Chelsea (H) 14/9 Build-Up and Match Thread

[Tony Towner]

It should be and will be Saiss IMO

 

[lemonjelly]

I'd expect Saiss into the starting line up too, tbh. Vallejo on the bench.

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

Back in the real world, Emerson went off injured for Italy last night.

So could be Azpilicueta and Alonso at full back, we need to exploit that lack of pace (the former has completely fallen off a cliff and the latter couldn't run 10 years ago).

 

[Kenny]

We promoted Kilman to the 1st team to cover the left side of defence so use him I say.

Fully expect it to be Saiss though. Part time defender for us but full time defender for his country.

Jesus comes in when the right side needs looking after and we are happy for him to play in the Prem.

 

[The Bear]

If Alonso is going to start at LB that's great news for Traore. Should have him on toast.

 

[White Wolf]

Typically Chelsea have kicked off with high intensity and pressed very well to start the game - going just off what I saw of Vallejo against Torino this may not be his time yet. Dan's team for me.

 

[Alan]

Saïss hasn't ever played as the left of the three for us, has he?

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

Saïss hasn't ever played as the left of the three for us, has he?

Yep, did in January last year when Boly was banned after City. Played vs Leicester, Shrewsbury and West Ham.

 

[Alan]

Yep, did in January last year when Boly was banned after City. Played vs Leicester, Shrewsbury and West Ham.

Cheers, hadn't remembered that.

Almost certainly will be him again, then, you'd expect.

 

[White Wolf]

Saiss also plays as the left CB for Morocco as Benatia plays on the right. Usually a back four but they played a back three at the World Cup against Iran.

 

[Kenny]

Yep, did in January last year when Boly was banned after City. Played vs Leicester, Shrewsbury and West Ham.

Oddly during the game were Boly got the card we put Donck there and he did a good job. Fully expected him to carry on there after that.

 

[Parkins left foot]

Will probably be Saiss - he has the most experience in that role from who we have available - the fact that he might need to cover the midfield role is not an issue as we can move him (if he's on the pitch) during the game.

Train tickets obtained as South West Rail are helpfully not on strike this weekend

 

[Tony Towner]

Apparently Saiss has pulled out of the Morocco squad with an unspecified injury

 

[Kenny]

Apparently Saiss has pulled out of the Morocco squad with an unspecified injury

Defo pulled his needtobefitforsaturday muscle

 

[The Bion]

Saiss was excellent against Man Utd in the 1/4 final at CB as well it has to be said (albeit he was filling in for Bennett that night)

 

[Lycan]

He was also a liability a fair few times at the back. Saints away he was dreadful.

 

[Kenny]

He was also a liability a fair few times at the back. Saints away he was dreadful.

Didn't we have an "Everton" display from the whole of our defence that day?

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

Yeah, the second goal in particular (right after we scored). I think on the Blame Game thread* I put all of the back five down for it as it was such a mess.




*Not doing that again, people get in far too much of a flap.

 

[Monstrum]

Because it's a ridiculously over the top statement, as always.

You know where the door is if you don't like it.

So... you dont like my statement and you will be leaving?
Im not attacking or criticizing or arguing with anyone, simply stating my opinion. If people get annoyed that is their problem.

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

No, I was responding to the joker who piled in for no reason.

Just think about what you're saying a bit, there's clearly every chance that Saiss will play at the back. You were complaining last week about getting caught up in arguments all the time, it's because you use needlessly inflammatory language and unnecessary hyperbole at every turn.