Chelsea vs. City - 21/02/16 - FA Cup 5th Round - Pre Match Thread

[Jacob Smith]

I see Hull have made 10 changes today. Shows how important this competition has become. It's almost on a par with the league cup now. Clubs are more interested in money than trophies nowadays.

That's FFP for you.

 

[Machiavelli]

That's FFP for you.

Greedy owners more like.

 

[Chi-town blues]

I sense Pelle will field strong line up and fuck up Kiev game.

 

[ninjamonkey]

Only surprise from the EDS was that both Humphreys and Tosin are seemingly included in the 1st team. I don't expect any kids to start in defence so it's a bit odd both of them have travelled.

Stick by what i predicted earlier in the week.

Willy in net,

1st team back 4

2 from Yaya Fernando and Fernandinho to start

Kelechi upfront

Then 3 midfield spots between the eds lads. Most likely to see Celina and 1 of the Garcia's to start with Sterling and Barker to replace Sterling after about an hour.

 

[mcfcfc]

I sense Pelle will field strong line up and fuck up Kiev game.

well last week in EL or CL in the 4 games the east european teams played( shaktar lokomotiv zenit and krasnodar) they lost 3 and draw 1 ....it s clear that the big break these 2 leagues have affect there teams and i think the same will happen with Kiev....even a draw with goals with put us in pole for SF

 

[Chi-town blues]

well last week in EL or CL in the 4 games the east european teams played( shaktar lokomotiv zenit and krasnodar) they lost 3 and draw 1 ....it s clear that the big break these 2 leagues have affect there teams and i think the same will happen with Kiev....even a draw with goals with put us in pole for SF

By now you should be aware that when it comes to City ,banana skin is in any given second. It's City's way.

 

[Jacob Smith]

Greedy owners more like.

FFP means we have to balance the books and the prize money for reaching the next round of the Champions League far outweighs that of winning the FA Cup

 

[Machiavelli]

FFP means we have to balance the books and the prize money for reaching the next round of the Champions League far outweighs that of winning the FA Cup

I know. It's also the desire from the club to do well in the more prestigious CL competition. That is worth more to the club in the long term than any potential prize money gained this season. Especially when you consider our favourable draw - we have a real chance of progressing to at least the last 8 this year.
FFP would've looked totally different if it wasn't for the G14 owners who latched onto the initial idea (regarding debt) and lobbied UEFA to mold it into it's current guise. They did this so they could pocket more money, protect their little cozy cash cow cartel and attempt to stop 'new money' clubs, like us and PSG.

 

[mad zab]

I would like to see this team start:

Caballero

Humphries
Tosin
Otamendi
Clichy

Fernando
Ferny
Celina

Sterling
Kelechi
Brandon

Subs:

Hart
Zabaleta
Kompany
Kolarov
Toure
A. Garcia
Kun

Humphries played well when he came on at right back against the under 21's and he has good pace. Tosin as height and pace. I wouldn't be worried about him playing.

I would rest Silva completely and even if Sagna is fit I would keep him fresh for Kiev

 

[BlueSkyBlue]

I think progression in the CL is more important overall - not just for the money but to preserve the UEFA co-efficients, England are only just above Italy by 3 points now - Italy currently get three CL places, England 4. This time next season England are likely to be behind Italy due to the 11/12 season points dropping off and whilst just fininshing in the "top 4" is not an aim it is always a safety net against a poor season.

That said, if it was only the top 3 who qualified and Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Spuds were fighting it for it maybe long term it could benfit us!?