Context

Strange forces come into play whenever we play Chelsea, don't be surprised if half our team test positive for Covid on Sunday morning.

If nothing does scupper our preparations then we have a great chance, they looked very average against Everton. In fact I haven't gone into a Chelsea game this confident since the 2017 Cup semi where we played them off the park and somehow managed to lose 4-2!

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comment by Bake 'em away toys (U7303)
posted 26 minutes ago
comment by sandy, golden boot winner fa cup 1901 (U20567)
posted 8 minutes ago
comment by morespurs (U15748)
posted 1 hour, 25 minutes ago
comment by LukaBrasi COYS I like it, I like it, I like it! (U22178)
posted 16 minutes ago
Same team against Southampton. Wonder if he is tempted to start Bissouma over PEH?
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Maybe same team bar Davies, bring in Lenglet, and Bissouma with Bentancur in the middle.
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Wouldn't be surprised if Perisic starts over Sessignon.
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I would be absolutely shocked if Davies was dropped for Lenglet.

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Conte: "A little problem with Clement Lenglet. I don't think he's available for the game against Chelsea. A little problem of fatigue, a bit tired in his abductor, in the muscle. Nothing serious but only precaution, but not good to take a stupid risk." @AlasdairGold

comment by Raptor✡ (U1071)
posted 12 minutes ago
comment by LukaBrasi COYS I like it, I like it, I like it! (U22178)
posted 6 minutes ago
Murderer and Kovacic not playing.
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Thats good news about Alonso if he’s not playing. He always decides to play world class against us. How that facking caaant is still not behind bars I don’t know.
Drunk driving and manslaughter = minimal sentence/slap on the wrist in Spain it seems.
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Yep. Disgraceful.

comment by PawlBawron (U1055)
posted 41 minutes ago
Strange forces come into play whenever we play Chelsea, don't be surprised if half our team test positive for Covid on Sunday morning.

If nothing does scupper our preparations then we have a great chance, they looked very average against Everton. In fact I haven't gone into a Chelsea game this confident since the 2017 Cup semi where we played them off the park and somehow managed to lose 4-2!
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The somehow was a combination of Poch plying Son at full back, Matic scoring a one in a million worldie and Hazard scoring quite possibly the luckiest goal I have ever seen - that shot went through about 10 players and didn’t hit a single one

I was confident before the game where Dele scored two but less confident for this Sunday

comment by look like modric (U7431)
posted 52 minutes ago
I would start bissouma ahead of hojberg. Hojberg can drive us later in the game with his energy and passion. Be a great sub to make.

If we are winning Richarlison will be a great sub to make aswell.

The 5 subs this season really should help tactically with games.

Emerson fine at right back. Especially if we are pinned back.

It is the real acid test if we roll over and get our bellies tickled has anything truly changed? If we can compete again like we did under Poch with Chelsea i'll be a happy man.
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Agree this is the acid test, I will take a draw, but if we roll over and die then it will be clear more signings are needed

comment by Striketeam7 - the smartest person you know - Arsenal shat it on 16/01/22 - Todger (U18109)
posted 10 minutes ago
comment by PawlBawron (U1055)
posted 41 minutes ago
Strange forces come into play whenever we play Chelsea, don't be surprised if half our team test positive for Covid on Sunday morning.

If nothing does scupper our preparations then we have a great chance, they looked very average against Everton. In fact I haven't gone into a Chelsea game this confident since the 2017 Cup semi where we played them off the park and somehow managed to lose 4-2!
----------------------------------------------------------------------

The somehow was a combination of Poch plying Son at full back, Matic scoring a one in a million worldie and Hazard scoring quite possibly the luckiest goal I have ever seen - that shot went through about 10 players and didn’t hit a single one
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Off the top of my head I think we had 14 corners to their 1 and they scored from it.

Son at left back wasn't one of Pochs better decisions.

Wow. ...what a lineup that was

Very different circumstances now though. A fit squad with decent bench options. A well ingrained way of playing, a bit of confidence and a completely different mindset.

Chelsea not at full pace yet so the chance is there for us. Cannot help but think their right side is wide open with the complete lack of pace between Aspa and Thiago...Son and Sess bombing down that side could be the way in.

They always up their game for us though so even opportunities like this seem to get missed by us. Need to be on our game and clinical.

That was a shocker of a line up and I remember not being happy at the time.

I wouldn't change our line up from the Southampton game.

We scored 4 and it could have been 6 or 7.

I like that Conte has kept faith in the same 11 that finish the season so well.

It's up to the likes of Doherty, Bissouma, Perisic etc to win their places in the team.

Genuine competition for places and I love it.

I just hope we turn up to the bridge.