Closed Spurs v Chelsea

[Chelsea Legend 11 4,062]

Hopefully totenham wont suprise us by playing deep in their home, if they come out, they'll play into mourinho's counterattack hands and we'll steam roll them for sure

I don't think Tottenham have the ability to sit deep and soak up pressure. They are definitely more adept at attacking and having possession. We have already demonstrated that we can play both styles and for this reason I say we can and will win on Saturday.

[Korea 734]

Got a draw written all over it.

Our pivot won't be great whoever we have in there. I personally would go with Essien Lampard. But none fil with confidence.

Well tbh i would put Oscar or KDB deep in there alongside mikel or essien but Jose won't do that.

Cech

Azpi Luiz Terry Cole

Oscar Essien

KDB Mata Hazard

Torres

Is what i would play.

Cech

Ivan Cahill Terry Cole

Mikel Lampard

Willian Oscar Hazard

Eto'o

Is what i expect to see.

Doesn't really matter, when Oscar plays with Lampard, it eventually turns to 4-3-3, rather than 4-2-3-1. So, Oscar going to be playing in the center mid a lot anyways..

[Chelsea Legend 11 4,062]

With Ramires out, I'm tempted to go for:

Cech

Iva Terry Luiz Cole

Oscar Mikel

Willian Mata Hazard

Torres

I like your thinking but I don't see enough steel in that side.

Essien and Mikel with our three magicians (Oscar, Hazard, Mata) Bring on Schurrle for Essien if we're chasing the game and play with Mikel and the sole holder.

[Kieran. 6,317]

Cech

Ivan Cahill Terry Cole

Mikel Essien

Willian Oscar Schurrle

Torres

is what I'd go for. Obviously Hazard will start and probably Luiz for Cahill and Lampard for Essien.

[Chelsea Legend 11 4,062]

Capoue and Sandro are better than Mikel for me, Capoue is miles ahead of him and in his first few games he was a monster in midfield. I followed him when he played in France, he'll be a hit in the PL. But i still dont think we need this kind of player.

You guys are all the rage about the flavour of the month guys... lol Mikel is MILES ahead of Capoue AND Sandro.

What people fail to understand is if you diving in trying to win tackles it means you've made a mistake or been caught out. Mikel's positioning is sound he often has quiet yet highly effective games. Everyone wants headlines nobody wants shape and composure

[CHOULO19 24,332]

I like everything said here expect Mikel-Lamps. That midfield will be dominated... We need to play Essien with Mikel if we're without Ramires the key will be winning the ball back and getting it to our attacking players. Lamps doesn't have the defensive acumen to play in this sort of game its gonna be a REAL battle in the midfield

No, I agree, but I can't see Essien starting ahead of Lamps.

[diskoviolente 425]

You guys are all the rage about the flavour of the month guys... lol Mikel is MILES ahead of Capoue AND Sandro.

What people fail to understand is if you diving in trying to win tackles it means you've made a mistake or been caught out. Mikel's positioning is sound he often has quiet yet highly effective games. Everyone wants headlines nobody wants shape and composure

i love you

[Chelsea Legend 11 4,062]

That was against Swindon. This against Tottenham. Different opposition altogether.

He did alright yesterday but there's probably a reason why he hasn't played this season till yesterday and besides, his match fitness and sharpness still won't be anywhere near 100% after 1 (competitive) game in more than a month!

I'd start him regardless if Ramires can't go. We need power and positioning in the midfield and Lamps doesn't offer that at all. If we're chasing the game bring in Lamps but my feeling is we're gonna try and beat them on the counter and in order to do that we need to win the ball. Lamps doesn't win enough balls for me to start him in this fixture, plus we got Steaua on Tuesday that's more a Lampard game

[aerl 4]

MY TEAM against SPURS

Cech

Ivan Cahill Terry Cole

Mikel Essien

Mata Oscar Hazard

Torres

[Chelsea Legend 11 4,062]

No, I agree, but I can't see Essien starting ahead of Lamps.

Even with Steaua on Tuesday? Remember Essien isn't eligible for that fixture and if we lose another midfielder that leaves us extremely exposed.

[Chelsea Legend 11 4,062]

Wonder if we'll score on Saturday especially with our trouble of scoring these days and this...

- Tottenham have kept 8 clean sheets in their 9 competitive matches in all competitions this season. The only time they conceded was the 1-0 loss to Arsenal.

The only time they've played anyone who pose a threat is also Arsenal

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Even with Steaua on Tuesday? Remember Essien isn't eligible for that fixture and if we lose another midfielder that leaves us extremely exposed.

Maybe, but Jose's selection so far has not exactly implied that he's high up the pecking order.

[Chelsea Legend 11 4,062]

Maybe, but Jose's selection so far has not exactly implied that he's high up the pecking order.

The games weren't coming as fast as they are now and we have injuries.

[Chelsea Legend 11 4,062]

It baffles me that we didnt go for a CM/DM.

I know Jose wanted to trust on Lampard, Essien, Rambo, Mikel and MVG, but I am starting to think he made a bad call. And I also believe he already knows that!

With MVG out and Ramires a doubt, we will have to outdone ourselves in order to win with a duo of Lampard and Mikel or whatever...

Based on what? You guys need to calm down there are a shit ton of games left, no conclusions can be drawn at this point. And I sincerely doubt Jose Mourinho has drawn conclusions 5 games into the season... LOL

[CHOULO19 24,332]

The games weren't coming as fast as they are now and we have injuries.

Well, I'd love if that proves true. But I'm honestly not getting my hopes up.

[aerl 4]

VAN GINKEL INJURY UPDATE

Chelsea Football Club can confirm Marco van Ginkel successfully underwent anterior cruciate ligament surgery today (Thursday).

The 20-year-old midfielder is expected to be out for approximately six months.

Van Ginkel suffered the knee injury during the first half of our Capital One Cup match at Swindon on Tuesday evening.

[Tortilla9 390]

VAN GINKEL INJURY UPDATE

Chelsea Football Club can confirm Marco van Ginkel successfully underwent anterior cruciate ligament surgery today (Thursday).

The 20-year-old midfielder is expected to be out for approximately six months.

Van Ginkel suffered the knee injury during the first half of our Capital One Cup match at Swindon on Tuesday evening.

That was quick. When my daughter had hers (twice) the doc wanted to wait for the swelling to go down (2-4 weeks). Hope he has a strong recovery.

[aerl 4]

That was quick. When my daughter had hers (twice) the doc wanted to wait for the swelling to go down (2-4 weeks). Hope he has a strong recovery.

Were hoping MVG the best and fast recovery.