We have an unbelievably difficut fixture list this month with the Barca games added to them, do we; A) Play out weaker sides against both Arsenal and Tottenham and really go at this Barca side who imo could be penetrated defensively (btw Torres has scored most of his career goals against Chelsea and Barca - a funny fact there) Or B) Go for it in the PL and FA cup against two of our biggest rivals and field weaker teams against Barca? I'm torn
I don't see how we can afford to forego the league and FA Cup in order to chase the dream in Europe. It would look a very foolish decision if we end up with no silverware and 5th or even 6th place in the PL, and nothing about last night's performance suggested we have the beating of Barca over 2 legs. We have a squad that can accomodate several changes and still put out a strong side, and that's what we should do (and what we will do in my opinion). The only way I'd be happy to countenance a weakened side against Spuds is if we made a protest against the ridiculous kick-off time, in which case we should play the kids and give the FA and ITV the middle finger.
I shall look forward to supporting Chelsea from your end with my mates who mistakingly chose to support a lesser team
Shuddup, I said rest all your players for us Which is why some of our fans were happy you got through Not me though Got my ticket today, 1 adult and 1 child at a snip of £79
I'd go all out C.L. That's the dream and to be honest, we've only a slim chance of making 4th now anyway and we've won plenty of fa cups recently. Cech and 1 or 2 others aside, against Spurs i'd play whoever isn't going to play against Barca. Therefore just assuming last nights team was the team we will put out against Barca... I'd play against Spurs Cech Bos Cahill Luiz Bertrand Essien Romeu Meireles Sturridge Drogba Malouda That team could still beat spurs and only Cech and Luiz would need to play both games.
Play our best team against Barca. Win or lose, the whole world really is watching. Play our best team in the FA cup, what will be will be. Play our best team in the PL, hold our head up high and remember we are only in this position because our senior players disgraced the Club and themselves because of their egotistical greed re AVB, and because our owners are too stupid to see what's in front of their eyes.
With JT now out ,possibly for the rest of the season, we HAVE to play our strongest side in every game! OK--players like Frank might not be able to perform in all of them , and if not shuffling a very talented set of midfielders to cover for him can be accomodated! As far as Robbie's concerned every match is MUST WIN. We must have top 4 PL! The FA and CL! So only the best available in every game!
Chelsea's priorities should be: Top 4 and CL footy next season. Winning the CL and CL footy next season (i'd have this top if it wasn't for the fact, any 2 of the 3 best teams in Europe stand in your way, making it a very slim chance) Winning the FA cup and EL footy next season (if u reach the final) You should play your strongest team in the next 2 league matches and hope Spurs and/or Arse drop points. Play as stronger team as possible in the SF whilst resting most of the starters against Barca. Strongest team against Barca and see what happens in the 1st Leg. If your out of it: Play your strongest team Against Arsenal and rest against Barca If your still in it: Reverse of above. Once the 2nd leg is done you'll know what to do for the rest of the season.
Some good points, the teams I'd go with for our Barca sides providing we played weaker sides against Arsenal/Spuds; Home; Cech Ivan Luiz Terry Cole Mikel Meireles Sturridge Mata Ramires Torres Away; Cech Ivan Luiz JT Cole Mikel Lampard Ramires Malouda Drogba Mata
Spurs in the FA Cup is more important than Barca in the corrupt league. The idea of resting players in an FA Cup semi is preposterous.
I think we're in danger of elevating Spurs above where they belong if we believed that. Plus...we have unfinished business with the Catalunia ****s
