Alright, let's erase the bad memories. Need to take care of business here. Sturridge may be fit. We'll need to be at our best as this is their only chance at silverware unless they win their replay. Courtois Bane Gaz JT Dave Matic Fab Willian Oscar Hazard Costa Figure this is currently our strongest lineup. Schürrle is reportedly out For this, fueling rumors of a move. He also has a rumored back injury which isn't helping matters. Those that played at the weekend have to be down in the dumps in terms of psyche. So we have to play our best group and they follow it up with an evening match against Citeh on Saturday.
Going into this with a bad feeling that isn't at all helped by the fact that losing would really, really, really bothersome.... ...BUT... we will be full strength, and I believe our team truly is capable of beating anyone. Bring it on loserpool.
if i had to pick only one win this week, i'd rather beat citeh. but i really can't see us losing this game at home. we already took their best shot.
I have a feeling we're going to blow them out. We need to. Time to pick up some momentum going into Saturday.
Have to start aggressive. If we try and build up throughout then a high tempo Liverpool can thrive. Ruin them.
Really a good point. Letting them gain believe through our slow play is a bad deal. If we get on them early, stay aggressive, and press them, this could be ugly in a good way.
We haven't had that problem really. Its the second half where we tend to pass out. If we can sustain our first half momentum, we'll be solid.
That's true so far. I'm more citing a concern I have that Jose may try to play a control game to keep the ball and the initiative knowing that Liverpool have to score (thus placing value on a counterattacking approach) which is unique for a two legged tie (our first of the season). If we do this I am worried this plays to Liverpool's strength as they still have dangerous players. In Jose I trust (any doubts are a result of my own neuroses)
I predict an edgy, physical game, but a 2-0 Chelsea victory Costa will give Skrtel the death stare at least once
If history is a guide, Mourinho will focus above all on defense, preventing LFC from scoring, rather than on scoring goals ourselves. He's got all the offensive firepower a manager could hope for - as much as all but maybe 2 or 3 clubs in the world.
Starting XI: Courtois, Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Luis, Matic, Fabregas, Willian, Oscar, Hazard, Diego Costa
Bench via BBC Sport 01 Cech 06 Aké 07 Ramires 11 Drogba 18 Remy 24 Cahill 28 Azpilicueta Glad to see Ake there, is that a message to Mikel, no Salah or Shurrle either
Absolutely is. I just saw the official team sheet. That is only going to add to the transfer speculation. It's also pretty damning to Salah.
Well the rumor with Andre is he's has a back injury. It's why he missed at the weekend. Either way though, not good IMO.
I don't buy it. I think he's gone in the summer. No way Wolfsburg pony up the dosh this window. But yeah, I'm a dreamer! [emoji39]