Stoke 0-0 Chelsea

[handy15 9]

I'm tipping Torres will come good - not just for the Stoke game - just good in general.

It makes no sense that a proven goal scorer stops being all conquering.

Strikers go through weird phases, could be the price tag messing with him.

When he does come back, he will smash them in left and right.

I also think Luiz is a gem. Firm fans favorite, that kid is loving the game and has ample swager - that has Chelsea written all over it. Can't wait to see him back.

***

On the realism comment - every game we play is important, but Stoke?

We are the ones who will go for the kill - as it has been said by a sober few, I think we a re over respecting Stoke.

[manpe 10,861]

Yeah, Luiz reminds me of Carvalho... could turn out as good as him hopefully

[TomCFC 356]

AVB - http://www.chelseafc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10268~2418310,00.html

[ZanSnake 1,211]

What is with AVB and sitting on the grass

[Domino- 116]

Obi Mikel is ready

[lionsden 4,689]

People expressing pessimism and fear over a team that has never beaten us since 1975. what would then happen when we face the big boys: barca, madrid,man utd, man city et al?. doomsday?. smh. If anything this is an indication that people lack confidence in the team's ability this season. I doubt man utd fans would find a stoke city fixture threatening the least bit

[Aesthetic Relic 301]

Stoke have had a few more games than us to get their match fitness up and with their games against Hadjuk Split they will have a head start with genuine competitive football. Stoke will always be a hard place to go no matter when you play them, so the main thing imo is getting the points on the board.The performance isn't that important.

I'd defo start with Drogba rather than Torres in this game. Huth and Upson (probably) are two big no nonsense defenders. Drogba will be more suited to this kind of game

[dave30 728]

Stoke have had a few more games than us to get their match fitness up and with their games against Hadjuk Split they will have a head start with genuine competitive football. Stoke will always be a hard place to go no matter when you play them, so the main thing imo is getting the points on the board.The performance isn't that important.

I'd defo start with Drogba rather than Torres in this game. Huth and Upson (probably) are two big no nonsense defenders. Drogba will be more suited to this kind of game

i think it will be woodgate they've said upson wont be playing .

[bluephoenix 1,126]

Is Lukaku ready for this game ?

[manpe 10,861]

Is Lukaku ready for this game ?

Even if he is, I'll give my head that he won't play... too soon

[Slam Dunk 1,442]

Is Lukaku ready for this game ?

Well, he's not actually a Chelsea player (yet). So no.

[bluephoenix 1,126]

Well, he's not actually a Chelsea player (yet). So no.

he was with other players training , so thought I probably missed the news on the deal being confirmed

[hawai 4]

http://www.premierleague.com/page/MatchPreviews/0,,12306~57830,00.html

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Bosingwa, Ferreira, Terry, Alex, Cole, Bertrand, Mikel, McEachran, Lampard, Ramires, Benayoun, Malouda, Drogba, Anelka, Kalou, Lukaku, Hilario, Turnbull.

[Sheva. 5,373]

I would guess they mistakenly wrote Lukaku instead of Torres?

[benny_xy 4]

i am vary confident AVB will win at the britannia stadium with style.hope torres will score.blue forever..................

[the Blues 11 19]

Chelseas is going to win 2-0. Drogba gets the opener and Torres gets the other in garbage time. I just wished I could see the game but no TV here as far as I know.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

How else do you measure competitiveness if not by stats? It's the result that counts at the end of the day. Stats can be misleading in some instances but it's perfectly legitimate in this case.

Erm... performances?

People expressing pessimism and fear over a team that has never beaten us since 1975. what would then happen when we face the big boys: barca, madrid,man utd, man city et al?. doomsday?. smh. If anything this is an indication that people lack confidence in the team's ability this season. I doubt man utd fans would find a stoke city fixture threatening the least bit

I'll be very happy for you to have proved me wrong should we end up winners on Sunday.

I don't suppose you remember this fixture last season? We'd have lost by three or four if not for Petr Cech's best performance between the posts for us for some time. Yes we have a new manager, but they are the same players who let Ancelotti down. It isn't pessimism, it's called being realistic, because we are no longer the unbeatable team of the Mourinho era. Stoke are an excellent side, I will not at all be surprised if they take points out of this match.

As for your recollection of our previous fixtures against Stoke, besides the 7-0 thrashing in April 2010, every match against them has been an absolute battle where we have been very lucky to either win or draw.

However, you questioning by support by suggesting I lack confidence in the team's ability is about as accurate as Emile Heskey. I'm merely pointing out the fact this will not be the walkover you seem to think it will be.

[watcherfromafar 11]

Not a walkover, but it ought to be a win. Actually Stoke strikes me as a good team to play in an opener. The boys should be ready to get after it. Facing Stoke either right before or right after a Liverpool or United would be worse.