FA Cup Round 5 - February 14, 2009 - Watford v. Chelsea FC

Word of warning. The Watford pitch is disgraceful.

 

Just want to win.

 

Now that is a nice civilized time for a match.

My hope

--------Hilario------
Ivano---Mancienne---JT--Cole
Q----Obi---Lamp---Kalou-
--------Drogs----Anelka

with time for Stoch

At least now it is not 100% beyond hope

2-1 we progress

 

I was surprised to see/remeber that our goal diff so far in the league is +29. Things started so well, amazing how quickly it all fell apart. If we win this it will be more of an indictment against the players, rather than anything Hiddink has done. I think he's just going to watch the game and start training on Monday. What is he going to do, give a really inspiring team talk? That said, the players will be looking to impress the new boss (why weren't they trying to impress the old boss), so I expect we'll win. 2-1: we won't be able to keep a clean sheet again.

 

500-0

 

Must win game...end of.

Seriously.

Strongest team available needs to be sent out, no thoughts to be given to the game with Villa.
I have great hope that Wilkins, being born and bred on this competition, will not disappoint me.

 

What is sad, really, is that back at the end of October it was also plus 29!!!

 

With Rogers being on the other side of things too.

 

Yeah we better field a full-strength squad for this one, no exceptions. It's starting to look like this might be the most realistic shot we have at silverware this season.

 

very concerning imo considering his knowledge of the club and the "tactics" deployed by the former regime

although I feel a little easier with Guus being about and hope that he has a little input. I also supsect some players will be doing their best to impress the new man so perhaps we will see some more determined performances.

Quite frankly I expect to see a full strength side, to the chagrin of lobo, but I think those first teamers will want to catch the eye of Guus.

 

I did put out my full strength squad, rather see Ivano than Bos on the right, I thought Cech was hurt I would start him if healthy. And I think Mancieenne pairs JT better and will care more than Alex. If you go with Bos than I'd play Ivano at cb with JT.

That would be my stating front six in a 4-4-2 regardless, and that was probably the last thing Watford has been planning for thinking Scolari was in charge, and Stoch about the only one left that can add danger off the bench

 

Hopefully we can be recipient of the fired up for the new regime emotianal victory, like Harry and the Spurs earlier this season.

But yeah, full strength side, would like to see a 4-4-2 like suggested by lobo. If Drogba can't get motivated by starting and for a new manager then he won't get motivated by anything, but I hope that Hiddink can get his head in the game, and that we will see some flashes of the old Drogba.

 

Seems like the team is having a bit of fun in training.

 

This adds a bit of spice:

"Another twist to Saturday's game sees Rogers assisted by coaching consultant Frank Lampard Senior, who will pit his wits against his son and England midfielder."

http://www.skysports.com/football/match_preview/0,19764,11065_3104113,00.html

 

Should be a good one. Lampard Jr. joked that his dad's going to make sure he gets harassed.

 

Hope Lampard Sr. likes lettuce!

Interestingly, some Watford fans have complained that Rogers has a Scolari prob--ie, that he's too strategically rigid.

 

saw a funny interview with both Lamps a couple of weeks ago, Sr. definatly planing to rough up Jr....

Forgot JT out thanks to Riley, but Cech should be back so Cech, Bos, Ivano, Alex, Cole it is, happy ol' gits, still hoping for a 4-4-2 though

 

I'm not trying to start anything, and im aware that they've both been poor, but, Why no ballack or Deco? Are you thinking of resting them for the Villa game?

Lampard and Mikel will no doubt handle the midfield battle, but kalou and Quaresma on the wings would worry me, Both are more attack minded, and that would leave alot of work for only 2 CM's...But then again, It is watford, so if you can improve your set ball defending, you shouldn't have much to worry about.

This is the only game I'll be watching tomorrow, So i hope you guys Win. I'd love to see Us get a crack at knocking out United or chelsea.

 

You answered your own question jaunca.

Ballack will play I expect, alongside Lampard and Mikel in the usual three.

 

get used to that when it comes to juanca mate.

so Terry and Carvs out. Hopefully Alex and Ivanovic, or possibly Mancienne. Good chance for those lads to catch the eye of the new gaff.

I dont expect much change from the 433 and think AndyF has the midfield correct with most likely a Kalou-Anelka-Malouda front three.

 

Yes; and from the Villa game as well; and well resting them for the season is fine with me as well. Deco has just been poor all around the last few monthes and though Ballack has done a bit more of the grind work than he gets credit for, he has just been slow and giving the ball away far too much and he just has not played himself into form as we all hoped

Lampard and Obi have been doing all the work in the midfield and then some
the last three monthes anyway. As Q and Kalou will be supplying the width the full backs can worry about defence a bit more than they have of late and Kalou tracks back beter than credited if a bit inconsistently. That front six should be able to control poseession and get some goals against Watford though I expect a tough match. Anelka likes to play deep any way and thogh he has not been steller of late I'll take him over Deco or Ballack and Kalou can play inside as well. With our defence, Cech and Obi no reason we should not be able to effectivly play a 4-4-2 against Watford or near anyone.

Probably one of many I'll watch, though the only one that will disturb my neighbors but in a good way me thinks, first time in awhile I have felt good before our match

 

What kind of lineup do you guys think we should expect Hiddink to throw out there against Watford? Here's for hoping for an attacking 4-4-2.

 

Looks like Drogs may start

"Wilkins, though, will select the team today following the sacking of Scolari on Monday and is poised to start with the Ivorian forward. He is also adamant that Drogba and Nicolas Anelka can form an effective partnership."

"With Scolari having adopted a mixture of zonal and man-marking in his defensive strategy against Stoke City, Wilkins stressed that it was “vitally important” for there to be just one system for today’s match against Watford."


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/fo...-Chelsea-team-as-Ray-Wilkins-seeks-unity.html

Liking Wilkens so far