Closed Chelsea v Basel

[Special Juan 27,429]

Just unleash the Willy.

[Sidzeret 2,257]

Really wish we had Essien

[Barbara 15,149]

Essien isn't even part of the CL squad

I hope we start someone + Marco. I don't care if it's Mikel or Lamps. I'd rather Mikel, but I guess Mou will start Lamps.

this is my preferred lineup

Cech

Azpili - Luiz - Cahill - Cole

Mikel - Marco

Kevin - Mata - Hazard

Eto'o

José just said in the press conference that tomorrow we'll start with 4 players under 22.

So I guess that means Oscar for Mata and we have the 4: Marco, Kev, Oscar and Eden. Of course it could be André replacing Kev, but I believe in Kev.

edit: he just confirmed Lamps and Oscar are playing tomorrow

[Despiadado.Maleante 1,046]

OSCAR and LAMPARD will start just confirmed by Jose

[nadavTKL 1,787]

Jose says Lampard and Oscar will start.

[Special Juan 27,429]

Willian?

[Drogzola 283]

I have to admit, I love Frank but I didn't want him to start, I find him too slow. Who knows maybe he proves me wrong.

[hjperdeath 2,226]

JM on worst PL start: You(reporter) look more worried than me. Second time you mentioned this. You think I'm deaf.. or I'm not aware of it.

HE MAD.

[LeonDavis23 371]

Playing at Home again. Let's kick some *ss.

it's been awhile since both aye

[Ankit 3,176]

I have to admit, I love Frank but I didn't want him to start, I find him too slow. Who knows maybe he proves me wrong.

And hence Oscar will start too. For me, it's pretty clear that if Lampard is starting, Oscar will start too. Oscar will be the one covering all the spaces that Lamps leave when he goes for his forward runs and running up and down the whole match to cover for Lampard.

With Mata, it will be Mikel as Mata doesn't really offer anything in defense. This is what i have felt reading the team dynamic for the first few games. Obviously it all depends on the quality of the opposition as well.

[Drogzola 283]

And hence Oscar will start too. For me, it's pretty clear that if Lampard is starting, Oscar will start too. Oscar will be the one covering all the spaces that Lamps leave when he goes for his forward runs and running up and down the whole match to cover for Lampard.

With Mata, it will be Mikel as Mata doesn't really offer anything in defense. This is what i have felt reading the team dynamic for the first few games. Obviously it all depends on the quality of the opposition as well.

Yeah Oscar has to start just for that reason. I really hope we do give Mata a chance sometime soon. Tomorrows game wouldn't be the best one to try get Mata some game time as Basel from what I remember press hard.

[Ankit 3,176]

Chelsea FC ‏@chelseafc 50m

Ba: We know a little bit from last season when we played them. We are doing everything to win the game. #CFC

Ba: They have some good forward players and a squad that has played together for a long time. This is a key point. #CFC

Ba: I told the manager if I stayed I would keep fighting for the club. Now it's about the next months and years with Chelsea. #CFC

Ba: This is part of football. It didn't happen. I'm a good professional and always work hard. I will keep doing the same. #CFC

Ba: I want to play. It all depends on me and the performance I put in on the pitch. If I don't perform, it will be only my fault. #CFC

Ba: Every game, we want to win. It doesn't add more pressure. #CFC

Ba: I know I haven't played as good as when I was in Newcastle or West Ham, but ... #CFC

Ba: ... I needed time to settle. I keep working hard and believe the reward is behind the work. #CFC

Mourinho: "Tomorrow I want to enjoy the game as I always do and to start the group phase by winning." #CFC

Mourinho: "From my experience if you start the group phase with a win it's a big step. Doesn't mean you qualify but it's a big step." #CFC

Mourinho: "I'm very happy to be back and to fight for my club, not just as a professional but in a different emotional way." #CFC

Mourinho: "This is a competition everybody wants, we want to qualify for the next stage, it's important for the club." #CFC

Mourinho: "Basel are a very difficult opponent, they've beaten Man United and Tottenham in the last two years." #CFC

Jose Mourinho confirms both Frank Lampard and Oscar will start tomorrow's game. There are no injury worries, everybody's fit. #CFC

Mourinho: "Chelsea had a dream and that came true by winning the CL. If you win it once you dream about winning it twice." #CFC

Mourinho: "The first objective of this team has to be a process which ends with an identity, a philosophy and a style of play." #CFC

Mourinho: "I had a fantastic time here before and most of the people I worked with are still here. The fans have given me everything." #CFC

Mourinho: "We want to build but at the same time win. We lost one match but if we played it 10 times we win nine and lose one." #CFC

Mourinho: "I have to focus, not in the past, but in the future. This isn't an obsession for me or Chelsea but I want to win." #CFC

Mourinho: "Let's enjoy tomorrow, I could choose a team with a lot of experience but I've chosen one with four players under 22." #CFC

Mourinho: "Porto and Inter were special clubs for me but for many reasons this is where I feel at home in every aspect." #CFC

[Drogzola 283]

My question is who is going to play alongside Lampard? I find Ramires very noneffective alongside Lamps. So that leaves MVG and Mikel.

Ramires i find is a bit restricted when playing next to Lamps.

Mikel is slow in build up and so is Lampard.

MVG is young and is unproven for me as of yet.

[Special Juan 27,429]

Mikel is struggling with some sort of strapping around the knee I heard.

[Strike 7,217]

I have to admit, I love Frank but I didn't want him to start, I find him too slow. Who knows maybe he proves me wrong.

I agree. Although between Everton away and Basel home, I'd rather see him start vs Basel

[hjperdeath 2,226]

My question is who is going to play alongside Lampard? I find Ramires very noneffective alongside Lamps. So that leaves MVG and Mikel.

Ramires i find is a bit restricted when playing next to Lamps.

Mikel is slow in build up and so is Lampard.

MVG is young and is unproven for me as of yet.

I have a gut feeling that it's MVG's chance.

[Drogzola 283]

I have a gut feeling that it's MVG's chance.

I am actually hoping for this too but if he messes up it could cost him loads of confidence in the long run.

[Pizy 18,368]

My guess is:

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

Hazard-Oscar-KdB

--Lampard--MvG--

Cole-Cahill-Luiz-Azpi

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

Hopefully with Mata and Willian coming in later.