Up For The Cup ( Chelsea Quarter Final Buildup )

[Stanley Parker]

I'd imagine he'll go with two holding midfielders actually.

Courtois

Azpilicueta - Ivanovic - Cahill - Baba (or conversely if Terry is fit he will play and Ivanovic to right back with Az to left back)

Mikel - Matic

Pedro - Fabregas - Willian

Traore/Remy


I'd go with:

Joel

Coleman - Jags - Mori - Baines (can't see Bryan being fully fit)

McCarthy - Barry

Besic - Barks - Lennon (if fit)

Lukaku


That puts Besic as a right mid but really he could be there more as insurance to man-mark Willian. Let Lennon and Barks and Rom have free roles and keep it compact with Barry and McCarthy.

Chelsea usually play Matic/Mikel and Fabregas as the holding pair. But if Hazard is missing, Fabregas could well play further forward.
Matic was the auto-Matic choice last season, but Mikel has recently reappeared.

We did play Barry, McCarthy and Besic against Liverpool last year, but it can't see it happening on Saturday. If Barry is fit, I expect him to play with McCarthy.

But Roberto does spring a surprise from time to time - last week he played three at the back. And I'm sure he wants to rehabilitate Stones. Either Besic or Stones could come into defence or midfield. Though I thought Stones deliberated over his passing too long last week - it really slowed down our attacks.

 

[HibbertsLeftFoot]

C O Y B

1 = 20

1878

What's our name?

 

[Toffeelover]

Chelsea usually play Matic/Mikel and Fabregas as the holding pair. But if Hazard is missing, Fabregas could well play further forward.
Matic was the auto-Matic choice last season, but Mikel has recently reappeared.

We did play Barry, McCarthy and Besic against Liverpool last year, but it can't see it happening on Saturday. If Barry is fit, I expect him to play with McCarthy.

But Roberto does spring a surprise from time to time - last week he played three at the back. And I'm sure he wants to rehabilitate Stones. Either Besic or Stones could come into defence or midfield. Though I thought Stones deliberated over his passing too long last week - it really slowed down our attacks.

Could that be down to instructions from RM that are stifling him?

 

[BlueToff]

Chelsea usually play Matic/Mikel and Fabregas as the holding pair. But if Hazard is missing, Fabregas could well play further forward.
Matic was the auto-Matic choice last season, but Mikel has recently reappeared.

We did play Barry, McCarthy and Besic against Liverpool last year, but it can't see it happening on Saturday. If Barry is fit, I expect him to play with McCarthy.

But Roberto does spring a surprise from time to time - last week he played three at the back. And I'm sure he wants to rehabilitate Stones. Either Besic or Stones could come into defence or midfield. Though I thought Stones deliberated over his passing too long last week - it really slowed down our attacks.

I do think he'll play Besic mate. But I reckon he'll start him wide in either a diamond or like I said a compact three in midfield with Lennon over on the left. We need his energy and pace in there to give us a conduit from defence to attack and RM knows that.

 

[MichaelEFC96]

Robles

Coleman
Jags
Funes Mori
Baines

McCarthy
Besic

Deulofeu
Barkley
Lennon

Lukaku

One off game so just go for it.

 

[ilikecheese]

Could that be down to instructions from RM that are stifling him?

More likely that he is massively out of form and lacks confidence in himself. Needs a boost from the stands...

 

[Toffeelover]

More likely that he is massively out of form and lacks confidence in himself. Needs a boost from the stands...

Well looking at some results lately it could be argued he is not the omly one out of form.

 

[GrayGed]

Joel

Baines
Jags
Mori
Coleman

McCarthy
Besic

Mirallas
Barkley
Deulofeu

Lukaku

If Besic is fit for the bench hes fit for the start, he could bring so much to saturday

 

[Skeleton Crew]

Personally I would like to trot out Hibbert this game.

Its a win win either result.

We win and Chelsea is embarrassed to have their dreams dashed by a guy who would rather be on a pontoon.
We lose and Martinez can blame Hibbert for having a phenomenal game but we didnt quite have enough.

...and if he scores we can still riot

 

[BlueToff]

Joel

Baines
Jags
Mori
Coleman

McCarthy
Besic

Mirallas
Barkley
Deulofeu

Lukaku

If Besic is fit for the bench hes fit for the start, he could bring so much to saturday

Mirallas is doing well to play considering he's suspended.

Also if Lennon's fit he starts. Most in-form player in the squad atm.

 

[ilikecheese]

Well looking at some results lately it could be argued he is not the omly one out of form.

No doubt, but the best young center back in the league is not getting on the pitch for a reason. He is out of sorts. A defensive liability at the moment...certainly could do with a supportive effort from all.

 

[Rugby Toffee]

Possibly without Lennon , Mirallas suspended. Down to Delefeou then.

 

[GrayGed]

Mirallas is doing well to play considering he's suspended.

Also if Lennon's fit he starts. Most in-form player in the squad atm.

ok

 

[meagher94]

Joel

Baines
Jags
Mori
Coleman

McCarthy
Besic

Mirallas
Barkley
Deulofeu

Lukaku

If Besic is fit for the bench hes fit for the start, he could bring so much to saturday

Mirallas? I'd be surprised if he ever plays for us again tbh.

 

[GrayGed]

Mirallas? I'd be surprised if he ever plays for us again tbh.

I actually forgot hes suspended - would be disappointed if he didnt play again