Matchday 1 / August 11, 2019: Manchester United v. Chelsea FC

https://theprideoflondon.com/2019/08/10/chelsea-frank-lampard-match-philosophy/

not a bad read On Lampard philosophy

 

If we can get United to play possession football and attack us, I think we can win. If they’re playing on the counter....it may be a long day. I really hope Lampard doesn’t persist with the 4-2-3-1 he used in preseason, because we clearly lack a #10 (neither Barkley nor Mount are remotely good enough). Ideally we see a 4-3-3 tomorrow, but I fear we won’t.

 

3-1 to the Chels
82+ points this year
Big year for Barkley and Mount.
Pul, Willian and CHO going to get the job done, with Pedro contributing.
One of the strikers, not sure who going to surprise in a good way.

 

Let's see what they can do. RLC is clearly our best option in this position, but those injury woes.

I think either Barkley or Mount might surprise us. I am optimistic.

This is a key area for us, along with who is going to be our striker.

 

OMG.

Keppa
Dave Zouma AC Emerson
Jorginho Kova
Mount Barkley Pedro
Tam

 

Didn't really expect Mount AND Barkley.

Kante and Pulisic on the bench. Fitness?

 

Mount and Barkley starting? Lol. Wtf. Let’s take our weakest position and magnify it!

 

It does seem a bit sketchy. I'm not so pro Pulisic that he has to start, but 433 seems to suit us best. We need pace to get in behind their defense.

 

The lineups for both clubs are bad - there’s going to be some bad football in this match for supposed top 4 hopefuls.

 

Laughing at the people who talked about he new “meritocracy”, when Lampard has clearly picked Mount because he’s familiar with him from his time in Derby. It’s not because Mount has looked great in preseason! We don’t have a left sided player out there to protect Emerson. Pogba plays on the left. Um.....

I mean, great for Mount. Wonderful moment. But this is the weakest first XI we’ve fielded on the first day of a season since Roman bought the club. And it’s not close.

At least the United lineup is also mostly trash. McTominay and Pereira in midfield? I’m comforting myself that at least we have the excuse of a transfer ban and some injuries. The United decision making process currently looks like a drunk’s dart board. I have some hope ours might be a bit better. Might.

 

Thought he might go to keep it narrow and tight in the middle for first half likely see Pul in 2nd, he did say he could and would play both Bark and Mount together, may be more a diamond with pedro more a 2nd striker

 

Really surprised about Mount getting the nod ahead of Pulisic. Any case, just going to enjoy the game.

 

Well keeping Kante training 3 extra weeks on hurt wheels for the Euro has come to roost

 

Well let's watch the game first eh? Before jumping to too many conclusions. Frank is the manager and he spoke about "mertiocracy" - so you are laughing at our manger on the day of his first game in charge? A ball has yet to be kicked. You're not a very loyal Chelsea fan at all really.

 

Could be going for a first trophy on Wednesday.

Also I think that he is picking the players that played well in pre season

 

I was expecting Pulisic too and looking forward to seeing him, he is certain to come off the bench at some point.

 

Then Mount/Barkley over Pulisic is an odd call!

 

Keeping him for the cup.

Good shot by Tammy.

We have started well but we have not had to defend yet

 

I’d start the kids for that one. Meaningless game.

 

Don't give Zuma the ball there under pressure

 

My God, Zouma....

 

This is such an open game. The United midfield is trash.

Kovacic really needs to stop whining and get up when calls don’t go his way. It’s your second season!

 

Tammy could have had 2 already.

 

Is that good or bad?

We are creating chances and he is getting into good positions.

But we are not converting them.

I think I will be optimistic for a change