Chelsea build up

[Craig_H]

Terry is on a yellow and I can't see him getting through the game - trying to stop Nando and Stevie - without being booked.

He'll either get booked or be cautious - and therefore not 100% committed to every challenge.

[Ben_Itez]

Same with Cole....it's a definite plus.

Im rarely confident about such games but i really think we'll win well.

[Shaggy]

Real shame Mascherano is suspended but better the home leg than the away leg huh.

If we can win with a clean sheet we'll be fine. I just worry that we've beaten them twice out of two already. Three out of three is a big ask, not that the previous encounters have any real implications on tomorrow's game....but you know what I mean.

[Red_Polo]

Arbeloa likes to find his way into the book too, which given the lack of decent alternatives would be a bit of a ****ter.

[Shaggy]

Arbeloa likes to find his way into the book too, which given the lack of decent alternatives would be a bit of a ****ter.

It really would, aye.

[wiw]

Who's gonna play RB for them? Potentially Ivanovic or Belletti? Gotta fancy (presumably) Riera and then Babel against either of them

[Joe King]

Who's gonna play RB for them? Potentially Ivanovic or Belletti? Gotta fancy (presumably) Riera and then Babel against either of them

Ivanovic played on Saturday - Bosingwa is injured at the mo

[Shaggy]

Ivanovic I'd guess. Belletti has been used in a much more attacking role recently. Ivanovic is a CB by trade too (I think)...Riera, fully rested at the weekend, could slaughter him if he stays out wide.

[DannyMan2006]

Ivanovic I'd guess. Belletti has been used in a much more attacking role recently. Ivanovic is a CB by trade too (I think)...Riera, fully rested at the weekend, could slaughter him if he stays out wide.

That said, Reiras height against the full back normally gives us a good out ball, obviosly this will not be available. Be easier to defend against though and should have us keeping their right side penned in.

[wiw]

Ivanovic has looked dodgy.. getting excited and nervous now

[Shaggy]

That said, Reiras height against the full back normally gives us a good out ball, obviosly this will not be available. Be easier to defend against though and should have us keeping their right side penned in.

I think we'll look to the other side with Dirk against Cole for that out ball. We've used the diagonal to Dirk to great effect lately.

[Joe King]

Ivanovic has the turning speed of a tank. Riera's biggest flaw - lack of pace. I would really like Babel to play against Ivanovic and cause havoc like how he did with Essien last season. With Babel, you don't know what you are going to expect, I thought against Real he had a good game; maybe Benitez feels Riera is more disciplined in that wing role than Babel hence the selection tomorrow.

[Joe King]

I think we'll look to the other side with Dirk against Cole for that out ball. We've used the diagonal to Dirk to great effect lately.

Yep - its imperative that once we do win that first ball, we get Gerrard or Torres onto the second and exploit the space around Chelsea's defence.

God, I'm sounding like David Pleat.

[Shaggy]

I think Riera and Aurelio were left out at Fulham with this game very much in mind.

[Joe King]

I think Riera and Aurelio were left out at Fulham with this game very much in mind.

I wouldn't be surprised if its a similar team to the one who played Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Back then, Chelsea's full backs were a huge threat and full of confidence. Now, its about penning back Cole and Ivanovic and look to cut backs; casing point, Gerrard's second goal vs Real Madrid.

Chelsea's wingers aren't very good - doesn't take a genius to work out. It would be interesting to see how far forward Benitez allows Arbeloa and Aurelio to travel with and without the ball. Chelsea have a very rigid defence especially the central two however they aren't very comfortable once they depart that front post area. It might be worth getting some good combination work down the wing areas with quick passing and quick switch play in order to create the space and pepper the penalty area with loads of crosses.