Chelsea's Defence

[cobain]

That's an excellent line up but can't see Rafa playing against Chelsea without one of Mascherano or Sissoko in the middle. Also can see him playing Riise LM (unfortunately)

Unfortunately, I see something like that too and I can't understand why he does it. We have bought to players this summer that can play in a LM position (Benayoun and Babel), we have Kewell (though we don't know if he's still alive or not) and Aurelio (see Kewell).

We have at least 2 left wingers to play, but we play our best leftback in LM. Can't understand that. Though this happened only one time now, but still. Rotation is a weird thing

[cobain]

By the way, keep away from chavs shouting abuse at your car if you are going to the game

Why, what happened?

[Dirk07]

Pennant didnt travel which leads me to think that he will start but knowing Rafa's normal approach and the fact that we will want to be as strong as possible for this game will we see Gerrard on the right?

I personally see a midfield of Gerrard Alonso Mash Riise maybe on the cards given the lineup in the previous game(s) with Momo and Babel being the obvious replacements to see the game out and go on the counter attack.

Actually don't know why I'm bothering to guess, I'll never get it right especially with the new players brought in and how Torres and Kuyt can fill in wide and in supporting roles, I think we will change formation throughout the game with the same players, I just expect our best passers Mash, Alonso & Gerrard to start and try to keep the ball.

[SimonNo7]

I wonder if Terry will be back fit or if Maureen is playing some mind games, even if he is back hopefully he will be no were near 100%. Do need to attack but also need to be careful not to let them score as they could still shut up shop with the team they have.

According to Moanhino, Terry is definitely going to play.

One thing I’m wondering for us is, should the Crow start?

I’m sure it will be Torres and Kuyt but the Crow is a bit of an unknown quantity and has been a bit impressive so far (pre-season and yesterday).

[bobbyfallon]

Reina

Finnan
Carra
Agger
Arbeloa

Pennant
Gerrard
Mascherano
Babel

Kuyt
Torres

Harsh to leave Xabi out after a good performance at Villa but Masher provides that extra bit of insurance when Gerrard's tearing all over the place causing havoc. Riise hasn't played one game at left-back this season and clearly Benitez doesn't fancy him there anymore. Arbeloa's done nowt wrong and must keep his place. His assurance on the ball, silky running and decisive defending is a breath of fresh air and he should play.

i think you have just named our best starting eleven there to attack a team at home.... i hope your right

[thesilverfoxlfc]

He could play SWP at right back he was really good last night so i hear but it was against Reading and their no where near the class of Liverpool

I guess it will be a back four of........ Paolo F(**** ****)...........Terry(Hard as nails ****).........Ben H ( Newbie ****)...........Cole(Gay ****)

[Red_Polo]

That's actually not such a bad back four tbh

[Marky]

Yeah possibly - use Babel as an impact sub, as he did at Villa (when I thought Babel was very impressive).

Yeah i think Babel is better coming off the bench for the time being.
Run at tired defences etc.

[Imy]

Yeah i think Babel is better coming off the bench for the time being.
Run at tired defences etc.

Nah i want him to run Glen johnson ragged from the 1st minute, Riise is just to clumsy.

[Imy]

I'd actually start Crouch alongside Torres - with Crouch drifting out wide to win stupidly easy headers against the fullbacks; with Torres and Gerrard running onto the knock-downs.

Crouch directing knock ons more like sticking his head in the general direction and hoping more like. From that you can see i want Kuyt to play.

[Morph]

---------------Reina------------
--Finnan--Carra----Agger--Riise--
------------Mascerano----------
---------Gerrard---Alonso--------
------Voronin---------Babel-----
--------------Torres------------

Just to be different

[Rhys]

id imagine:

-----------reina-----------
finnan--carra--agger-arbeloa
pennant-gerrard--masch--riise
-------crouch---torres------

hard to say who'll be on the bench though.

itandje
babel
alonso
hyypia
kuyt/voronin?

[tomasjj]

I like it, but that's a VERY attacking team.

Rafa might stick Riise left mid for a bit more protection.

If Gerrard plays in the middle, I think this will happen.

[tomasjj]

Reina
Finnan Carra Agger Arbeloa
Pennant Gerrard Xabi Riise
Torres Kuyt

[Craig_H]

I like it, but that's a VERY attacking team.

Rafa might stick Riise left mid for a bit more protection.

Glen Johnson is their weakest link, it'd be a crying shame if we didnt start Babel to run at him.