Closed Chelsea v Arsenal

[AndersonBLUE 819]

Don't think we will see Luiz play so soon in a big game. Think we will see Lamps or Mikel in there.

[robsblubot 3,508]

IMO, that is where they are lacking recently. Last week when they edged past Spurs, they were lacking in the pace department. When Walcott is unavailable they have to rely on the flair and technical ability of their players. Pace is not a problem which we should be concerned about on Saturday unless they play Chamberlain on the wings but he is no Walcott and when Walcott is not playing Giroud is more ineffective. I see no reason as to why we can't win on Saturday. Hope Mourinho goes out positive and we beat them because they have more to fear of us than we fear of them.

yeah you are prob right on Walcott, but Chamberlain still has loads of pace. Giroud is on the slow side though, but he's well rounded player who can cause problems.

They did have a few counter attacking moments against Spurs, but were not very effective and Lloris was pretty good.

[lionsden 4,689]

Eto'o simply has to start. his record in big games over the course of his illustrious career is remarkable.

[Special Juan 27,429]

Starting anyone but Eto'o would be nonsensical at best. Not worried about Arsenal at all, and I am certainly not worried about the so called pace Oxtail Chaimbermaid has.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Eto'o simply has to start. his record in big games over the course of his illustrious career is remarkable.

Big games at Stamford Bridge as well...

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Here's a nice stat - Arsene Wenger lost his 500th game in charge of Arsenal. He lost 1-0 at Stamford Bridge to a team managed by José Mourinho.

Saturday is his 1000th game in charge of Arsenal - played at Stamford Bridge against a team managed by José Mourinho.

[Fulham Broadway 16,862]

Think we need to rip these title pretenders a new arsehole at the weekend

[Chelsea Legend 11 4,062]

Feel the loss to Villa, however controversial, came at the right time. 14 straight unbeaten we were bound for a slip up now its about staying focussed and playing the right way! There is no room for error anymore so I expect Jose and JT to have the boys well up for this one.

What's on paper doesn't matter, its a derby and both teams desperately need the points! I think we have the mettle to do it, we've been the Premier League's best team against the big clubs and truly I don't see that changing on Saturday. This game will come down to who wants it more (as most contests do) and for my money Arsenal just don't strike me as a team who possess that type of mentality.

They are good value for the draw but I feel we'll win if Hazard and Eto'o are the best players on the pitch! They should be too, we're at home and haven't lost there in God knows how long. It will have everything to do with being clinical when the few opportunities present themselves.

2-1.

Hazard, Schurrle - Chamberlain

I think the squad picks itself at this point.

Luiz and Matic holding, Oscar in the no.10.

[duo11bluecl 207]

^^^ hmm I don't know Luiz in straight away after sometime out would be a bit risky but then again Lampard isn't really that much better despite being fully fit anyway. Agreed with rest though, maybe Salah could be on at half time if Schurrle or Oscar being a passage by half time.

[KingB 9]

matic mikel pivot, schurrle hazard oscar behind el nino,

maybe luiz for mikel.

maybe salah for schurrle at half time if things not working.

[Jase 43,479]

Early presser from Mourinho today. 9.45am UK time..

[NiclasCFC 2,582]

Early presser from Mourinho today. 9.45am UK time..

clever from José, avoiding CL questions...

[Jase 43,479]

clever from José, avoiding CL questions...

Seems that is done mainly because Wenger's presser is also at the same time..

[didierforever 7,349]

Seems that is done mainly because Wenger's presser is also at the same time..

pc link?

[Jase 43,479]

pc link?

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Grumpy Jose again.

[Jase 43,479]

Team News: Cole still out injured. Willian and Ramires are both (obviously) out due to suspensions.

And Mourinho also confirmed Van Ginkel will feature in the U21 match tonight against United.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Team News: Cole still out injured. Willian and Ramires are both (obviously) out due to suspensions.

And Mourinho also confirmed Van Ginkel will feature in the U21 match tonight against United.

That was probably the least eventful PC all season. Practically said nothing.