Huge game

Chelsea are still a very good team regardless of their poor form, and the players must make sure the tactics are drilled into their heads, the game plan is known off by heart and we must make sure we stop the main Chelsea threats.

I hope Sturridge doesn't play, he's class, so we'll have to deal with him. Juan Mata is another that I really rate but recent performances have shown, give him enough space he'll hurt you, hit the ****er, he will cringe and will be non-existent. We have to get into them when they have it, and show composure when we retain possession.

This isn't a team line up article, more looking at the threats Chelsea have and how we plan to stop them, whilst hoping to grab the win.

I think Sammy will come in for Gutierrez and I'd like to think Tiote would come in but Guthrie does not deserve to be dropped, however, its a big game and one Tiote would love and I think he would do a better overall job than Guthrie, let Cabaye do the ball work.

I expect us to be on the back foot most of the game, but we will create chances and its up to Ben Arfa and Ba to take them. Chelsea have proved they are more than beatable, and I would love nothing more than to take 3 points here.

Also, really looking forward to the Speed tribute. The idea to sing Bread of Heaven is a good one, and hopefully people who like to wonder in after kick off or just as the teams are ready to kick off get there earlier to sing their hearts out. I like the scarf idea as well as the 11 minute chant. With it being on TV as well, we have a chance to spread our tribute around the world, so lets not mess this up and give Gary the send off that he deserves.

A point will do, but 3 would be fantastic, a defeat would be disappointing but not the end of the world, Chelsea are still a very good team.

 

"A point will do, but 3 would be fantastic, a defeat would be disappointing but not the end of the world, Chelsea are still a very good team."



ever thought about covering all bases?

 

The game getting postponed wouldn't be the end of the world either.

 

I'm really looking forward to this game and have made sure I have a pub pass to watch it.

Chelsea have shown signs of weakness this season that haven't been present in past seasons.

Terry is there for the taking if Ba and Ben Arfa can play thier game right. I've not been truly impressed with thier back 4 but they have players that can still make a very tough game.

If Guthrie/Tiote and Cabaye can control the centre of the pitch then we stand a great chance of 3 points.

Obertan will be really vital in this game as he'll be the player utilsed to relieve pressure on the defence and get that ball forward.

Not sure who will play left mid but I hope they follow the example of Jonas and help Raylor whenever needed.

I'm confident that our defence will hold up to the test though.

 

Never!

 

When will we see Santon???? The lad must be chomping at the bit and a game like this would be perfect for him

 

Its a 6 pointer in the title race this one.........

In all seriousness I think it could be a pivotal game. At the beginning of our tough run I'd have said a defeat in all three would not really hurt too much. Now I see the opportunity to set us up for the busy xmas and beyond. I have a feeling we're gonna win. They're a very good side and as with most things in the PL, fans are just way too quick to write teams off. End of the day Chelsea have an excellent side. I feel the key to success will be the middle of the park and ball retention. I feel it is a weak area for them to be honest with Essien missing. Ramires seems a bit hit and miss to me. Real hard grafter but lacks their usual class. Lampard is still a cracking player but he is defo starting to feel the pace. Mikel - don't get me started, he's ****e. I'd like to see Cabaye raise his level again, we are yet to see him really dictate a game which I'm convinced he's capable of. (I accept he's still adapting of course and we won't see the real Yohann till next year)

Again I'd look to start quickly and put them under pressure, but controlled pressure as the one thing they do have is clever players on the break (Sturridge/Anelka/Mata etc) Mata is the one that concerns me most as he is a difficult player to handle. We need to unsettle them and get them ragged, and a few crunchers (fair of course) early doors will do no harm.

Terry is still a very good defender but I've always felt his committed nature means he is open to being pulled about by clever passing. I'd be trying to pull Terry out of that defence using Benni. A Cole is still one of the worlds best left back, if not the best. I can't see Obertan getting much change out of him. Ivanovic on the other side is excellent also. I honestly think their spine is the problem. Luiz is great to watch as a neutral but is rash, can be outmuscled, and generally doesn't like being under pressure. He's used to having time. I'd ask Demba to unsettle him. Also if you do manage to pull Terry about, Luiz won't be the best at reading the danger. Centre midfield and centre half are the target areas. Also get Cech under pressure, I'm still not convinced he's back to his best.

 

regardless of how they are playing i'd say this is going to be harder than man u

 

Hey! New dude, you've just joined today I take it? Our first December member! Woo. Welcome, and such.

 

Does this mean he's the second coming of Christ?

 

Possibly!

Although the name TheBeast isn't entirely holy as such...

 

I'd love Tiote to be in the game so Cabaye can get forward more and do less defensive work, but apparently he's not ready..

I'm with you Leazes, I can see this game going one of 3 ways, obviously. But that's just how this game is. Depends which Chelsea turns up! Happy with a point, ecstatic with 3, but won't be overly surprised if we lose (unless they're terrible and we're just terrible too. That'd be annoying)

 

Tiote was already taken.

 

Its an interesting one, since I'd never have seriously had it down as 'winnable' at the start of the season, but as much as I'm not expecting one it wouldn't hugely surprise me now. On its own it doesn't make a huge difference one way or the other, but a win keeps us firmly in the top 4 after 'the tests' that pundits have been talking about for months leading into some very winnable games through December, and gives us a real confidence boost going into them. A loss leaves us still well up there (and above the 7th place worst case scenario I doodled up) but means we've got to start a new run of form going away to Norwich which isn't an easy game by any means.

I'd be happy with a draw in fairness, point keeps us top 4 (I don't expect to stay there, but the longer we are the better!) and heads are up after a good result against Chelsea and keeping them below us.

Really looking forward to this one, especially after two aways in a row.

 

Best article you've done in ages Leazes, I agree with every single point!

It shows how far we've come as a team to be facing Chelski, with 13 games played, genuinely considering the possibility of turning them over and extending our lead over them in the league (as well as maintaining our top 4 status).

As it is, extremely tough game, but I have a good feeling. The Speed tributes, the current form, the last performance against Manure - it all points to us doing something good. Let's just keep our fingers crossed!

Also, any Belfast lads heading to watch it in a pub? I'm desperate to see it, but all my mates are rugby lads and with it being an early KO they're all out playing themselves!

 

so you're saying all his other ones are ****e?

 

I can't see this game being a draw; either we will get AVB sacked or Chelsea will destroy us.
4-1 either way.
Team will be the same as Man U with Sammy in for naughty boy Jonas. Hope Best is at least on the bench as well.

 

I'm a bit worried about who's going to replace Jonas. Whoever it is he'll need to be prepared to cover Raylor. Apart from the odd hiccup he's been great this season, although I fear someone will tear him a new one shortly. I do hope I'm wrong like.

 

I see us winning this. Chelsea are old and slow and I certainly think this tribute to Speed will rally our players on.

3-1 me thinks

 

Cheers mate, already banned from the scums pages for taking the pi$$ a little bit to much :-S