Closed Derby v Chelsea

[Muzchap 8,966]

Derby fan here, Chelsea are my second side (believe it or not), so I thought I'd try and clear somethings up - explain a few things.

We're a very good footballing side and when we're on our game: we move the ball quick, have a lot movement and try to cut teams open. The downside is that when we're feeling under the cosh and up against it, we look jaded but try and play the same way. This leads to mistakes, however, Buxton will be back in the team and he's very assured and calm on the ball. Shotton and Keogh are too similar for me, look to try and force the ball into midfield when it perhaps doesn't need to. It lead to Bamford's goal on Saturday, for example. Also, We've had our two worst performances in our last three games which is worrying.

As for the game, I expect the loan players - Ibe and Mascarell - to be desperate to do well, but with the league in the way it is, I expect the majority to be focused on Saturday.

You will throw us off our game, we haven't had less possession than the opposition in any game this season, but I don't expect that to be the case on Tuesday. It will be a good learning curve. I also read that with Hughes we lack creativity, but that is certainly not the case. Bryson and Hendrick are dynamic players that like having a shot, arriving late into the box, and will get more goals. But, Hughes will start most of our better attacking plays off - a secondary assist player, if you will.

The only position inexperience may be a problem for you is at centre-back. Martin is a very intelligent forward, perfect fodder for Terry to mark, but a less experienced player may come undone by his gravitational pull. If anyone makes it difficult for him, he'll hit the floor and win the free-kick.

I'm not expecting much, I just hope it's not a draw (extra-time, penalties), I'd sooner lose and keep fresh for the Norwich game on Saturday.

Good luck for the rest of the season.

Great post good luck for the game against Norwich

Despite popular opinion Steve is no managerial mug and I'm expecting a proper game - it won't be easy.

Should be an interesting one for both fans and the neutrals

[RoyalBlues 4,050]

Derby fan here, Chelsea are my second side (believe it or not), so I thought I'd try and clear somethings up - explain a few things.

We're a very good footballing side and when we're on our game: we move the ball quick, have a lot movement and try to cut teams open. The downside is that when we're feeling under the cosh and up against it, we look jaded but try and play the same way. This leads to mistakes, however, Buxton will be back in the team and he's very assured and calm on the ball. Shotton and Keogh are too similar for me, look to try and force the ball into midfield when it perhaps doesn't need to. It lead to Bamford's goal on Saturday, for example. Also, We've had our two worst performances in our last three games which is worrying.

As for the game, I expect the loan players - Ibe and Mascarell - to be desperate to do well, but with the league in the way it is, I expect the majority to be focused on Saturday.

You will throw us off our game, we haven't had less possession than the opposition in any game this season, but I don't expect that to be the case on Tuesday. It will be a good learning curve. I also read that with Hughes we lack creativity, but that is certainly not the case. Bryson and Hendrick are dynamic players that like having a shot, arriving late into the box, and will get more goals. But, Hughes will start most of our better attacking plays off - a secondary assist player, if you will.

The only position inexperience may be a problem for you is at centre-back. Martin is a very intelligent forward, perfect fodder for Terry to mark, but a less experienced player may come undone by his gravitational pull. If anyone makes it difficult for him, he'll hit the floor and win the free-kick.

I'm not expecting much, I just hope it's not a draw (extra-time, penalties), I'd sooner lose and keep fresh for the Norwich game on Saturday.

Good luck for the rest of the season.

Good luck for the rest of the season for Derby too. Hope your club playing in PL for next season. And I like your club badge very much.

[Kezza 1,965]

Should be a routine win here. I expect nothing less

[Special Juan 28,141]

Derby fan here, Chelsea are my second side (believe it or not), so I thought I'd try and clear somethings up - explain a few things.

We're a very good footballing side and when we're on our game: we move the ball quick, have a lot movement and try to cut teams open. The downside is that when we're feeling under the cosh and up against it, we look jaded but try and play the same way. This leads to mistakes, however, Buxton will be back in the team and he's very assured and calm on the ball. Shotton and Keogh are too similar for me, look to try and force the ball into midfield when it perhaps doesn't need to. It lead to Bamford's goal on Saturday, for example. Also, We've had our two worst performances in our last three games which is worrying.

As for the game, I expect the loan players - Ibe and Mascarell - to be desperate to do well, but with the league in the way it is, I expect the majority to be focused on Saturday.

You will throw us off our game, we haven't had less possession than the opposition in any game this season, but I don't expect that to be the case on Tuesday. It will be a good learning curve. I also read that with Hughes we lack creativity, but that is certainly not the case. Bryson and Hendrick are dynamic players that like having a shot, arriving late into the box, and will get more goals. But, Hughes will start most of our better attacking plays off - a secondary assist player, if you will.

The only position inexperience may be a problem for you is at centre-back. Martin is a very intelligent forward, perfect fodder for Terry to mark, but a less experienced player may come undone by his gravitational pull. If anyone makes it difficult for him, he'll hit the floor and win the free-kick.

I'm not expecting much, I just hope it's not a draw (extra-time, penalties), I'd sooner lose and keep fresh for the Norwich game on Saturday.

Good luck for the rest of the season.

Nice to read things like this ahead of the deluge of PSG fans that I am expecting ahead of our games with them.

[OhForAGreavsie 6,076]

Derby fan here, Chelsea are my second side (believe it or not), so I thought I'd try and clear somethings up - explain a few things.

We're a very good footballing side and when we're on our game: we move the ball quick, have a lot movement and try to cut teams open. The downside is that when we're feeling under the cosh and up against it, we look jaded but try and play the same way. This leads to mistakes, however, Buxton will be back in the team and he's very assured and calm on the ball. Shotton and Keogh are too similar for me, look to try and force the ball into midfield when it perhaps doesn't need to. It lead to Bamford's goal on Saturday, for example. Also, We've had our two worst performances in our last three games which is worrying.

As for the game, I expect the loan players - Ibe and Mascarell - to be desperate to do well, but with the league in the way it is, I expect the majority to be focused on Saturday.

You will throw us off our game, we haven't had less possession than the opposition in any game this season, but I don't expect that to be the case on Tuesday. It will be a good learning curve. I also read that with Hughes we lack creativity, but that is certainly not the case. Bryson and Hendrick are dynamic players that like having a shot, arriving late into the box, and will get more goals. But, Hughes will start most of our better attacking plays off - a secondary assist player, if you will.

The only position inexperience may be a problem for you is at centre-back. Martin is a very intelligent forward, perfect fodder for Terry to mark, but a less experienced player may come undone by his gravitational pull. If anyone makes it difficult for him, he'll hit the floor and win the free-kick.

I'm not expecting much, I just hope it's not a draw (extra-time, penalties), I'd sooner lose and keep fresh for the Norwich game on Saturday.

Good luck for the rest of the season.

Thank you DR a really interesting briefing about your side.

One thing - I don't think there will be any real inexperience in our side bar the young CB Zouma who we know will start. He'll probably be partnered by John Terry, while Remy or Drogba might get a game instead of Costa up top. Other than that I'm expecting all of our regular starters to feature. This is not least because most of the youngsters who people were hoping might get a game, played for the U21s on Sunday afternoon. I doubt they'd have been involved in that fixture if Jose had plans for them tonight. The only ones who didn't feature were Ake & Baker so, if fit, I'm guessing they'll be on the bench.

[NJCFC 5]

Hi all. I'm new to this. Been a Chels fan (and ST holder) for over 20 years. I signed up because I'm going to Derby for the game tonight and wondered where other travelling fans are going pre-match?

In terms of the game itself, I expect Jose to make changes but field a strong line-up. He, like us, was clearly frustrated by the avoidable defeat v Sunderland in the Capital One Cup last season and looking at the remaining teams, it's a trophy we should aim to win this season and set us up for more silverware later in the year.

Predicted Team: Cech, Luis, Terry, Zouma, Azpilicueta, Ramires, Fabregas, Schurrle, Oscar, Salah, Remy

Predicted Score: 0-2

Up the Chels!

[ulvhedin 526]

Would like this team:

Cech

Azpi Terry Zouma Luis

Mikel Fabregas

Salah Ramires Schurrle

Remy

subs: Thibo, Christensen, Matic, Baker, Hazard, Oscar, Drogba.

To be realistic I think Matic and one of Oscar/Hazard will start and no way of Christensen will be on bench.

[NiclasCFC 2,582]

Guys Ramires is not fit to start according to Jose.

[We Hate Scouse 10,326]

Hi all. I'm new to this. Been a Chels fan (and ST holder) for over 20 years. I signed up because I'm going to Derby for the game tonight and wondered where other travelling fans are going pre-match?

In terms of the game itself, I expect Jose to make changes but field a strong line-up. He, like us, was clearly frustrated by the avoidable defeat v Sunderland in the Capital One Cup last season and looking at the remaining teams, it's a trophy we should aim to win this season and set us up for more silverware later in the year.

Predicted Team: Cech, Luis, Terry, Zouma, Azpilicueta, Ramires, Fabregas, Schurrle, Oscar, Salah, Remy

Predicted Score: 0-2

Up the Chels!

Last season we started drinking in The Royal Telegraph, there weren't many Chelsea in there, but the Derby fans and staff were very welcoming we then moved up to The Crown & Cushion where there was a majority of Chels

[mickaaa7 10]

Courtois christensen zouma ake luis ramires mikel fabregas schurrles drogba remy

[Siwy_CFC 7]

Courtois christensen zouma ake luis ramires mikel fabregas schurrles drogba remy

I am sure we wont play unexperience duo of centre backs, if Ake will play he will play as a central midlefielder or left back.

I am sure Zouma will take a chance, i hopevfor some sub-players like Remy for example and be very happy if one player from academy will play.

[Thendo 1,088]

Cech

Azpi Terry Zouma Luis

Ake Matic

Salah Fabregas Schurrle

Remy

And if we need a goal just sub mikel on

[nyikolajevics 2,700]

Courtois christensen zouma ake luis ramires mikel fabregas schurrles drogba remy

Aké is 1.80m, he will never be a CB in the adult team. Also, Mourinho claimed he will select a strong eleven tonight.

My guess is:

Cech

Azpi, Zouma, Terry, Filipe

Mikel, Aké

Salah, Fábregas, Schürrle

Rémy

[the wes 7,212]

Aké is 1.80m, he will never be a CB in the adult team. Also, Mourinho claimed he will select a strong eleven tonight.

My guess is:

Cech

Azpi, Zouma, Terry, Filipe

Mikel, Aké

Salah, Fábregas, Schürrle

Rémy

i disagree mate Carles Puyol is 1.78 m in height and he was brillant at centre back

[killer1257 3,282]

Any youth team players in the squad?

[Viper22 2,418]

Quick note for anyone viewing this thread, the prediction league thread for this game is now live, sorry it's so late!

[lionsden 4,689]

Any youth team players in the squad?

John Terry

[Term-X 7,891]

Opportunities for youths to start games will run thin after this and the FA Cup fixture, no excuses tonight.

[lionsden 4,689]

Opportunities for youths to start games will run thin after this and the FA Cup fixture, no excuses tonight.

If the Youth are struggling to get games in the mickey mouse cup then there's zero chance we will see any youth involvement in the more prestigious competition, the FA cup. unless we suffer major injury crisis.

[mannyfreshh 164]

Can we win this cup, league , FA and champions league?????