UEFA Champions League, Round of 16 - Tuesday, February 20th, 2018 - Chelsea FC vs FC Barcalona

The Gods are finally smiling on us?

 

Who do you think gets the start? Drinkwater for a more defensive taste or Cesc because he's the better player?

I think Drinkwater starts with Cesc coming on around the 60 minute mark.

 

Agree with that. We won't have any possession against Barca anyways for Cesc to thrive.

 

Hopefully Drinkwater over Cesc. I'm just a nobody but it drives me nuts how teams always play defensive on the road and attack at home in these ties, ignoring the benefit of the away goals rule.

 

It drives me nuts when a quality team doesn't attack on the road all the time. It's a rectangle with two goals and 22 players whether it's in London, Barca, or St. Louis.

 

Still, not sure how we're going to get/control the ball. At all. I'm not too confident this defense can withstand the onslaught, plus Messi wants to score against us.

 

Did Conte say Baka was injured or that "..I dont think he's ready.."

 

Not really nervous because I think we're going to lose the tie.

I would pay for 0-0 right now.

 

(ps I'm still nervous)

 

Pretty sure Bakayoko is injured and that's why he's out, but the quote is being thrown around to mean something more. Would hope he wouldn't start anyways, but I doubt Bakayoko even makes the squad (due to injury).

I'm struggling with what formation would give us the best chance. I know we've seen a lot of success in the 3-4-3, especially in the last two results after our poor run, but we will undoubtedly concede a lot more possession to Barcelona than WBA or Hull. I want to say I'd like to see a 3-5-2 so both Cesc and Drinkwater could start regardless of how poor it's looked the last few times it's been utilized. Put out Hazard and Morata so Fabregas can hit some through balls and hopefully we hit them on the break. Also wouldn't be unhappy if Ampadu is in over Drinkwater - I know that's a lot of weight on a 17 year old's shoulders, but he'd be a better fit if we are going to sit back and absorb pressure imho, especially if we man mark Messi to some extent. If we use a 3-4-3, I expect our wingers will be trying to nullify their width, and I'm worried that will leave our midfield open for the taking (again, especially if we have someone like Kante man marking Messi to some extent). Will be really interesting to see what the match looks like tactically

 

Conte speaking to the press now.

Have plan, must stick to it. Work hard. Zzzzz.

Plan falls apart when we concede a PK in opening 10 minutes.

We lose 3-1. Tie over. Sorry.

 

Well let's hope Cahill isn't playing and we won't have to concede that PK 10 minutes in...

 

Won't see it but I'd likely throw this out there...

Hazard---------Morata---------Willian
Alsono---Ampadu--Kante---Zappa
---Rudy---Christensen---Azpi---
--------------Courtios----------------

Or drop Rudy, move Ampadu to the backline and insert Drinkwater next to Kante.

Either way... subs would be Cesc at the 60 minute mark in he mid. Depending on score line either for RW or CM. Then at 65 I'd bring Giroud on for Morata (I believe he can play as he only featured in Group play of Europa League for Arsenal; though I could be wrong).

Last sub depends on how the games going and what we're trying to do to set up for the next leg.

 

I think he likely starts as well. Agreed he has become a liability more so this year than last. He's just not a good fit in this system. Id try to sell him to the Evertons or West Hams of the world. Not even at a high rate. Just to get him of the field and off the books.

Terry was still the Captain last year and Cahill the second but Terry didn't play. Cahill can stay as Captain and not play. Azpi will rock the band like Cahill did last year.

 

Good luck tomo, have always enjoyed watching Chelsea go at Barca and hold their own (or better on many occasions).

I would strongly favour the 3-5-2 for this tie if I were Conte and have one of your central midfield three stick to Messi during moments when he inevitably floats between your defence and midfield lines.

 

A 0-0 result tonight would be my second favored result after a 1-0 or 2-0 win.

Throwing youth out in Barcelona to get thrashed is not a good thing to do to young players.

Ampadu won't start. Playing well against Hull and playing against Barca are two different things.