I liked the system we played last night. In fact I really liked the way we played last night. We conceeding due to one mistake in defence, and lacked a goal thread. But generally we kept solid, controlled the midfield well and the players did brilliant when making sure good passing options were available. That system, with some senior players and an added goal threat could be great for us in the absence of Lucas. The extra center back lessens the need for a defensive midfielder. We have good wing back options for adding width going forward. I loved the runs the wide forwards (Cole and Morgan) made and they got in some good positions, making up well for the lack of a central striker. In fact that system didnt need a central striker. If the wide forwards had better finishing skills or were more of a goal threat in the box, we would have won. Chelsea's strengths are in attack, with an incredible front 4 of Mata, Hazard, Oscar and Torres, with Romeu, Marin, Sturridge and Moses also available. That attack his skill, creativity, pace and muscle, so the defense will need to be solid, communicate well and be alert. But behind them they have Ramirez and Mikel. While those two are great in possession and going forward, they are not the strongest pair. So if we can get in behind them we can really get at there back 4. But we cannot underestimate these two in the midfield battle. Terry is out, Ruiz unpredictable, and we can get at them with pace and Suarezness. So, feast your eyes on this and say what you think. ---------------------------Reina?-------------------------- ------------Wisdom--------Skrtel---------Agger------------ -----Johnson-----------------------------------Downing---- -------------------Allen------------Sahin------------------- ---------------------------Suarez-------------------------- --------Gerrard-------------------------------Sterling------- I think the only role I really need to explain is Gerrard's. Gerrard is our best finisher. Play him in that role and tell him to make smart runs, get in the box and attack and he will. He also links up with Suarez great. If we need an extra man in midfield, swap Gerrard and Suarez over, or swap Sterling with Henderson or Shelvey, and move Suarez to the left. Suarez will perform in any role. But he is best in this F9 role, as long as the players around him get in the right positions so that he isnt the only player trying to score. Agger and Wisdom have the ability to break out of defense, add to midfield, and put some good passing moves together. With out Terry, we could get at Chelsea from set pieces, so Skrtel and Wisdom will be extra useful here. Or we can add Coates in the middle, and leave out Wisdom. Wisdom can cover right back when Johnson is forward, and Agger left back when Downing is forward. This can easily change to a 433 with Johnson at LB, Downing LF and Gerrard CM. Thoughts?
Think if Suso plays he has to play in the hole ( although he tweeted getting called up for a Spain u-21 game on Sunday??). I think Assaidi should play and could give them some real problems. Other than that, the team picks itself.
Johnson has been training all week, will be surprised if he doesnt play, not sure about Reina If we played 3 CBs I feel Coates would start and not Wisdom I think BRs team will be Jones Jonno Sktel Agger Jose Gerrard Allen Sahin Suso Suarez Sterling
ah makes sense, just saw this from Di Mattero anyway... Chelsea FC ‏@chelseafc RDM: "JT is available for Sunday and in a good position to be involved. Sunday is probably too soon for Ashley Cole." RDM: "JT is a fantastic player, a great defender who brings a lot of quality to the team, I'm very pleased his ban is over." RDM: "David Luiz has played more than the others but I've been trying to rotate to keep the team as fresh as possible." RDM: "All 11 players are responsible for the defensive organisation, we know we need to improve but other teams are not that far away." RDM: "Ryan Bertrand is a great, young player. He'll be a better player for his experience on Wednesday night." RDM: "I'm happy Daniel Sturridge is with us, he's been playing a bit more lately and will get some more game time." RDM: "I'm happy with the contribution of Fernando Torres, I hope every player feel they have the confidence of the manager."
That team is highly unlikely. It will probably be: -----------------Reina Johnson----Skrtel----Agger----Enrique ------------Allen-----Gerrard ----------------Sahin --Suso---------Suarez------Sterling
