Closed West Brom v Chelsea

[AswinR 96]

who ever says we should field a weaker team for the sake of rotation or whatever, is a twat .. le arse are playing man utd and we have a decent chance of creating a gap ..

eto'o

hazard oscar willian

matic luiz

azpilicueta jt gc ivanovic

cech

3-1 chelsea, COYB!!!

nice one...you think west brom is going to score against us!!

[MHL 47 378]

As much as we may miss Terry, they'll miss Olsen more. No Sessegnon or Anelka for them either.

We've done poorly at their ground for a few seasons now and this will be a big test of the teams resilience, work ethic and skill.

The pitch looks poor and with the game being at night and under lights I've no doubt their crowd will be up for it. We should try to deny them as much of the ball as is possible in the first part of the game and look to exploit their defensive frailties that are showing up under Pepe Mel.

Motivated they are a good side, remember the lesson we got from them at the Bridge!

It will be interesting to see how they (WBA) set up for the game, go for it or sit back at home? They are not in the best run of form right now and this game may just be the catalyst Mel needs to gee them up. This is another huge game - We've our noses in front, by a short head/nostrils (see what I did there). the trick now is keep the pressure up on the chasers by keeping winning.

[YouNameIt 1,511]

Can't afford to ease off and play any squad players like Schwarzer. Play the absolute strongest side and play like we have been. We need to insure we get as many wins as possible before the fixture list starts getting congested again. Hell, I wouldn't even mind playing a lineup similar to the City match with Luiz/Matic/Ramires against West Brom. Anything to ensure the win. We can't claim the top spot and then lose it within days.

This week can become even better than this past one if we win and Agent Mata helps United down Arse.

The season is long and we'll be playing alot of games in CL and the FA cup aswell.

We cannot field our strongest team against every team. And especially against teams such as WBA (and especially regarding their current situation) we need to rotate.

And rotation is also something we know Mourinho wants to do so I am positive we'll see some changes for this game.

[SinineUltra 1,170]

nice one...you think west brom is going to score against us!!

Complacency and arrogance is a short cut to failure. I'd rather we put maximum effort in this and not underestimate our opponents than slate the team for not performing against a 'small' team. You must respect your opposition.

[Excalibur KTBFFH 109]

Terry being out is a blow. Luiz looked shaky on numerous occasions against Newcastle. I hope it's not a problem. And of course we have to play the strongest available team. We have a break of 4 days till the City game and then a whole 7 days of rest till we play Everton in the league.

[AswinR 96]

Complacency and arrogance is a short cut to failure. I'd rather we put maximum effort in this and not underestimate our opponents than slate the team for not performing against a 'small' team. You must respect your opposition.

imo complacency is but not arrogance born out of confidence and self belief....but yup shouldnt underestimate a 'small' team but dont think we should overestimate them either...just the right amount of respect ...

[Zola's Flick 57]

Big game. Their new manager Pepe Mel has lost both of his away games in charge but got very good points at home to Everton and Liverpool (albeit with lots of luck against Liv).

Our record at the Hawthorns in recent years is poor. AVB and Di Matteo both lost their jobs days after losing here - it's a poisoned chalice! Thankfully I think Jose is safe regardless of the result tomorrow night

No Terry is a miss but we've been lucky with injuries this season so can't complain too much. Their captain and best defender is out (Olsson), as are their creative hub (Sessegnon) and Anelka, who would be bound to score against us!

No complacency with team selection, I'd be happy with:

CECH

IVANOVIC

CAHILL

LUIZ

AZPILICUETA

RAMIRES

MATIC

OSCAR

WILLIAN

ETO'O

HAZARD

Their strikers are poor so JT shouldn't be missed in theory.

Prediction: WEST BROM 0-2 CHELSEA (HAZARD, OSCAR)

Come on you Blues!

[thekid9 418]

Got to be Nando , not just saying that cause i like him , but they hold a very high line! ideal for Nando ! Eto'o is too slow!

[Laylabelle 9,351]

Easy on paper.Probably be horrible against us then go back to being crap later.Dont want another West Ham blurghness.Make most of chances and get this tittle lead going

[xPetrCechx 13,563]

Stephane Sessegnon and Nicholas Anelka are out for #CFC game.

[We Hate Scouse 10,286]

Got to be Nando , not just saying that cause i like him , but they hold a very high line! ideal for Nando ! Eto'o is too slow!

Eto'o's link up play has been fantastic. It would be stupid to drop him now, it could seriously cost us.

I think you're just saying it cos you like him...

[pWneR 230]

Eto'o slow? Yes he is old and lost some pace but he is still pretty fast.

[Special Juan 27,424]

Throwing Torres straight in is a risk, not just risk for fitness terms but a risk because it puts out of joint what has become a fruitful attacking force with Eto'o playing a pivotal part.

[Muzchap 8,966]

Eto'o's link up play has been fantastic. It would be stupid to drop him now, it could seriously cost us.

I think you're just saying it cos you like him...

Agreed - Eto and Hazard link up play is getting awesome now... Sam is just not as good as he used to be at finishing (happens with age) - but his footballing brain is awesome and him Hazard on same wavelength

Imagine a 10yr younger Eto'o in our team right now! Just wow! That's what we need in the summer...

[MHL 47 378]

Imagine a 10yr younger Eto'o in our team right now! Just wow! That's what we need in the summer...

Any idea where we can get one?

Agree on the Eto'o, Hazard link up play. Getting better with games, however so is the Willian link up play with just about everyone.

[Polo7 3,496]

Got to be Nando , not just saying that cause i like him , but they hold a very high line! ideal for Nando ! Eto'o is too slow!

Eto'o might be slower than Torres but at least he can link up with others and control the ball.

[Shane 2,275]

Would really prefer to see Eto'o, great link up play lately, and in my opinion is one of those players that will just have some of those days and net double's and hattricks in one game.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

What did he say?

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1bost7_mourinho-press-conference-before-the-match-west-brom_sport