others have said they're a bit nervous. To be honest, I'm proper pooping myself. Feel like I'm playing. Mind you, I'll be pacing around the living room, kicking and heading everything, trying not to swear too loudly and wake the kids up!! Wish I was going to be there tonight. 2 more wins is all it will take.
