A brilliant opportunity to gain a crucial lead over our rivals so early on in the season. Chelsea haven't looked comfortable in their first two games, and are there for the taking. Both teams have their captains injured, but whereas Chelsea have Ben Haim as their back up we still have the choice of Alonso, Mascherano, Sissoko & Leiva in the middle of the park. Personally I feel it's way too soon to throw Leiva into a game of this magnitude, and Chelsea seem to have gone back to attacking from the wings this season so I don't think Sissoko would have too much effect. Personally I would go for:
Reina
Finnan Carra Agger Arbeloa
Benayoun Masch Alonso Riise
Kuyt Torres
Bench: Itandje, Hyypia, Babel, Gerrard, Crouch
Ideally I would go for Gerrard in the middle but it's not worth the risk in my eyes, if anyone will set out to hurt him it's probably Chelsea. I don't really think there is the need for two defensive midfielders but as I said before I don't think Chelsea will play through the middle too much so there wouldn't be much play for Sissoko to break up & the times he'd probably give the ball away would make him more of a hindrance than a help in this game, so Alonso & Mascherano have to get the nod ahead of the inexperienced Leiva. On the right I've picked Benayoun & Riise ahead of Pennant & Babel because of the threat from their wingers, these two seem to be a lot better at tracking back. With Chelsea's failure to capture Alves in time right back is still a weak spot for them though, so it might be an idea to bring on Babel at some point & see what damage he can do.
Up front it has to be our first choice partnership of Kuyt & Torres. They seemed to work well together against Villa despite it being their first competitive game together, and over time should improve further. Chelsea are looking to go with Alex & Ben Haim at the back, an inexperienced partnership, and maybe our strikers could make the most of that.
I'm going to go for 1-0 to us. It will be a close game but I reckon we have enough class to just edge it.
« Last Edit: Aug 17, 2007 09:33:05 am by EddieC »
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