Chelsea (H) | Pre-Match Thread

[the talisman]

Another vote for going all out in this one. Win the league and lay down a marker for the final.
All this stuff about showing our hand? not for me, it’s no secret how we play, just go strong and win.

 

[Marvin]

My team:

-----------Ederson
Walker-Dias-Laporte-Cancelo
------------Rodri
--------KDB-----Bernardo
--Mahrez--Jesus--Sterling

Foden would be in my starting line-up for a final but I would like to rest him and get Sterling and Jesus into form.

 

[alexmcity]

Think there were some weaknesses in our game vs PSG starting with the fact they had more possession than us at the Etihad, despite playing with a man less for 20 minutes.

Pep said after the game we couldn't press well in the 1st half. Mahrez also said we didn't play well in that half. But the same happened in the first 30 minutes in both games vs Dortmund and in Paris. That's an issue Pep has to address and may start with Chelsea tomorrow.

We start with a false 9 precisely in order to have more control, and the control wasn't quite there in the first halfs of the last 4 CL games. Same happened vs Chelsea at Wembley, but Pep made 8 changes from Dortmund and it's not clear it had something to do with the pattern of starting slowly.

Will Pep try a different formation vs Chelsea, one with a genuine striker? Will we start more aggressively like vs Spurs at Wembley? Think he will make at least 4 changes: Laporte, Cancelo, Rodri and one from Jesus/Sterling/Aguero, if not two.

 

[richards30]

ederson
walker
dias
laporte
cancelo
rodri
de bruyne
gundogan
bernardo silva
foden
aguero

 

[Marvin]

CFC need to take something from this game because of the CL qualification. Their run-in is very difficult. W

Weds 12th May Arsenal (home).

Sat 15th May. FA Cup Final Leicester

Tues 18th May Leicester (home)

Sunday 23rd May Villa (away)

Saturday 29th May CL Final ! City

 

[Airbags Optional]

My team:

-----------Ederson
Walker-Dias-Laporte-Cancelo
------------Rodri
--------KDB-----Bernardo
--Mahrez--Jesus--Sterling

Foden would be in my starting line-up for a final but I would like to rest him and get Sterling and Jesus into form.

I like that but could maybe swap Zin for Kyle (Cancelo right back) and Kun for Jesus. Pep might want to rest Riad as well. But who know what the genius will do

 

[Saddleworth2]

I was browsing Pep confidential or the other book written by that Spaniard. It’s clear that Pep regards Tucal extremely highly based on his experience in Germany. Described him as the most innovative German coach in decades who had a Dortmund playing more effectively that Klopp ever managed. Chelsea are in the final for a reason, they are one of the top sides in Europe just now. This is just the start of what will become a pretty intensive rivalry between the two coaches.

 

[alexmcity]

get Sterling and Jesus into form.

Good point, we might need them in the final in case we are chasing the game or to freshen things up in the last 20 minutes/extra time. The more players are in form, the stronger the team is.

 

[Lovebitesandeveryfing]

Their run-in is very difficult.

Difficult indeed. Arsenal and Villa have got nothing to play for, I take it that'll be six points. But Leicester City will fight those two matches sandwiched in between tooth and nail. Am I not right in thinking this is the first cup final that Leicester have been in since that fateful day in ’69? If that doesn't get them up for it, nothing will. And the league game is vital — for both clubs.
On the other hand, it's no bad thing for Chelsea to have toughish matches leading up to a big final. It keeps teams on their mettle.

 

[1978 & still here]

Get the league done.