Chelsea (H) | Pre-Match Thread

[Scouse Blue]

I am ready to be shouted down, but do you possibly think Pep is happy to throw this one, lulling Chelski into a false sense of security, before playing a completely different and stronger team on the 29th?

 

[Inter Me Nan]

People have been saying that for the last few months.

Villa away. An injury and Newcastle beaten Leicester. And a off-form Liverpool. The Rags could easily win their next 3 games. Then Fulham and Wolves. 5 wins there.

I don't even know where to start with that post!!!
It's over mate, relax.

 

[BLUEMATT23]

Great move by Pep. Keeping his cards for the final close to his chest.

We can lose this, it won’t matter. If anything it would disadvantage the scousers in the Top 4 race.

All eyes on 29

Don't fully agree
A defeat tonight and we've lost 2 on the spin vs Chelsea
Hes being too smart too be honest and it will probably cost us
Let's hope we beat Newcastle next week

 

[paulsimpson]

I'm actually happy with Dias ,Laporte and Ake in a back 3 . Its going to be fascinating to see us park our own bus if we need to .

 

[Dr Jacoby]

Aguero and Mendy as centre midfielders and Rodri as the speed merchant on the right wing according to the BBC.

 

[Protein Junkie]

Sterling Captain too. I suppose we should applaud your sense of humour Pep.

He just tripped over the arm band apparently.

 

[Deleted member 77198]

.....Dias......... Laporte.........Ake

...........Cancelo......... Rodri..........

Ferran... Aguero...... Sterling......Mendy

...................... Jesus..............

yep, that’s how we’ll shape up

 

[paulsimpson]

for me that gets pulled all over the shop out of possession-Pep has said many times that Mendy cant play inside (I'm paraphrasing but..)

Yes that's why I've said cancelo will see a lot of the ball.

 

[Cornish_Blue]

Sterling has to deliver a captains performance today.
Not too happy with Dias playing. He should have been given a rest.

 

[Millwallawayveteran1988]

Chelsea prob got one eye on Arsenal in the week and the cup final now. Regardless of this side I think based on theirs, we have a decent chance of winning this one. The Leicester and Spurs results have taken the pressure of them now a bit. Time will tell though!

 

[PragueBlue]

Anyway, if we win with that line-up, I'll never question Guardiola's selections again (well for 6 days at least!).

 

[mosssideblue]

These players have the chance to win the league and make history. They're all good players, let's see if they can seize the moment.

They may all be good players, but what we want is a good team

 

[Summerbuzz]

View attachment 16280
Aguero and Mendy as centre midfielders and Rodri as the speed merchant on the right wing according to the BBC.

it makes more sense if you rotate it 90% to the left

not a lot more, but....

 

[DMA's]

It’s also a great opportunity for one of these players to get themselves into the starting eleven for the champions league final. I’m happy with the line up we have enough quality to win it’s up to the players

 

[Whether or not]

So you’re saying we will lose today

Not definitely, but I would have been a lot more optimistic if we had picked most of Tuesdays team. Fingers crossed.

 

[The1nvisibleMan]

Sky promoting this as the dress rehearsal for the CL and saying Chelsea have got the better of us in the FA Cup. Look at the difference in personnel is almost two different sides

 

[jimmygrimblesboots]

Just had to delay the celebratory piss up tomorrow until 5pm when Villa have smashed the Rags. The only surprise about that team selection is that Pep hasnt shoe-horned Garcia into the team and Carson isnt in goal
Bur seriously it would be nice if Sterling , Aguero , Jesus and Torres all played to their potential because at their best they would give Chelsea plenty to think about , COME ON YOU BLUE BOYS!!!!!

 

[Nascent Blues]

I am not sure Pep should be starting this game with the starting eleven for the CL final.

Good job he isn't.

 

[applecentral]

Tbh, I expected something like this.
Makes sense on a lot of levels.

Well I for one won’t throw my toys out of the pram. I’m not expecting much now so I can relax and try to work out Peps tactics. Midfield is an interesting setup. Maybe we will revert to a long ball game with Eddie pumping 70 yarders over Chelsea’s press.

 

[GaudinoMotors]

I thought the ESL was a non-starter.