So, who will Rafa pick!

[-V-]

I expect the team tomorrow to be as follows-

..............................Reina
Finnan...........Carra..............Agger......... ....Arboela

Pennant.........Sissoko...........Alonso.......... .....Riise
.............................Gerrard

.............................Kuyt

[Darth Marty]

but i really couldnt care as i trust Rafa completely.

[simey85]

i really dont want pennant to play 2mz hes been doing ok recently but defensively i dont think he's up to it for this game. fully expect stevie g to be right mid!

[PTP]

haha i was supposed to put momo/mash as i'm unsure which one he'd go with

try again

--------------Reina---------------

Finnan----JC-----Agger--------Arbeloa

Pennant -----MOMO/MASH---Xabi----Jar

-------------Gerrard--------------

--------------Kuyt--------------

[blacky]

............pr...........
Sf...jc.....da....jar
Sg...jm....xa....jp
.....pc.......dk.......

[topscorer]

I think you might be right here. Everybody's thinking about a big defensive battle, but if you look at games in the past few months where Chelsea have conceded goals, the majority of them have come in the first 30 minutes. I think Rafa will go for the early goal, and if we get it, all the better.

Chelsea have also proven to be very good at coming from behind, so second half concentration will be key.

I would also be interested in seeing stats on when they score. It feels like most of their goals come in the second half but I have no stats to prove it

[dww]

There is a table of second half performance here.

[Fierce]

Pennant on the left? Too obviously needs to cut inside, or stop in order to cross with his right. They'll know that and use it to their advantage

[topscorer]

Pennant on the left? Too obviously needs to cut inside, or stop in order to cross with his right. They'll know that and use it to their advantage

I'm saying switching between left and right with Gerrard having more of a free role but nominally on the right.

I don't think it will be so obvious for them to deal with

[rage]

don't like the guy but i'd play bellamy. we need to give them something to think about. Don't want to spend the entire game trying to soak up pressure. If they play two wingers sooner or later they'll get through if we just sit back. Crouch and Bellamy upfront or Bellamy on the left of a 5 man midfield.

Bring it on.

[topscorer]

There is a table of second half performance here.

Looks like it's my imagination rather than reality, they can score in the first half too.