Chelsea - FA Cup SF | Pre-Match Thread

[mccity]

Are we playing on the counter today? Chelsea do like to control the ball these days, and the 2 DM’s with KDB as a 10 instead of an 8, with Raz and Ferran wide... we may end up letting them have the ball a bit more than we would usually do. It may not be the plan to counter more often, but I can see the game going that way. We have sacrificed a LOT of control today with no Gundogan, Stones, Zinchenko, Bernardo, Foden, even Mahrez has decent retention. So I reckon Chelsea have more possession than us.

We played 2 DMs against Leicester, so if it's like that game then the extra DM is to ensure we press better and prevent counters, even if it's at the expense of some more expansive play.

Also I think it's to rest Gundogan and Bernardo too.

 

[lasereyes]

I'm assuming we'll play a similar team vs Villa as we did vs Leeds. I'd say Villa are a better team than Leeds so I'd expect us to drop more points there.

Firstly, I dont think Villa are better than Leeds - about same at best. Secondly, we played virtually our second XI - that wont happen next Wed. Thirdly, it was a freak game where on another day, we would have scored 5. And finally, we have been a better away team this year, maybe in part due to the Etihad pitch.

 

[grim up north]

It’s always the same doom and gloomers are they ever happy

 

[Platt Lane veteran]

Last seasons League Cup Final, on Sky now, to warm us up.

 

[heslops barnet]

Slight drop in my confidence with that line-up, but Pep usually knows what he's doing, so still looking at a 2-0 win.

The 5 sub rule at least gives him the chance to make meaningful changes if things don't work out.

like that’s gonna happen....

 

[5 Hit Gibbon]

That front 3 were all really poor last week. Let's hope they improve dramatically today. This game might be tighter than it needs to be. Foden should be starting.

Come on City.

 

[RobinHood]

Pretty gutted about Torres starting but glad Fernandinho is in the team.

Come on City!!!

A bit unfair. Torres needs a run of games.

 

[Deleted member 81382]

Hmm, I'm all about being patient but I'm not really sure what Torres offers on the wing.

He's much better on the left IMO.

 

[ancoats]

sterling and jesus have to show up today ? they need to say pep look am good enough for the best 11 and bag goals

looks about right and like the balance in the back 4 with left and right footed players on their proper sides
chelsea look strong and hard to beat. but i fancy us making them run after the ball on that big pitch and maybe it will be a late goal that wins it for us

 

[chaddblue]

Team is about what I expected

time for Sterling and Jesus to step up