Closed Napoli v Chelsea

[Jase 43,479]

As JT is probably out of this game, I guess we'll see one of the following defenses:

Ivanovic - Cahill - Luiz - Cole

Or

Bosingwa - ivanovic - Luiz - cole

Hope it will be the first one. Don't even want to imagine how Bosingwa will deal with Napoli's counters

While I do agree with the comment regarding Bosingwa, I'm not sure about throwing Cahill straight into a Champions League game of this magnitude. He's only played in Europe for like 3-4 games and that was about 4 years ago I believe.

[Kojo 4,676]

Very scary game, not looking forward to this game at all.

I just hope we don't get dominated a 2-1 loss, i'll be okay with it (well i say that but of course i'll still go angry if we lose either way, but still i'd much prefer not getting dominated).

Getting domianted would be a nightmare, 3-0 loss or higher would be horrible, conceding 2 goals actually wont be that bad, especially if we score one.

This is the game AVB has to prove himself, that he's a manager who can run a top club, a manager who can sort the team out even in the worst of situations, and motivate them and pull something out tactic wise. Because we need to change something now, we keep playing the way we have in the past 2 months we will lose this game about 5-0, AVB must prove himself to the fans and the players, and most possibly the board.

[Blue Armour 4,436]

Napoli head into the home leg of the knockout fixture on the back of a convincing 3-0 victory at Fiorentina, but Mazzarri remained coy about his side's chances against Chelsea after the game.

"I do not agree that Napoli are favourites," the 50-year-old told Sky Sport Italia. "Chelsea want to do well in the Champions League and they have players who are accustomed to matches like these.

"It will be a terrible test, in order to pass it we must do something extraordinary."

The Italian coach played down Chelsea's four-game winless streak as well as reports suggesting that manager Andre Villas-Boas has a fractious relationship with his squad.

"Even if there were problems, all it takes to reassemble a group is one match," Mazzarri insisted.

"Every player wants to do well in Europe, champions and great players can make the difference at this level.

[ulsterchelsea 3,221]

I expect nothing anymore

[CHOULO19 24,332]

As JT is probably out of this game, I guess we'll see one of the following defenses:

Ivanovic - Cahill - Luiz - Cole

Or

Bosingwa - ivanovic - Luiz - cole

Hope it will be the first one. Don't even want to imagine how Bosingwa will deal with Napoli's counters

I'm pretty sure JT will be available for the match. Cole however has a 50-50 chance.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Not sure where this conception of Napoli being as good as Bayern Munich or Real Madrid came from. They're beatable, just like Valencia.

[petr.breu 1,618]

I don't understand all those pessimistic tips. We're a better team than Napoli and I'm sure we'll proceed to the next round... I can't wait for this match...

[DYC. 7,542]

This will be a incredibly though match I think. Napoli have a great big game mentality, they always manage to reach a very high level in big games while we've been vulnerable in most big games. Like TX said before, the best thing would be to let them have the ball. If we take initiative, we'll just play right into their hands and they'll murder us on the break, especially with our shaky defence.

Hopefully the coach will go with the 4-2-3-1 formation.

[YouNameIt 1,511]

I think a 4-4-2 formation is best suited against Napoli and their 5man midfield. Quick counters will be the key to winning this fight and with that in mind I hope the formation will be:

--------------Cech---------------

Ivanovic Luiz Terry Cole/Bertrand

Ramires Romeu Lampard Mata

-------Sturridge Drogba ----------

Possibly Essien+mikel even instead of romeu/lampard. But perhaps that switch should be made if we're in a lead.

[magicrico 175]

3-0 Nap - another dreadful performance

edit: i don't think we will score because we don't have a CF who can finish.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

After seeing Torres hauled off, I think we are in a better position now. AVB will either spring a surprise and play Sturridge through the middle, or with Drogba we have a player that best compliments the likes of Mata and Lampard. I think we can get a 1-1 draw here.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

3-0 Nap - another dreadful performance

edit: i don't think we will score because we don't have a CF who can finish.

That's the spirit

[BLionheart 516]

i know 4-2-3-1 seems like a better option , but if there is one game where we should opt for the 4-3-3 then it's the napoli game , as we need to defend deep and hurt them on the counter using drogba's power and the pace of Ramires and Sturridge.

We can't lose this game , because as many said if we try to attack Napoli we will get hurt on the counter and we need to do the exact opposite of that , but if we lose we will have no other choice but to attack in the 2nd leg and it will be just like Inter 2 years ago.

We should have only one objective for the game avoid defeat , and if possible score an away goal.

[manpe 10,861]

We're a better team than Napoli

not sure if serious

[francozola 2,040]

I'm pretty sure JT will be available for the match. Cole however has a 50-50 chance.

I thought it was the other way around? Didn't AVB say after the match yesterday that JT is "very doubtful"?