Is our squad that weak?

As it was a bit slack at work today, I started to look at our squad of players which is apparently not as deep as some would like.

I chose what IMO would be our first IX and then followed with our replacements/2nd string and then listed the players we have out on loan (I’ve missed Essien out as he’s history, unfortunately - apologies if I’ve missed anyone else).

Looked at like this I don’t think the squad is that bad, especially as we have some excellent talent to come for the future. End of season replacements for Ash, Lamps (personally I would like them to stay for another couple of years to help the more inexperienced players) and a January No.9 would be cool in the short term.


1st IX

---------------------------Cech

Azpilicueta---Ivanovic-----Terry------Cole

---------Mata---------Lampard------Oscar

---------Marin--------Sturridge------Moses


2nd IX

-----------------Turnbull/Hilario

Ferriera------Cahill----------Luiz-----------Bertrand

--------Ramires------Mikel-------Romeu

--------Paizon--------Torres------Hazard


On Loan

----------------------Courtois/Walker

Hutchinson----Bruma-------Kalas-------Van Arnholt

---------Chalobah----De Bruyne----McEachran

-----------Kakuta--------Lukaku-------T Hazard


I’ve chosen a straight forward 433 formation as that is the style that we have been so successful with in the past, but IMO formations are a bit irrelevant it’s the balance of a side that is far more important and positioning should be more fluid than rigid formations (sorry Rafa).

Being able to attack and defend in equal strength down the left, right and centrally is far more effective.

At the moment we are a bit predictable as we predominantly seem to push through the centre with Oscar, Hazard and Mata playing narrow and Fernando (man up!!) Torres just getting in the way.

I would like to see us utilise 2 wingers which would enable the 2 full backs to hold their position more creating a more solid back line, this would in turn negate the need for 2 defensive midfielders.

The one DM should use the ball to link with the attacking players rather than running with it, losing possession and putting the defense under pressure as Mikel and Ramires seem to do.

This doesn’t mean lumping the ball at every opportunity Mr Cech.

IMO Lampard is the best we have at present to distribute the ball accurately from that position and I hope he recovers from injury soon.


Starting if all were fit (subs)

------------------------1
------------------------Cech

2-----------------4--------------5---------------3
Azpilicueta----Ivanovic-----Terry (C)-----Cole

---------------------6
---------------------Lampard (V)

-----------8-----------------------------10
-----------Mata------------------------Oscar

7----------------------9------------------------11
Marin----------------Sturridge--------------Moses

For tomorrows game I’ve replaced the injured players with what I consider to be their natural stand-ins.

I have left Hazard out of the starting IX, not because I don't rate him because I do, but from what I’ve seen this season so far, I think Marin and Moses are better out and out wingers.

And what an impact player to have on the bench!

He could also obviously play in the 8/10 position but I believe Mata and Oscar are better defensively when called upon.

So that takes me to the choice at 9, well there is no choice with Sturridge injured(?).

Well not until January when we will buy a striker or bring back Lukaku or both, Torres it is! Hey Ho!


Starting IX v Nordsjaelland

--------------------------1
--------------------------Cech

2----------------4-----------------5-------------3
Azpilicueta---Ivanovic(C)----Luis---------Cole

--------------------------6
--------------------------Romeu

--------------8---------------------10
--------------Mata----------------Oscar

7-------------------------9-----------------------11
Marin-------------------Torres-----------------Moses


Subs: Turnbull - Cahill - Bertrand - Mikel - Ramires - Hazard - Paizon


NB This is what I would like to see rather than expect to.

OK guys - comments and be gentle - I’m an old man.