Cech: This is easy. Not much to say.
Azpilicueta: Azpilicueta, or "Dave" as some fans choose to call him, has had a really good season and has nailed the right back position. Towards the start of the season we saw Ivanovic there, but my main criticism was his ability to go forward and link up with the attackers. His crossing, in my opinion is dire, whereas "Dave" has the technique to put very good balls in, although sometimes in consistent.
Cahill: Assuming Terry is injured, it has to be Cahill. Cahill can be a very good defender, but his knack of not closing down players quickly enough can be devastating, as we saw against Spurs with Adebayor's goal and Aston Villa with Benteke's goal. One thing we can't doubt is his ability in the air!
Ivanovic: Personally not a fan of Big Brana, but he can defend very well on his day. What frustrates me most about Ivanovic is his complacency. Whenever he gets the ball i always feel he has a mistake in him, but there's no doubt about it, he KNOWS how to defend, its just the case of whether he's switched on or not.
Cole: Once again, very easy. Can't ever see Bertrand starting over Ash. Don't get me wrong, Bertrand is a fantastic player, just not as good as Cole, which is saying something.
David Luiz: Must have for me. Offers that excitement going forward, as well as great defensive ability. One of those players that any team in the world would love to have. Genuine potential to be one of the best.
Lampard: Tough one to call, but i think Lamp's experience is necessary in a game like this. With no John Terry Chelsea need a leader on the pitch. Offers a threat going forward as well as a fantastic range of passing. Will also be buzzing after he became Chelsea's top goalscorer ever!
Ramires: Would probably have chosen Hazard if he was fit, but Ramires offers that work ethic as well as great pace. His work in the final third needs to be improved but there's no doubt he will feature against his former club at some part in the game.
Mata: Chelsea's best player this seasons hands down. Goals, assists, hes got the lot.
Oscar: Oscar has also had a very good season. He's also starting to get a bit of form towards the end of the season, despite looking very tired. He's scored 3 goals in the last 3 premier league games he's started, so i think he deserves the start, although Moses could also be a shout for his great performances in the Europa League.
Torres: Of course, it has to be Torres as Ba is cup tied, but even if Ba wasn't cup tied I'd still go for Torres. He has really shone in the Europa League and i think his overall game play has been better than Ba's in the past few weeks.
Europa League Final Team
posted on 14/5/13
Benny's rep on the line.
See us defending deep
posted on 14/5/13
rafa logic will set in and there will be no lamps
posted on 14/5/13
Team:
Cech
Azpi - Cahill - Terry(if fit) - Cole
Luiz - Ramires
Moses - Mata - Hazard(if fit)
Torres
Expecting:
Cech
Azpi - Ivanovic - Cahill - Cole
Luiz - Lampard
Ramires - Mata - Oscar
Torres
posted on 14/5/13
I can see us losing if we just want to spend the whole game weathering the storm TCP
posted on 14/5/13
I see us losing if we rely on his substitutions
posted on 14/5/13
Good thing we don't have anyone to substitute on then
posted on 14/5/13
So start defensively
posted on 14/5/13
Is Hazard out if so i feel sorry for him he has been the one sucess story in a pretty dire season for us. He deserves to play in the final and lift a trophy for us in his first year
posted on 14/5/13
If Hazard is in has to be Mazacar.
posted on 14/5/13
Cech
Azpi-Cahill-Ivan-Cole
Ramires-Lampard
Oscar Mata Moses
Torres