Chelsea (A) build up

[YoungWolf]

Will definitely be in the squad. I still think it will be Saiss at right centre back and Neves back in the holding position. Saiss v Hazard 1v1 would worry me mind!

 

[Kenny]

Will definitely be in the squad. I still think it will be Saiss at right centre back and Neves back in the holding position. Saiss v Hazard 1v1 would worry me mind!

I really hope it isn't Saiss. I really can't get over the amount of times he got destroyed by a ball down the outside in pre-season when we tried him there. We gave up on that and played Donck there in the League Cup games. So if we use Donck then Saiss keeps his spot in the midfield.

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

Saiss played there vs Cardiff away, it still wasn't very good (Coady had to bail him out constantly) but I think that's the way we'll go.

 

[Kenny]

Saiss played there vs Cardiff away, it still wasn't very good (Coady had to bail him out constantly) but I think that's the way we'll go.

I had erased that game from my memory! Thanks for putting it back there

 

[Johnny75]

With Bennett banned for the cup game as well I think we'll go with Saiss.

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

Nah, Benno can play against United. He's out of the Burnley game on the 30th.

 

[Johnny75]

I forgot the rule change to be competition specific. Bloody rulez.

 

[Pablowolf]

I'd like to see Donk RCB and Saiss in midfield with Neves and Joao.

 

[PuntsWolf]

Saiss in At RCB is the change that makes the least disruption from the current system, so that’s what I’d go with.

 

[MARKakaJIM]

Saiss in At RCB is the change that makes the least disruption from the current system, so that’s what I’d go with.

At the same time it's the change that creates the weakest link in the chain and positions it exactly where Chelsea's best player usually plays. Saiss has been horrible at RCB whenever I've seen him there, he's just too reliant on his left foot to look anything like comfortable on that side and if Hazard is on a day where he fancies it then he could absolutely ruin him out there.

 

[Parkins left foot]

At the same time it's the change that creates the weakest link in the chain and positions it exactly where Chelsea's best player usually plays. Saiss has been horrible at RCB whenever I've seen him there, he's just too reliant on his left foot to look anything like comfortable on that side and if Hazard is on a day where he fancies it then he could absolutely ruin him out there.

Given that's a danger area, then could use Jonny (who is probably our best defensive shield) to cover him. People have said that he is not big enough to play as a C/H, but Chelsea are not going to be pumping high crosses in all game so not sure that that is a rational argument.

Vinagre can cover the LWB position

 

[MARKakaJIM]

Given that's a danger area, then could use Jonny (who is probably our best defensive shield) to cover him. People have said that he is not big enough to play as a C/H, but Chelsea are not going to be pumping high crosses in all game so not sure that that is a rational argument.

Vinagre can cover the LWB position

I'd be happier with that, Jonny would be much more reassuring up against Hazard and unless Giroud replaces Higuain then it isn't even like there's much to worry about with the centre forward trying to play on him for high balls, then Azpilicueta isn't exactly the most threatening fullback going so wouldn't have to worry much about Vinagre being tested too much in a defensive sense.

 

[Parkins left foot]

I'd be happier with that, Jonny would be much more reassuring up against Hazard and unless Giroud replaces Higuain then it isn't even like there's much to worry about with the centre forward trying to play on him for high balls, then Azpilicueta isn't exactly the most threatening fullback going so wouldn't have to worry much about Vinagre being tested too much in a defensive sense.

Boly & Coady will just need to deal with anything above ground level - no reason why they can't

 

[PuntsWolf]

At the same time it's the change that creates the weakest link in the chain and positions it exactly where Chelsea's best player usually plays. Saiss has been horrible at RCB whenever I've seen him there, he's just too reliant on his left foot to look anything like comfortable on that side and if Hazard is on a day where he fancies it then he could absolutely ruin him out there.

That is a good point. Although his performances at LCB were solid, it was on his strongest side. He has only played as RCB in pre season I think? (he’s come on as a sub few times, but can’t remember him starting there), And I reckon it was a combination of being poor on his right side and being a bit rusty and exposed. With games behind him and a more defensive set up from wolves should eliminate the latter two.

 

[MARKakaJIM]

That is a good point. Although his performances at LCB were solid, it was on his strongest side. He has only played as RCB in pre season I think? (he’s come on as a sub few times, but can’t remember him starting there), And I reckon it was a combination of being poor on his right side and being a bit rusty and exposed. With games behind him and a more defensive set up from wolves should eliminate the latter two.

Did he play there at Cardiff away I think?

Just think given Chelsea's strength in that part of the field it's a bit of a gamble to test the rustiness idea and hope he can match the performances he put it on the opposite side during Boly's absence.

 

[Tony Towner]

I agree Saiss at RCB would be a mistake, Dendoncker there makes much more sense and I'd be surprised if that's not what Nuno does.
From last week:
In Rui, Doherty, Jonny, Neves, Moutinho
Out Ruddy, Vinagre, Troare, MGW, Bennett

 

[lemonjelly]

Tony has posted far more eloquently my opinion. Saiss would be too risky at RCB. He's better used in midfield, shielding the back 3.

 

[BillyDee]

Sarri crying about how his team are mentally and physically tired from too much football ahead of their Europa tie.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47474049

Let's hope so...

 

[playtheace]

Couldnt (the right footed) Boly play RCB with Saiss LCB?

 

[b3h]

Couldnt (the right footed) Boly play RCB with Saiss LCB?

Think we got bored of wondering that about a year ago...