closed Southampton 1-1 Chelsea

[Jype 6,398]

29 minutes ago, DANILA said:

Also I'd like to see 4231 but looks like we're going with 3 at the back until pre season

Three at the back has been working really well under Tuchel so there's no need to tinker, especially with a tough run of fixtures coming up. If it's not broken, don't fix it.

If results or performances start getting worse, only then it's time to try something else. 

[ZAPHOD2319 4,801]

I don't think Tuchel is married to anything, as he showed switching to a back 4 against Barnsley at halftime. I also like he says he is not going to make changes just for the sake of change. There needs to be a reason something gives us a better chance of winning.

Edited February 18, 2021 by ZAPHOD2319

[DANILA 290]

15 minutes ago, Jype said:

Three at the back has been working really well under Tuchel so there's no need to tinker, especially with a tough run of fixtures coming up. If it's not broken, don't fix it.

If results or performances start getting worse, only then it's time to try something else. 

I don't really agree - it's been working but not working well. Our link up from mid to attack is still pretty bad - we also haven't really played any strong teams yet

[Jype 6,398]

14 minutes ago, DANILA said:

I don't really agree - it's been working but not working well. Our link up from mid to attack is still pretty bad - we also haven't really played any strong teams yet

Sure it's not been perfect but so far it's gotten the results with solid performances, especially defensively. I think for now it's a good idea for Tuchel to just continue steadying the ship and stick with the same formation for a while. Introducing a new formation with new player roles just before some hugely important games is not really a good idea. 

[Atomiswave 6,117]

2 hours ago, Jype said:

I'll go with:

Mendy, Rüdiger, Christensen, Azpi, Chilwell, Kante, Jorginho, James, Ziyech, Werner, Giroud

Rest Kovacic, Mount and CHO for next week's tough games against Atletico and Man Utd. And Alonso 🤐

Last time against this lot Timo scored two goals, hope for the same on Saturday to boost his confidence ahead of CL.

Not a bad idea but I would def have them on the bench though

1 hour ago, DANILA said:

I don't really agree - it's been working but not working well. Our link up from mid to attack is still pretty bad - we also haven't really played any strong teams yet

Not working well? Its been plenty good imo, suddenly we are in top 4, we press well, we look much hungrier, the structure remains at a high level for full 95min. Sure its not perfect but the signs are more than pleasing. If we can keep the momentum we will be alright till summer time.

Edited February 18, 2021 by Atomiswave

[DANILA 290]

Don't get me wrong, I like Tuchel's style much over Lampard's even now. It's just still not where we should be at with attacking, but I understand that Havertz, Pulisic, Ziyech aren't playing. If you look at the teams remaining in CL and how they attack as a team, we still have a long way to go. All we need until summer is top 4, and then give Tuchel a full pre season and maybe a couple of signings to get a team attack going. I think if FL were still managing we'd be battling for 8th

[ZAPHOD2319 4,801]

Man Utd have a tough run of matches coming. If we can hold the form Tuchel has us playing and the attack gets a little tighter, 2nd could happen. I think ManC is not going to drop too many points.

[bigbluewillie 1,930]

We need a top striker, 2 of the 3 we have are not up to the job, one is no better than an average Div2 player Abraham, the other is only good enough to come on as sub Giroud.

Werner I like but wether he's a striker or not remains to be seen.

Unless we get a decent number 9 then we're going to struggle.

[Jase 43,479]

Abraham back in training today. If all goes well, he'll be in the squad tomorrow.

Silva back in training but will still be out.

Pulisic has calf issues. Nothing major. Just tight. Out as a precaution. 

Havertz is back and will be in the squad tomorrow.

[Jase 43,479]

Tuchel once again reiterated that Mendy is the No.1 keeper and deserves to be the No.1. Said the position is not one to mess about and it's important to have a clarity over the main choice. 

[killer1257 3,282]

I would rest some players like Kovacic for the CL match against Atletico, even though he is our only creative player in our midfield. 

[ZAPHOD2319 4,801]

There are two words that give me pause about this match. Anthony Taylor.

[milka 3,390]

Olivier Giroud set to lead the Chelsea attack at Southampton.

Win = 1 point behind Leicester and Man.Utd 

Edited February 19, 2021 by milka

[King Kante 1,643]

Owing to the AM game (followed by Utd) I am going to post three lines ups here to try and give my selection some reasoning: 

Soton 

Mendy

Zouma AC Rudi

CHO Kante Jorgi Chilwell

Ziyech Mount

Giroud 

AM

Mendy

Dave AC Rudi 

James Kova Jorgi Alonso

Mount Harvetz

Werner 

Utd 

Mendy

Dave AC Zouma 

James Kova Kante Alonso

CHO Werner/Mount

Giroud

*AC dropped if Silva is back for AM. Could possibly play as the LCB in the Utd game. 

[Jase 43,479]