12/3/03 CC Round 4: Reading v. Chelsea [R]

A chance here to reach the quater-finals of another cup.
Yeah, sure, it's only the "worthless" cup many say nowadays.
There was a day, not too long ago either, when this cup was something to strive for, something everybody wanted to win.In todays game of million pound bonuses for wins in the Champions league it has suffered somewhat in the aims of the "bigger" teams, who often field weakened teams.

Funny thing about this is that this year a so called "weakened' Chelsea side is something of a contradiction to the actual meaning.There will be no Chelsea reserves on the pitch, i think we can be pretty sure about that one eh?
The likes of Hasselbaink and Gudjohnson, who in seasons past would be watching at home on the telly, will now probably be going gung ho for the full 90.

Gronkjaer and Johnson may be the starting pair on the right.
So much for weakened huh?

I fully expect a rather strong team from Ranieri who has never slighted this trophy, although i very much doubt he is now looking at it as an early guarantee of European football next season, as he once undoubtedly was.

Wonder if Babayaro is fit for a start yet?

It should be interesting to see who is in his matchday squad, as opposed to the remaining Prem teams that will leave out their regular starters.

 

I'd love to see Huth get a game here, mabye see one of those free kick bombs he brings, but he's off with the German U20's with Kniessel.(both of whom got yellows in their opening 2-0 loss to S. Korea)

Hopefully Cudicini will play, as another "stellar" performance from Ambrosio like we saw against Notts County and we may see some trouble...

 

Go the Blues! We are on fire! Beating Man Utd 1-0, top of the table after Arsenal drew with Fulham. What a weekend, I laughed my ass off about Arsenal. 0-0 is pathetic, even though Fulham's keeper saved some phenomenal shots.

We should be able to get into another lot of finals this time in the not so hyped up League Cup. More attention for players like Huth and Ambrosio who hardly get a run. I would love to see Ranieri try the Mutu/Crespo combination up forward. I believe these two on their day can belt any side in the world.

Go the Blues!

 

As did Kneissel.
Its been a good couple of weeks for Chelsea players on practically all fronts.

 

Starting Eleven:

Sullivan

Johnson, Desailly, Terry, Babayaro

Gronkjaer, Lampard, Geremi, Cole

JFH, Crespo

 

Bench:

Ambrosio, Stanic, Makalele, Gallas, Mutu

 

Reading Lineup:

1 Marcus Hahnemann
6 John Mackie
3 Nicholas Shorey
11 Andy Hughes
16 Ivar Ingimarsson
2 Graeme Murty
14 Steven Sidwell
4 Kevin Watson
10 Nicky Forster
17 John Salako
20 Basir Savage

 

Talk about being able to take the piss.

 

Just got back from a class, i'll do updates for the rest of the game.

0-0, 38th min

Only yellow of the game, 28th min to Kevin Watson of Reading. Commentators mention that Hahnemann is playing great...just as I say that he makes a great save off a JFH-Crespo move.

 

I don't like..

...the fact that we have had so much possession and chances, shots at and on goal, good saves forced from their keeper and we are still at 0-0 nearing the half.

Yes, radio says it's all Chels, but, if we don't put it in the net it will raise their spirits to no end to come out in the second half and try to nick a 1-0 win.

If they score it'll be the 1-10-0 formation we have been playing against for much of the season.

Sounds great, and, i expect that premiership class and fitness will tell in the final half hour of the game, but......

 

Halftime

Chelsea 0 - Reading 0

Hahnemann keeping them alive.

 

Well if a Yank keeper is going to have a blinder against us better it be Hahnemann than Howard, Friedel, or Keller.

 

Chelsea Substitution:

J. Cole OFF
Makalele ON

 

Reading on the break, Forster forces a save from Sullivan, corner coming up.

Cleared by a punch from Sullivan, who seemed to be doing well in his first team debut.

 

Crespo plays in Geremi...who shoots right at Hahnemann.

Terry gains posession makes a great run and shoots just wide...

 

I think JFH has picked up a yellow.

What an odd day - both Liverpool and ManUtd are down a goal in their games.

 

Lampard plays a great ball to Crespo who waits for Jimmy, feeds him and he SCORES!!

Chelsea 1 - Reading 0

JFH - 59th

 

Reading Substitution:

Hughes OFF
Murray ON

 

Red and dead

Fixed your post.

 

Makalele picks up a yellow card at 63 minutes.

 

Re: Red and dead

Hehe That it is!
Although still strange to see in a Carling cup tie.
D'oh! Spoke too soon - 'Pool just equalized.