Closed Chelsea v Man City

[KonohasOrangeFlash 2,607]

This.

He still needs a few seasons yet to get some experience in the PL then we can think about turning him into a deep lying playmaker

We don't need to turn him into one. We have KDB and McEacrhan for that.

[YouNameIt 1,511]

We don't need to turn him into one. We have KDB and McEacrhan for that.

Eh, what exacly makes people think that Josh is that great? He's never gonna be a Chelsea starter, honestly I think he wont even be a Chelsea player for long.

[Bacika 188]

City isn't playing good as last season, so that could be our chance...but we were poor last month so I think it will be a draw...

[Azpinator 2,325]

Mancini is City's weakness we all know that. So there's hope.

[KonohasOrangeFlash 2,607]

The appointment of Rafa has actually made me more confident about this game. Nothing to do with Rafa himself but just due to the fact that this may get the players on their toes and freshen them up.

[OneMoSalah 8,887]

If City play 3-5-2 then we could be in for another tactical nightmare

[Leif 6,006]

I actually think we'll be winning this.

I expect a line-up something along the lines of -

Cech;

Ivan, Cahill, Luiz, Cole;

Mikel, anyone who can play in central midfield who's not Ramires;

Moses, Mata, Marin/Hazard

Torres

I know it seems like an odd idea to throw Marin right in, but Rafa depends on width - and players who track back.

That's what I think it will be - not what I want it to be.

[Rmpr 8,977]

If City play 3-5-2 then we could be in for another tactical nightmare

LOL

Not at all. It is not the formation itself, it is how players perform in their respective roles. City is just embarassing when playing 3-5-2, Juve is almost unbeatten. Totally different.

We will also be playing 4-2-3-1 refreshed and with a striker (I know it is Torres, but still).

[OneMoSalah 8,887]

LOL

Not at all. It is not the formation itself, it is how players perform in their respective roles. City is just embarassing when playing 3-5-2, Juve is almost unbeatten (totally different).

They've been hit and miss. Play good sometimes and play poor other times. If they play 3-5-2 maybe Rafa (looks weird sitting typing Rafa in doesn't it) could use his "tactical knowledge" (well thats what that Spanish guy whos always on Sky Sports says he has) to counter it even though I reckon he'll go 4-2-3-1.

[Mustafa 885]

Man City are looking very impressive now that their star man David Silva is back. And City are looking as dangerous as they did last season imo.

But if we lose to City on Sunday im 100% sure the fans are gonna be very hard on Rafa. He's already hated as it is... AND HE HASNT EVEN STARTED HIS JOB !!

[Mustafa 885]

Am I the only one who thinks Rafa might do a decent job ??

[Rmpr 8,977]

They've been hit and miss. Play good sometimes and play poor other times. If they play 3-5-2 maybe Rafa (looks weird sitting typing Rafa in doesn't it) could use his "tactical knowledge" (well thats what that Spanish guy whos always on Sky Sports says he has) to counter it even though I reckon he'll go 4-2-3-1.

I edit my post after you quoted, sorry.

City has been good at times Manici goes back with a back 4 and an andvanced Toure. Whenever they are on 3-5-2 they are shit.

I believe in Rafa (it does feel strange) tactical knowledge.

[KonohasOrangeFlash 2,607]

I actually think we'll be winning this.

I expect a line-up something along the lines of -

Cech;

Ivan, Cahill, Luiz, Cole;

Mikel, anyone who can play in central midfield who's not Ramires;

Moses, Mata, Marin/Hazard

Torres

I know it seems like an odd idea to throw Marin right in, but Rafa depends on width - and players who track back.

That's what I think it will be - not what I want it to be.

1. Are you sure Rafa will come in and change the first team straight away? I think (hope) since this game is just days after his appointment he will just play our regular/settled first XI and not mess with too much as he still needs to learn about our players himself. He will give the likes of Marin and Moses chances to prove themselves to him perhaps in later games.

2. If from now he starts leaving out Hazard and Oscar from the starting lineup it'll be horrible. I think we may see him playing only 2 of the 3 Maestro's at the same time from now on. It could be a good move though due to us having a stronger option on the bench, having one of the Maestro's always ready and rested and allowing for the 2 of 3 playing to have more space.

[Leif 6,006]

1. Are you sure Rafa will come in and change the first team straight away? I think (hope) since this game is just days after his appointment he will just play our regular/settled first XI and not mess with too much as he still needs to learn about our players himself. He will give the likes of Marin and Moses chances to prove themsleves to him perhaps in later games.

2. If from now he starts leaving out Hazard and Oscar from the starting lineup it'll be horrible. I think we may see him playing only 2 of the 3 Maestro's at the same time from now on. It could be a good move though due to us having a stronger option on the bench, having one of the Maestro's always ready and rested and allowing for the 2 of 3 playing to have more space.

1: Not at all sure. I'm just pessimistic at the moment despite being rather intrigued by his appointment. What you're getting at though is probably right. He probably won't change things right away. But I do see Marin suddenly becoming a key player (if he gets his chance) for the rest of the season whenever he finally gets a start.

Whatever he sees in training tomorrow/the day after that will determine who starts on the right vs. City though I feel.

2: I think.. I don't know what I think. I don't like thinking about MaZaCar not all starting together, but honestly, having them all starting doesn't make sense in Rafa's expected 4-2-3-1 formation unless ... he uses Oscar in a deep role alongside Mikel. I guess that's plausible.

[Sheva. 5,373]

I think he would use Oscar in a deeper role, we shall see though.

[nachikethas 1,154]

we will win this... everything is against us..its make perfect sense for CFC

[Blue Gino 377]

I think Rafa will stun supporters with a side he believes in and what it is is anyone's guess at this point. Having had Xabi and Mascherano in his side at Liverpool he may opt for Luiz and Romeu in defensive midfield who knows

[meetdoscar 335]

Romeu is really underrated in this forum as a deep lying player I wonder why? Yet he is a squad player for chelsea and overrated josh and KDB are not. Benitez doesn't play possession based football so I guess mikel is out. Romeu is talented enough to be as good as alonso. I believe romeu will play alongside ramires in the pivot. For those that want oscar to play dp it will never happen because we don't play the same system with juventus also the pivot is romeu's natural position if not him then mikel or luiz at the very least.

[Jase 43,479]

http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/180360.html

Kompany a doubt for this game it seems.

[gary gordon 1,777]

Pray for heavy snow!