Closed Chelsea v Southampton

[leo2987 4]

Cech

Iva - Terry - Cahill - Cole

luiz

Ramires Lampard Mata

Ba Torres

[Kieran. 6,317]

I know it irritates people, but I love pretending I'm manager and predicting the formation.

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

Paulo-Cahill-Terry-Cole

-------------Luiz----------

----Ramires---------------

-------------------Oscar--

Mata--------Ba------Marin

Give Hazard, Ivanovic, Azpilicueta and Lampard a rest.

I would play Ba for the rest of the season if I had the choice, besides Europa League games obviously.

[HNKS 508]

I know it irritates people, but I love pretending I'm manager and predicting the formation.

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

Paulo-Cahill-Terry-Cole

-------------Luiz----------

----Ramires---------------

-------------------Oscar--

Mata--------Ba------Marin

Give Hazard, Ivanovic, Azpilicueta and Lampard a rest.

I would play Ba for the rest of the season if I had the choice, besides Europa League games obviously.

Doubt that squad would win.

[Magic Lamps 11,692]

Mata def needs a rest. Also I think this is the last game in a while we can afford to play Torres, even though it will make it much more difficult. Also I got no idea, if we really need to rest Ba, as strikers often do not run as much as midfielders. Shame we sold Sturridge. This would have been a great ossasion for him.

Anyway. we have to trust Marin, here i think Hazard and Mata will be on their last legs. Great JT is back.

I think we got to options either play a b-team and make some impact subs if necessary. This scenario went horribly wrong against QPR or play a full strenght side and hope we will get 2 or 3 goals ahead in time.

Plan A

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

Paulo-Cahill-Terry-Cole

-------Luiz---Ramy------

Marin-----Oscar-----Bert

------------Ba-------------

and sub in Lamps, Mata, Hazard

or

Plan B

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

Azpi--Cahill-JT--Cole

-------Luiz--Lamps---

Mata-----Oscar---Hazard

-------------Ba--------------

which is IMO the strongest team we can field.

[DJames 729]

Cech

Azpi - Iva - Cahill - Cole

Ramires - Lampard

Hazard - Mata - Oscar

Ba

If we kill the game then early in second half take off Mata for Marin.

Don't you guys think that Luiz shoud get some rest? If I'm not wrong he play every game in last month.

I agree. Rest Luiz and Ivanovic. Start Terry if he's up to it. Start Marin.

Cech

Azpi- Cahill - Terry - Cole

Ramires - Lampard

Marin - Mata - Hazard

Ba

[KonohasOrangeFlash 2,607]

Wouldn't mind resting Mata because Hazard is hitting form. We should see if Hazard can make an impact when Mata is not playing.

[Spike 12,049]

I like Soton...so a 5-0 would satisfy me.

[KonohasOrangeFlash 2,607]

I like Soton...so a 5-0 would satisfy me.

That's a slap on the wrist. 10-0 and Blood.

[Laylabelle 9,539]

I really hope this isnt another QPR..Swansea etc game....

[Bacika 188]

I can see Torres and Oscar, even Marin starting this one...

[HNKS 508]

I can see Torres and Oscar, even Marin starting this one...

I can see us losing if those 3 start together. We saw the consequences of resting Mata and Hazard before. At least one of them must start.

[The Rising Sun 711]

I dont know why everyone is writing BA in their Line-ups for this game, in terms of fantasy formation , it makes sense, but with 100% certainty i can be sure that Torres will start this one, and Ba the next game..... Thats just the way Rafa sets up his teams.

A luiz Lampard Midfield should suit us

Play Hazard Mata Oscar for this one

If these three are getting too passy among eachother without end product, then we atleast have Luiz and Lamps behind them to make the risky pass.

And then No choice Upfront. it is going to be Torres , so lets hope he has a better game, some luck.

Back 4 can be Cole Terry Ivanovic and Azpi.

Azpi is no doubt our first choice right back now, so its between Iva and Cahill for CB this game.

I dont want a Ramires Lampard Deep Midfield, as they dont work well together at all.

Mikel isnt here, Romeu injured.... So unless Rafa plays Oscar and Lampard, which is too open, Luiz and Lamps are our best partnership right now.

Should win this by 3 goals.

[Ryan Fong 2,776]

Stop the rotation bs, field the strongest 11 and get the job done early! Then we can sub the likes of Mata off comfortably.

[The only place to be 11,313]

I dont know why everyone is writing BA in their Line-ups for this game, in terms of fantasy formation , it makes sense, but with 100% certainty i can be sure that Torres will start this one, and Ba the next game..... Thats just the way Rafa sets up his teams.

Thanks for that. I was actually thinking how excited I was about going to this match but you've just created a rather sick feeling in my stomach.

[Stingray 9,441]

Thanks for that. I was actually thinking how excited I was about going to this match but you've just created a rather sick feeling in my stomach.

Same here :-) The blond sulker back on the pitch. Great.

[DavidEU 2,023]

Key notes from the Benitez press conference:

• Says we are doing well away. Says teams play deeper when we are at home so its more difficult to create chances, where as away teams try and play against us to win, so we have more space to make a difference with our players. Says we have to prepare differently and improve at home. Have to learn to play at home.
• Have to keep winning games, and says that our statistics are improving and we need to see where we are in a few weeks.
• Demba Ba is fine. Trained yesterday and today.
• On Frank, says everyone knows he is playing well, and so is the team. And hopefully we can continue until the end of the season. Would be delighted if he can stay fit and beat Tamblings 202 record.
• Re Lukaku: says he is doing well at WBA and it is important for him to get experience. Says 'never say never' in principle to recalling him, but its better for him to stay with WBA.
• Agreement IS in place for Piazon to join Malaga until the end of the season.
• Statistics show that the league is still the most physical.
• No more injuries. JT is fine, but needs match fitness. Only Romeu, Mikel and Moses are out for the game.

[David Lenton 1]

Surprised to read some of the comments in this thread - I'm genuinely expecting a big win for Chelsea tonight. Not many teams put 4 goals past Stoke away from home and Southampton are a much weaker side. Chelsea to dominate in midfield and win the game comfortably for me.

[ZOS 580]

azpi terry cahill cole

ramirez luiz

mata oscar hazard

ba

[Pizy 18,984]

Like I said earlier, this game is vital.

Could put us 4 clear of Spurs and fill us with confidence ahead of Arsenal. Would be really nice to pad our goal difference a bit if possible.

Hope we field our strongest possible lineup and really go for it and not pull a QPR.

[The only place to be 11,313]

Surprised to read some of the comments in this thread - I'm genuinely expecting a big win for Chelsea tonight. Not many teams put 4 goals past Stoke away from home and Southampton are a much weaker side. Chelsea to dominate in midfield and win the game comfortably for me.

People have learnt their lesson from the QPR game.