Chelsea 4-0 Portsmouth

[KingEssien 127]

Cech; Bos, D Luiz, JT ©, Cole; Ram, Meirel, Lamps; Mata, Torres, Mal. - subs: Turn, Fer, Hutch, Bert, Romeu, McEach, Lukaku.

For Fucks Sake.

Bosingwa needs to be out after last weeks defending.

Cole hasn't been near his best for a long time now. Big reason being his age and he doesn't have the energy to play every game yet we still play him when we have Bertrand.

McEachran I need to say nothing about we all know his talent, not starting him is a joke.

Mata - if he gets injured in this match, how fucked are we for the rest of the season? What's the point in risking that, bring throught Lalkovic.

Torres - okay he needs time/games etc, but he's gonna get plenty this month with Drogba gone, why not play Lukaku get a bit of competition in the team cos if Torres cos off injured we've got no fit strikers for a month.

AGHHHHH

[Kostas 1,468]

Why? RDM said strongest lineup will play. What were you expecting?

Bosingwa being as far away from the first team as possible.

Mata being rested.

McEachran and Bertrand starting.

That's just off the top of my head.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Source? Nothing on official site yet.

Their Twitter.

[Laylabelle 9,351]

Intresting line up....a nice stress free win be nice...

And hopfully come 80 minutes they will remember they have 10 more minutes to play

[Severinb 309]

What the hell no josh???!!!!

[Severinb 309]

http://www.chelseafc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10268~2570187,00.html

[Slam Dunk 1,442]

Bosingwa being as far away from the first team as possible.

Mata being rested.

McEachran and Bertrand starting.

That's just off the top of my head.

Not criticising your opinion by the way mate. It's clear we're taking a strong run at the FA Cup, unlike the Carling Cup where AVB stated in advance we'd play the youngsters.

Bosingwa is our strongest RB at present (pains me to say), Hutch lacks match fitness and although it would be nice for him to get a cameo, he isn't a starter yet.

Without Mata, we seriously lack creativity. He can also provide the spark for Torres to score.

If McEachran plays, he is cup-tied and cannot feature for his loan club (if they are still in the competition, that is).

Our next game is in a week, so it's not like players are going to be in desperate need of a rest.

I agree its a rather conservative lineup, very safe options picked in each position, but this is exactly what the management said would happen, so I don't see how anyone can be surprised. Let's start with a strong team, get control of the game, and then put on some youth.

[Madmax 9,219]

Good thing about this is we avoid heartburn over not being able to watch the youngsters play due to non-availability of streams

[Kostas 1,468]

Virtually the only thing that could make the managerial decisions in this game more disappointing would be a Ferreira for Bosignwa sub midway through the second half.

[Tomo 21,733]

The only one that's really baffling is Bertrand not playing, if were wanting to go on a strong run we cant just play young players for the sake of it.

Watching the United match? Paul Scholes out of retirement how desperate

[YuriZhirkov 106]

Ahhh.. No youngsters?! Awful decision...

[xPetrCechx 13,563]

Subs:

27 Sam Hutchinson,

34 Ryan Bertrand,

6

Oriol Romeu

20

Josh McEachran

18

Romelu Lukaku

.

WHY?~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Peace. 4,352]

Our management team have mixed up the "strongest side" with the "oldest side" I fear... Ancelotti, is it you ?

[We Hate Scouse 10,286]

If we won't even start youngsters against a mediocre Championship side when will we? Must be so demoralising for the youth knowing that AVB doesn't even hold faith in them against a team like Portsmouth.

Although you have to consider it from AVB's position. He's under a lot of pressure to get results at the minute and losing in the 3rd round of the FA cup is the last thing he needs.

[Laylabelle 9,351]

The only one that's really baffling is Bertrand not playing, if were wanting to go on a strong run we cant just play young players for the sake of it.

Exactly.Hopfully we'll have a big enough lead at half time so they do get a chance to play but until then best to go with what works..though with some of those players at the moment that isnt the case but hey

And like said he's under pressure not surprised he isnt taking any mega risks.Be nice to see maybe one start at least but..see what happens

Edited January 8, 2012 by Laylabelle

[lentherussian 86]

disagree with anyone supporting the line up. Its ridiculous that some havent had chances. We might aswel scrap our youth and reserve football. Why on earth if you were a young player would you want to join chelsea. If you feel we have to go full strength in order for us to get a result against portsmouth we really are in dire straits. Without chances players cant become better, its nonsense that your born great. You become a great player from learning and playing. We have great potential but it will never get chance to flourish from what ive seen this season.

[Severinb 309]

Hope AVB isnt surprised if young players favour joining other teams!

[Nic! 301]

Ah well, I was expecting this. If they don't give Lukaku or Josh any decent playtime, AVB is officialy ruining their careers.