Chelsea host Aston Villa on Wednesday night, so what better way to prepare for the game than analysing Chelsea’s play and looking at their strengths and weaknesses.
Overall:
In general Chelsea were very creative against Hull, especially in the first half. Their midfield is perfectly balanced and often the forward will help build up play rather than hang about in the opposition box. Chelsea will most likely play a 4-2-3-1, a formation commonly used under Rafa Benitiez. In midfield almost every player is instrumental in creating opportunities. Hazard will do well out wide and can get pass a player or two with skill, the same can be said about Oscar who can easily find space for himself and his team mates. In front of the defence Chelsea have the experienced Lampard who offers leadership and knows where the goal is. He plays next to Ramires who can be a threat up front and can also supports the defence well.
Chelsea’s defence is completely unchanged for more than a season, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry and Cole are all very good. Terry is the leader of the defence, he can have his poor odd game but otherwise he’s usually on it. He is a block at the back, and he’ll be the one marking Benteke. Cahill hasn’t played his best football at Chelsea, but if he isn’t playing well, Luiz can be deployed and we know he is good. Their quality defence makes sure that Cech doesn’t have too much do, and often, he doesn’t, but he is prone to the odd mistake as well.
But what makes Chelsea particularly strong is the squad depth, their bench against Hull City was pure quality, Mata was even on it. If things don’t go well for Chelsea in the first half, Mourinho can easily change his team. On top of that, Mourinho is yet to lose at Stamford Bridge.
Weaknesses:
Chelsea were magnificent against Hull Tigers in the first half, in the second their performance lowered and they were defending more than attacking. Mourinho blamed that on players lack of physical and mental fitness, can Aston Villa exploit that? Also, you can frustrate Chelsea, you’ve got to have a well organised defence and a midfield that can work well with the defence. Playing counter-attack is probably the way to go. Their defence doesn’t have that much pace, apart from Luiz of course.
Top 3 Players to Watch:
Hazard, LW: Almost every top team was chasing for his signature back in 2012, Chelsea got their man and he’s getting better in every game. He terrorised the Tigers defence with his pace and skill. He can pick out his team-mates or score a goal himself. If Villa want to beat Chelsea, they’ll have to stop Hazard on the wing.
Mata, CAM: He didn’t play against Hull, that mean’s he’ll probably play against us. Mata has been instrumental at Chelsea ever since he was signed from Valencia. Mata is a very creative player and if any player were to create a goal, it would be him.
Luiz, CB: Luiz was one of the best defenders in the Confederation cup. Luiz is very fast, strong and good on the ball. He’s even scored a few crackers during his time at Chelsea, no wonder the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich were interested in him. Luiz also didn’t feature against the Tigers, and it’s still unknown whether or not he’
Adam2231 if we use the same tactics by closing players down quickly, and speed in going forwards Chelsea will have problems, we beat Arsenal by using that method that why their players lost their cool they have not been tackled always been allowed to pass quickly. I envisage a result from this game, no longer are we the mugs, trust me. 🙂 o
Lets hope sat was not a fluke. However Chelsea have a lot more quality and physical prescience than arsenal really can’t see us getting anything there and I fancy 3-4 .0 to them
You’re completely right, Chelsea will be a completely different team. Plus the fans will support their team all throughout the game.
But I don’t think Chelsea can put together two good halves especially 2 days after a game
I say we go 4-3-3 we have to attack score to win.More goals we score the better as Chelsea will be up for it.We also in my opinion will be up for it and our front three will trouble Chelsea’s back line for sure.The drubbings of last season are now well and truly over and we are stronger,wiser and better equipped to handle Chelsea.My only fear is our back four getting it right.I really want to see a clean sheet against a top 4 club.If we can get a clean sheet at Chelsea we will win as I have no doubt we will score.We are on a high from Arsenal and will go to win.Big UTV
Realistically I don’t think we will keep a clean sheet against Chelsea. But I think we will play better at Stamford Bridge.
I’m sure Lambert will stress to keep it tight at the back for the first 15 minutes or so, either wise it will be a very difficult game
That’s the thing Adam we conceded in first 5 mins on sat we are not capable of playing a defensive game. We have a poor defence and unless lambert surprises us with a decent dm and ch then we will have a bottom 3-4 defence again this season
I’d like to see a clean sheet against anyone jay dee can’t see that happening for a long time ESP with vlaar playing but even without him we will struggle to keep sheet esp v Chelsea
I agree with oohah. Saturday was fantastic but Chelsea are different class to arsenal imo. There squad is arguably the strongest in the prem. player for player they should easily beat us but as we saw on Saturday the team ethic at the Villa is top drawer. However I don’t think that’s going to be enough and can’t see anything apart from a defeat. 3-0 Chelsea.
Chelsea look v impressive first half with slick passing and moving. We need to get among them early and break their routine up. Important that we get stuck in but in a controlled way – too many rash / enthusiastic tackles will only lead to more bookings and we’ll have suspensions by the end of September. Controlled agression is the way forward – then we should get at their back 4 and hit them with pace. I bet Terry and Cahill won’t fancy Gabby and Benteke attacking at speed. Chelsea 2 Villa 2.
R W. That’s what I’m saying that’s what we did with Arsenal , get among them break their play up. Happy days. 🙂
i gotta say Chelsea are a different prospect and I cant see anything other than a defeat, 3-0 che;sea.
I was however wrong on Saturday and i’ll happily be wrong again, what I saw from our attacking play last weekend I know Chelsea defence wont be relishing facing us.
To be honest I predicted a win (wrong score but hey) against Arsenal, I knew we’d beat them.
Chelski are going to be extremely difficult to beat and even to score against imo. Even with our front line, they are strong all over the pitch, literally every single position and will be a completely different prospect to Arsenal, who let’s face it are in complete turmoil. Added to that I’m positive Chelski will win the league very comfortably this year.
I think they’ll run out 3-0 winners.
A win at home to Liverpool, which we can easily acheive and I’m sure we will, will see us with a brilliant return after theifrst 3 games UTV
6 points from our 3 opening games would be fantatstic, especially when you consider our opponents. I never expected us to beat Cheslea, especially with their squad depth.
They cold field a whole new side office Mourinho really felt like it.
Chelsea will be a much tougher test. We have to play with the same commitment as we did against Arsenal, but if we want to take anything from the game, our ball retention must be better. We cant afford to give the ball away as much against them as they will punish us.
Wonder if PL will start Okore or Clark for this one. Im guessing Clark.
On a different note I see Milner only made the bench against the bar codes. I can’t help but think he would really push us on if we could get him back on loan for the season. He could cover at full back as well as playing centre mid and on the wing. If only!
Milner & Barry could get us top six mate, I’m sure of it
Chelsea are miles ahead of Arsenal now, so this will be a far tougher test. I went to the Emirates believing we would get a result but at Chelsea I expect nothing but defeat.
Personally, I still think we could get some drubbings this season. When you play so open, its bound to happen once or twice against the top sides.
4-1 defeat for me.
I think it will be a totally different affair. Chelsea will come at us with more than Arsenal did but I think they will be cautious not to play too open as our counter attacking potential is so dangerous. IMO we have absolutely nothing to lose in this game and the pressure is all on Chelsea to take the game to us. We will sit deep and attempt to soak up pressure and attack on the break. My only concern as shown at the Emirates is that when we sit deep this is when we invite pressure on our midfield and ultimately our defence. Regardless, Chelsea will be well aware of how much we can hurt them. It will certainly be very interesting if we can get through the first 30 minutes all square.
I agree that we have nothing to lose, nor do we face any real pressure. I presume everyone would have taken 3 points from the opening 2 away games, so as long as the team give 100%, as I’m sure they will, then I’m happy.
I still think we have a problem sitting back, if Rosicky had his shooting boots on, we wouldn’t have won and with Chelsea’s vast attacking talent, I can’t see the back 4 keeping them at bay at all,
Whatever the result I can’t see it being the cricket score of last season. If we put in a decent performance and try to be competitive Will be fairly content. I still think we have the potential to really kick on this season and I see no reason to fear any team. That’s the beauty of such a young team , we fear nobody. UTV
Agree with Richie [& others] that this game in particular I can’t see us keeping a clean sheet [when will we ever?].
Whether we can outscore them is another matter, but quite honestly 1 point from the Bridge would be superb.
A point would be a fantastic result
Richie with regards to Rosicky what do they say about the Football Gods frowning upon missed chances? Mate if you don’t hit the back of the net you might as well hit the corner flag.
Chelsea, I can’t seeing us getting jack down there, to much quality in the side and with Mourinho back at the helm it’s just to much of an ask (imo). A point would be a brilliant result.
Defence will get annihilated v Chelsea I’m afraid elsewhere on the pitch we will give them a game but eventually vlaar and co wint cope and it will be at least 3-4.0 to them maybe more.
Yeah agree Richie can’t see anything but a 3-4.0 hammering. If
Lambert had done his job properly and got a decent ch and dm then we might have got a draw
Oohah, I wouldn’t put it quite as personally as “Lambert [doing] his job properly”, but I too am still surprised and disappointed that somehow there’s been little progress with central defence over the last two transfer windows. Our defensive record was one of the worst in the league last season, and unless they’re about to show us something ‘secret’ that’s been developed on the training ground over the summer, I can’t see much changing with the present players.
Great going forward, but sometimes every team needs to be able to keep the opposition out, and Villa seem unable to do that.
Agree ardent the one area that has need sorting big time is defence and we just Havnt improved it IMO though Okore sounds a good prospect
I haven’t a clue what the score will be but I reckon the team will play their arses off. I wouldn’t mind seeing Okore start though, Vlaar didn’t look sharp against Arsenal and Okore a) looks good and b) has something to prove. If he’s having a hard time of it bring on Vlaar and give him a go. He needs a kick up the arse and not starting might clear his head. Okore and Baker or – dare I say it – Clark to start.
Remember our 3 – 1 away win last year before the Chelsea match and look what happened. The game on Wednesday will be a great indication of how far we have come since then. I just can’t see us getting a result but you never know. Draw would be great result and keep momentum going into weekend.
I would love us to put a cheeky bid in for Milner. He would be brilliant for us in the middle of the park! 8-9m might just be enough if Pellegrini doesnt have plans for him…
Don’t see 8 mill as a problem but 100k a week might be so sorry never gonna happen, and sorry but Barry even on 60k a week won’t happen, stop living in the past we need 2 keep moving forward not lookin back!
OohAah.. Another thread in which you’ve repeated like a parrot that defence is shit and we will lose..
If you don’t think PL has done his job properly who would u prefer was in charge who would’ve brought in players on 14k a week who would’ve done better?
Mourunho !!
*hasnt done his job properly.
Lionheart the only person who knows how to manage villa and especially sort the defence out is ooh ah, don’t u know that by now? Ooh ah certainly does!
That’s true but they can’t afford me 🙂
I thought you were going to buy out Randy and splash around your millions, not come in as manager!
So Baker is out for the game tomorrow.
I’ll be happy with a Clarke/Okore start, It’s seemed to me that Clarke must have noticed he’s third choice and had something to prove, proving the worth of competition for places, Lambert must have noticed Vlaars shortfalls against The Arse or at least I hope he did and will drop him, as someone above said, if at one point Clarke or Okore aren’t coping then there is no loss in bringing on Vlaar at that point, but there is no harm in starting without him.
sportsdirectnews
Arsenal and Chelsea “to go all out” for Benteke
Fuck me I thought this had been put to bed for this season.
Arsenal won’t get him and Chelsea don’t need him. Either way he is staying this season at least. Villa won’t sell this late in the window .
http://www.sportsdirectnews.com/premier-league/30408-arsenal-and-chelsea-to-go-all-out-for-benteke.php Load of tosh. If Arsenal want him they better have £50m ready can’t see Chelsea rushing out to buy but you never know with them – at least they pay top dollar. Arsenal have already told everyone they’ve got money to spend and now everyone knows they’re desperate. I predict clubs trying to take the piss out of a very sorry club in Arsenal. My heart bleeds.
This is classic – arsenalstation
Referee Anthony Taylor Dropped By FA After Arsenal Horror Show
“Referee Anthony Taylor has been dropped by the FA for this weekends Premier League fixtures after his horror show at the Emirates on Saturday.”
And the worst thing is it’s true, but what did he do wrong? Award two stonewall pens and didn’t stop diddy Jack Wiltshire from being tackled? Unbelievable.
Typical cockney whingeing. The referee was excellent. All the replays clearly show that most of his decisions were correct. The only thing he got wrong IMO is not giving Vlaar a second yellow….. We could have done with him being suspended lol…oohah WILL agree with this! 🙂
Yeah well said I wanted him to have a red at least we could of had a game without him
so he’s had his warning. next time the sky 4 team must win
Fuckin disgrace if it had been the other way round nothing would happen to ref. fixed or what?
really is that true about the ref? watching the game I though he got a couple of decisions wrong and we got the rub of the green but on analysis it looks he got em right, aside from vlarr should’ve gone if koslenwatshisface went for much the same thing and tony moons yellow was a dumb crowd pleaser and for arsenals bench.
so whats the problem? ahh I know what it is, he obviously wasn’t briefed that top 4 teams, especially London teams are not allowed to loose against the likes of villa, a couple of pens like man city got against us was more what they’re looking for not the truth.
could you see this guy being dropped if it was sunderland he upset or Southampton or us? not a chance, no one at the f.a would give a fuck.
most of the gunners ive spoke to have accepted that the decisions were on the whole correct and arsenal just weren’t good enough on Saturday so whats up with the f.a?
It’s on various sites NM particularly Gooners sites (they are still licking their wounds) but as you correctly point out if it had been say Southampton V WBA no one at the FA would have give a flying fuck but you cant have Villa going down to the mighty Arsenal, bossing the midfield, not letting them play their pretty little tippy tappy football, getting awarded two penalties and coming away with 3 points. Well that’s just not cricket mate.
simple fact of the matter is we were the better side and wanted it more, after the 1st 5 mins they thought it was gonna be a opening day stroll in the park, they obviously know nothing about villa, we concede goals left right and centre but heads rarely drop and you can guaentee we will strive to score, always.
arsenals finishing was woeful and their defending worse, we were better end of.
and for every one arguing they shouldn’t have had their man sent off theres the argument that szcesney should have gone too, if he hadn’t of bought gabby down gabby would have scored or at least got a shot off which for me is last man sending off, end of.