If I'm being honest it's probably the least confident I've felt of victory against Arsenal since pre-Roman days. I just cannot see how we can beat them, they seem to have our number these days. Strangely enough I'd have felt more confident playing City or United away. Hope I'm wrong and we can give a big performance on Saturday not before hopefully beating Wolves. Need a big game from Hazard. I still think Arsenal are definitely weak along that right hand side. It's difficult to see where the goals will come from otherwise because Koscielny will dominate Torres, I've no doubt about that. I'd actually much rather Sturridge play in this type of game and play Torres v Wolves. My team if everybody is fit would be please log in to view this image Oscar's form merits a start but so does Mata's. Given the choice they would be my first two on the team sheet bar Cech. I'd take a draw all day long but we are Champions of Europe so should aim for the win. A win would delight me to no avail
I can't wait for the game tbh. I'm going and the atmosphere will hopefully be great in a game between two sides that have started very well this season. I'm a bit nervous after watching them today against City. They played very well and when we play them, our midfield has to be on their game. That is the area for me where the game will be won or lost.
Like you DL I am not at all hopeful of our chances next week! The only thing I personally think will work is if Robbie decides to go 4-4-2 and plays Torres and Sturridge as a twin strike force! With Lamps , Oscar , Hazard and Mata in midfield and having Moses and Ramires on the bench! I also think that the fixture itself and JT's resignation from England may add extra determination to get the right result!
The only way I see a win is if Ivanovic plays twice as good as he has all season, people point to Luiz but he has definitely been our weak link IMO. We need Hazard's pace. Like it or not Mikel is needed, he's the only CM we have that can retain possession. Arsenal will overrun us if we start with Mata, Oscar and Hazard again. If Torres starts I'm more in favour of Mata, if Sturridge starts, I'm more in favour of Oscar.
Apprehension best describes my feelings towards the Goon game! Can't argue with your team selection aswell DL, spot on. But we all know Torres, Lampard, Mikel and Ramires will all play/be out of position!
Can't wait for this game. Will miss the days Drogba punished Arsenal 13 goals in 13 games. No Van Persie for Arsenal. But now two great passing teams with creative midfielders on each team, Hazard, Oscar and Mata for Chelsea. Corzola and Arteta for Arsenal. Promises to be an entertaining game.
Hope the team plays like its a derby again. Last showings have been lacking. Anyway I really don't know what will happen. I'd say 2-1 either way.
If Ramires is played out wide I'll most probably finish my drink and walk out the pub. It nauseates me more than anything seeing him out there, if you couple that with Torres (atm) it's virtually like playing with 9 men. I won't moan at who RDM plays, only where they play. If Ramires is played out wide that's the only thing that will eff me off.
Torres was awful yet again yesterday, none of these bollocks midfield excuses either now. Think we've found a role for Lampard, bit of an impact player off the bench. Ramires and Mikel looked very solid yesterday and Moses was a real firecracker when he came on.
The decision to allow our entire striking hopes to rest on Torres was not just stupid but borderline criminal. It's got to the point where Torres has become bigger than the team and he knows it. I still think Torres has genuine quality but he has about a month or so to prove it. If he fails to impress over the next month with arguably our biggest three fixtures on the calender coming up (Arsenal and Spurs Away, United at home), he never will. Moses should in theory warrant a start. He is a must IMO, he'd have a field day with either Gibbs or Jenkinson
Ordinarily i'd back you to beat us, but even though you're top, i think we can pull off an upset. Not having to face Drogba is always a nice thing (thanks Shanghai). I just pray it's a better game than the 0-0 snoozefest at the Emirates last season.
Early days but if results against City, Madrid & Juve are anything to go by we'll get our arses handed to us - seriously need Torres to step up (that goes for our defence too). Time for RDM to try something different up front; Torres does not have the imposing physique that Drogs had and could do with a striking partner alongside him. Desperately need something from this game to give the team some self-belief.
Chelsea are similar to City, in respects to having a team of world class players but you just don't quite gel. Most of the Chelsea XI would walk into the Arsenal team just based on individual merit but as a team you haven't really been convincing. Arsenal play well as a team but lack that killer instinct up front. Losing RVP has really really hurt us. If we had RVP this season, I would've been very confident but I think it'll be very even since we're both firing blanks upfront alot. Out of Torres and Giroud, the former seems more likely to score. Having said that, I'm going for a very very slim Arsenal win.
Well I am also going and am in the Clock End lower (Chelsea end of course), 5 rows up and in block 23 or 24 which I think is right next to the home fans! Looking forward to some good banter
Not sure what the result will be in this one! I'm hoping it's a cracking game and a win for us obviously. If we can't take the title this season I'd rather you lot kept it in London. Would hate to see another Manc title win tbh.
How far away are you from the away end and how many rows up? (I'll pick you out and pretend to make gestures like "you, me, outside, now")
